In a spectacular conclusion to a nationwide talent hunt, fast-rising artist Ayodeji Benson, known professionally as Ayo Benzi, has been crowned the winner of the inaugural Next Afrobeats Star (NAS) competition. The talented performer from Team Puffy Tee walked away with the grand prize: a life-changing ₦150 million music recording and development deal.
From 15,000 to One: The Journey to the Grand Finale
The road to victory was intensely competitive. The contest kicked off in September 2025 with regional auditions that attracted over 15,000 aspiring artists from across Nigeria. After months of rigorous screenings and boot camps, the field was narrowed down to a top five who battled it out in a high-energy live finale.
The finalists—Ayo Benzi, Dave Cash, Kaeko, Somto O’Laker, and Lucky Yay—each delivered powerful performances that showcased weeks of intensive training and mentorship from some of the industry's biggest names. Producers and hitmakers like Puffy Tee, Sarz, P Prime, and Andre Vibez guided the contestants, offering crucial insights into songwriting, stagecraft, and the business of music.
A Night of Triumph and Major Rewards
Ayo Benzi secured his win with an electrifying and energetic display that captivated the audience and judges, solidifying his status as a bright new force in Afrobeats. His victory was celebrated with the top prize of ₦150 million.
In a significant move highlighting the show's commitment to nurturing multiple talents, the other finalists were also rewarded handsomely. Dave Cash emerged as the first runner-up, earning a ₦100 million deal. Kaeko followed with ₦75 million, Somto O’Laker with ₦50 million, and Lucky Yay with ₦25 million.
MTN's Investment in Nigerian Youth and Culture
Speaking at the grand finale held on 3 January 2026, MTN Nigeria's Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, emphasized the platform's deeper purpose. She stated that NAS reflects MTN's sustained investment in youth creativity and Nigeria's cultural export.
"The Next Afrobeats Star platform is about creating real opportunities for young Nigerians and giving their talent the structure, visibility, and support it deserves," Ikenna-Emeka said. "Afrobeats continues to place Nigeria on the global cultural map, and MTN is proud to be enabling the next generation of artists who will take this sound even further."
She added that the finale showcased the artists' growth and readiness for the international stage, proving that with the right platform, Nigerian talent can compete globally.
The newly crowned champion, Ayo Benzi, expressed profound gratitude to MTN for the transformative opportunity. "A big thank you to MTN; from the audition days, the treatment MTN gave us was amazing. God bless the brand," he said, describing the experience as a defining moment in his career.
The celebratory night was further amplified by special performances from established music stars Iyanya and Bella Shmurda, seamlessly connecting the new generation with the existing Afrobeats ecosystem and signaling a bright future for the winners.
