Ayodeji Benson, popularly known as Ayo Benzi and mentored by producer Puffy Tee, has won the maiden edition of Next Afrobeats Star (NAS), emerging top among thousands of aspiring musicians nationwide.
The talent competition kicked off in September 2025 with more than 15,000 contestants drawn from three regional auditions across the country. After several elimination stages, five finalists—Ayo Benzi, Dave Cash, Kaeko, Somto O’Laker and Lucky Yay—advanced to the grand finale, where they delivered polished performances shaped by weeks of intensive training and mentorship.
Benzi’s final performances, marked by high energy and confident stagecraft, earned him the highest overall score of the night. His victory came with a ₦150 million music deal, positioning him as one of the most promising new voices in the Afrobeats scene.
Dave Cash finished as first runner-up, receiving ₦100 million, while Kaeko took third place with ₦75 million. Somto O’Laker and Lucky Yay followed with ₦50 million and ₦25 million respectively, a reward structure organisers said reflects their commitment to nurturing multiple talents rather than a single winner.
Throughout the competition, contestants were guided by a panel of established producers and hitmakers, including Puffy Tee, Sarz, P Prime and Andre Vibez. The mentors worked closely with participants on songwriting, performance technique, stage presence and understanding the business side of the music industry.
Speaking at the finale, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, said the platform aligns with the company’s broader goal of supporting youth creativity and cultural expression.
She noted that Next Afrobeats Star was designed to provide young Nigerians with structure, visibility and long-term opportunities, adding that Afrobeats remains a powerful vehicle for projecting Nigerian culture on the global stage. According to her, the finale showcased not just talent, but growth and readiness for international audiences.
Reflecting on his journey, Benzi described the experience as a turning point in his career and thanked MTN for the support provided from auditions to the final stage. He said the platform allowed his talent to be refined and recognised on a national scale.
The grand finale also featured guest performances by Afrobeats stars Iyanya and Bella Shmurda, adding to the celebratory mood and underscoring the show’s connection to the wider music industry.