By Ayomide Otitoju
MTN Nigeria, in partnership with ONErpm and Ultima Studios, has announced Ayodeji Benson, popularly known as Ayo Benzi, as the winner of the Next Afrobeats Star reality show, following the grand finale held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Ultima Studios, Lekki, Lagos.
Ayo Benzi emerged tops after a keenly contested finale that featured five finalists—Ayo Benzi, Dave Cash, Kaeko, Somto O’Laker and Lucky Yay—who delivered high-energy performances showcasing weeks of intensive training, mentorship and artistic development.
The competition attracted more than 15,000 contestants during regional auditions held across three zones in September, before narrowing down to the final five.
By clinching the top prize, Ayo Benzi secured a ₦150 million music deal. Dave Cash finished as first runner-up with ₦100 million, while Kaeko won ₦75 million. Somto O’Laker received ₦50 million, and Lucky Yay went home with ₦25 million, reflecting the show’s emphasis on rewarding multiple talents.
Throughout the season, contestants were mentored by leading music producers Sarz, Puffy Tee, P Prime and Andre Vibez, who provided guidance on songwriting, performance, stagecraft and navigating the music industry. Ayo Benzi was mentored by Puffy Tee.
Speaking at the event, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, said the platform underscores the company’s commitment to youth development and cultural expression.
“The Next Afrobeats Star platform is about creating real opportunities for young Nigerians and giving their talent the structure, visibility and support it deserves,” she said, noting that Afrobeats continues to amplify Nigeria’s cultural influence globally.
She added that the finale demonstrated the contestants’ growth and readiness for the global stage, stressing that Nigerian talent can compete internationally when given the right support.
In his remarks, Ayo Benzi described the experience as a defining moment in his career and thanked MTN for the opportunity and support throughout the competition.
The grand finale also featured performances by Afrobeats stars Iyanya and Bella Shmurda, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
With the conclusion of the season, MTN Nigeria said the Next Afrobeats Star platform continues to reinforce its role in supporting youth ambition, strengthening the creative industry and shaping the future of Nigerian music.
