FAQs

Next Afrobeats Star is a groundbreaking TV reality show created by Ultima Studios. It brings together four of the biggest Afrobeats music producers to discover, mentor, and produce the next generation of Afrobeats superstars.

Winners don't just get a trophy, they get signed. Next Afrobeats Star is produced in partnership with U-Records & Entertainment in collaboration with OneRPM (Global Distributor), so contestants are developed like signed artists from day one.

The tagline is "Dream, Compete, Soar," reflecting the essence of NAS as a platform where dreams are nurtured, competition is fierce, and aspiring musicians take flight toward international acclaim.

NAS aims to contribute to the global recognition of Afrobeats by exporting the winners and their music worldwide, earning vital foreign exchange to boost the Nigerian economy.

Ayo Benzi, whose debut EP Heat & Heart has crossed 1 million streams since release.

Call-to-entry opens in July 2026. Regional auditions run in August 2026.

Anyone residing in Nigeria can apply.

Yes. Applications are open nationwide, you don't need to be in Lagos to apply.

Yes, ₦600.

The call for applications begins in July 2026. Aspiring musicians can text NAS to 13013 from an MTN line to receive a unique code for the registration portal at www.nextafrobeatsstar.com. Follow the instructions to upload your music track and showcase your talent.

Yes you can. Just text NAS to 13013 again, and follow the same process to upload another music track showcasing your talent.

To further increase your chances of making it on to the next phase of Next Afrobeats Star, you can fill out the form to attend a regional audition. You do not need to text NAS to 13013 again, simply use your unique code to access the regional audition form. If you do not attend the regional auditions, your online entry will still be reviewed for further consideration.

You will be required to perform your own spin on one of the existing instrumentals on the NAS website. Regional judges (A&R execs) will be available to listen to your performance. If you get 3 yeses from each of the regional judges present, you will be given the NAS pass for further consideration to perform before the 4 producers/judges at the Trials.

Yes. If you would like to perform your own original music, kindly download the consent form here and have all contributors on the song give consent. Without a signed consent form, you will not be allowed to perform original music during the regional auditions.

No. A fresh set of A&R Execs will review all the online entries and successful regional auditions. Upon review, only 300 applicants will be invited to Lagos for the Trials, where they will get to perform again before the judging team.

The live shows are scheduled to commence in September 2026 and will run for a thrilling 10-week journey filled with auditions, mentorship, and electrifying performances.

The winner signs a recording contract with U-Records & Entertainment/OneRPM worth ₦225 million.

Next Afrobeats Star airs on TV Stations in Nigeria and on Ultima Studios on YouTube.

Ultima Studios has been a pioneer in Nigerian entertainment, introducing satellite dishes in the '80s and producing hit shows like "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire," "Project Fame West Africa," "Lions' Den," and "Family Feud Nigeria."

Email: nextafrobeatsstar@ultima.ng