Afrobeats

MTN Nigeria, in collaboration with ONErpm and Ultima Studios, announced Ayodeji Benson, known as Ayo Benzi, as the winner of the Next Afrobeats Star reality show during the grand finale on December 13, 2025, at Ultima Studios in Lekki, Lagos. The competition began in September and attracted over 15,000 participants. Ayo Benzi received a ₦150 million music deal, while the first runner-up, Dave Cash, won ₦100 million. Other finalists, Kaeko, Somto O’Laker, and Lucky Yay, received ₦75 million, ₦50 million, and ₦25 million, respectively. The contestants were mentored by notable Afrobeats producers, including Puffy Tee. The event featured guest performances from Iyanya and Bella Shmurda.