MTN builds stars, and history proves it. If you grew up watching music reality shows in Nigeria, MTN Project Fame West Africa was impossible to ignore. Remember gathering around your TV, arguing with friends over who deserved to stay or go? From 2008 to 2016, the show wasn’t just a music competition; it was a cultural moment. Over nine seasons, the show delivered unforgettable hits, hilarious memes, and launched stars who are still ruling stages today.

Now, MTN is bringing that same energy to Next Afrobeats Star (NAS), giving a new generation of talent the platform, mentorship, and exposure to make their mark on the Afrobeats world. Let’s take a trip down memory lane; see why Project Fame set the stage for NAS and why we’re excited for what’s next.

From Contestants to Icons

Project Fame didn’t just find singers; it built stars like Chidinma Ekile, Iyanya and Praiz . Contestants honed their skills on stage, mastering vocal technique, stage presence, and performing under pressure. Week after week, they faced themed challenges and live performances that tested their creativity and stamina, producing unforgettable moments that fans still talk about today.

MTN Project Fame: Don’t Provoke Me to Anger

Beyond the stage, the show instilled discipline, confidence, and professionalism, turning raw talent into household names. Memorable flubs and hilarious moments from auditions, like the popular ‘don’t provoke me to anger’ audition only added to the excitement, making Project Fame not just a competition but a cultural moment where future stars were forged.

Judges Who Made Us Laugh, Cry, and Learn

Project Fame gave us unforgettable judges like Tee-Y Mix, Bibie Brew and Ben Ogbeiwi (Uncle Ben). Their critiques were legendary: sometimes brutally honest, sometimes hilarious, but always shaping contestants into better performers. Remember the memes of contestants’ shocked faces after tough critiques? Those moments are etched in Nigerian pop culture.

Hits That Still Make Us Move

Songs were born out of stars from Project Fame. Tracks like Iyanya’s “Kukere” dominated airwaves and clubs, with that hip dance move. Chidinma’s “Kedike” became a sing-along anthem. Praiz’s hits, with songs like “Sisi” and “Me and You” set the stage for the Afro R&B wave in Nigeria. The show proved that with the right platform, a talented voice could become a household name almost overnight.

Why NAS Feels Like a Sequel We Can’t Wait For

MTN Next Afrobeats Star (NAS) is picking up the baton. Contestants won’t just perform covers; top producers will craft original songs just for them. The prize for this is a $100,000 music deal, courtesy of ONErpm and Ultima Studios’ U-Records. Legendary producers, Sarz, P.Prime, Puffy Tee and Andre Vibez will also serve as judges.

Contestants will work with A&R executives, giving them a taste of the real music business. For anyone who grew up watching Project Fame, NAS isn’t just a competition, it’s the next chapter in the story of discovering and nurturing Nigeria’s music stars.

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your name on playlists and your songs in the club, this is your moment. Aspiring artists can enter NAS by texting ‘NAS’ to 13013 from an MTN line. NAS is your ticket to turning talent into a career. Project Fame gave us the songs, the memes, and the stars. NAS is ready to give the next generation their turn in the spotlight.