MTN Nigeria has unveiled its latest initiative, Next Afrobeats Star (NAS), a nationwide music competition with a $100,000 music deal prize equivalent to over N150m naira in value and panel of judges made up of big-time producers like Sarz, P.Prime, Andre Vibez and Puffy Tee. In partnership with Ultima Studios and ONErpm, the show is set to discover and develop the next wave of Afrobeats talent. This continues MTN’s tradition of investing in young Nigerians.

From launching reality shows that produced some of Africa’s biggest stars to funding scholarships and nationwide athletics, here are five ways MTN has backed the next generation.

1. MTN Project Fame West Africa: A Legendary LaunchPad for Music Stars

For nine seasons, from 2008 to 2016, MTN Project Fame was Nigeria’s biggest music reality show, producing stars like Iyanya and Chidinma. Contestants were trained in vocal technique, stage performances, with winners receiving cash prizes ranging from ₦2.5 million to ₦5 million, a brand-new SUV or car, and music recording contracts. Beyond the winners, alumni like Ayoola Ayoola has risen to become a popular actor starring in shows like Skinny Girl in Transit; and Bisola Aiyeola, from Season 1, has leveraged exposure into an acclaimed career as an actress, host, and media personality.

2. MTN MUSON Music Scholars Programme: Nurturing The Musically-Talented

Since 2006, the MTN Foundation has partnered with the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) to deliver the MTN MUSON Music Scholars Programme, offering fully funded two-year diplomas. Admission is through public auditions, and scholarships cover tuition, books, and transportation. So far, 457 young Nigerians have graduated from the programme.

One standout alumnus, Adebayo “Lala” Gabriel, entered with just two Grade 5 certificates and left with ten professional music certifications. Today, he excels as a bassist, music producer, choir director, and film sound designer. Many other alumni have gone on to teach in universities, perform in orchestras at home and abroad, and grace international concert stages.

3. MTN CHAMPS: Building Nigeria’s Future Olympians

Launched in 2023, MTN CHAMPS has quickly become Nigeria’s largest grassroots athletics programme, engaging over 21,500 athletes from more than 1,300 schools across regional qualifiers. Designed to discover and nurture the country’s next generation of Olympians, the platform provides structured competition and professional training to young talents nationwide.

Selected MVP athletics receive full sponsorships at its Lagos-based sports academy, where they access elite coaching from former Olympians such as Deji Aliu, scholarships, and international exposure. The results are already evident: some CHAMPS athletes represented Nigeria at the 2024 National Sports Festival, winning medals, and at the 2025 CAA (Confederation of African Athletics) U18/U20 Championships.

4. MTN mPulse Spelling Bee: Young Minds, Big Dreams

Since its launch in 2020, the MTN mPulse Spelling Bee has attracted thousands of primary and secondary school children aged 9 to 15. Winners have received millions in scholarships and tech rewards, with 2023 champion Ikenna Okonkwo walking away with ₦3 million in scholarships for himself and gifts for his school. More than a contest, the Bee nurtures literacy, confidence, and ambition, showing MTN’s deep commitment to the next generation of Nigerian achievers.

The 2025 edition is now underway, with a prize pool exceeding ₦40 million. The overall winner will be crowned “MTN CEO for a Day,” receive a ₦5 million educational grant, and be named mPulse Face of the Year. They will also take home a laptop and smartphone. The winning student’s teacher receives ₦500,000, while the school wins 10 laptops, 10 MTN 5G routers, and a ₦10 million flagship school project.

5. MTN Sponsorship of Music Concerts: Fueling Live Music Experience

MTN has long fueled Nigeria’s live music culture, backing headline shows for superstars while also creating its own youth-driven platforms. This year, MTN lit up the UNILAG student festival with hypeman, Big Bimi which fused Afrobeats performances with tech showcases and innovation hubs. MTN also partnered with uduX to stream Davido’s 2022 O2 Arena concert live to millions of viewers across Nigeria, making it an inclusive experience.

Next Afrobeats Star is offering aspiring artists the opportunity of a lifetime to be mentored, discovered, and launched onto the global stage. Join the NAS train, text ‘NAS’ to 13013. As history has shown, when MTN builds a platform, the stars who emerge from it shine for years to come. Don’t miss your chance to be the next Afrobeats sensation.