MTN Nigeria has unveiled Next Afrobeats Star (NAS), a bold new music talent competition aimed at discovering and elevating the next wave of Afrobeats superstars. The launch event took place on Saturday, August 2, at MTN’s headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Here are the five most important things to know:
1. Life-Changing Prizes
The winner secures a $100,000 music deal via MTN’s partnership with ONErpm and U-Records (Ultima Studios’ label). Four other finalists will land deals worth between $25,000 and $75,000, plus professional career development, marketing, and global music distribution.
2. Easy Registration Process
Artists can register by texting NAS to 13013 from an MTN line, then completing the online form using a unique code. Contestants can select from 10–12 original beats by top producers, record a track, and upload it. In-person auditions will also be held in Jos, Enugu, and Lagos.
3. Judges Are Afrobeats Hitmakers
The judging panel features four industry heavyweights:
- Sarz (Jaiye Jaiye, Mad)
- P. Prime (Loading, Bandana)
- Andre Vibez (Calm Down, Rush)
- Puffy Tee (Yahooze, Eleko)
4. More Than Just a Show
NAS is designed as a career-building platform, offering mentorship from producer-judges, A&R executives, studio sessions, performance coaching, and distribution support to prepare artists for long-term success.
5. Backed by Proven Music Industry Leaders
MTN is partnering with Ultima Studios, the team behind Project Fame and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, leveraging its legacy in talent development to deliver a high-impact platform for emerging stars.
With this initiative, MTN aims to cement Nigeria’s role as the global home of Afrobeats talent and create career-defining opportunities for young artists.
Goodluck