Abuja was full of excitement on Saturday as young artists gathered at Sandralia Hotel, Jabi, for MTN’s Next Afrobeats Star audition.
The Abuja event came on the heels of the Lagos edition, which was held from September 5 to 8, 2025.
From as early as 7:00 AM, hopefuls arrived with bags and big dreams, all fighting for a chance to be part of a competition that will launch Nigeria’s next Afrobeats star. Contestants came from different parts of the country, including Benue and Calabar. They all believed the capital city has what it takes to shine in Afrobeats.
For Jumoke Halima, a 2019 graduate from Ogun State, this contest is her chance at a breakthrough.
“Abuja has always been underrated when it comes to talent. I’m here to represent myself and others, and to show that Abuja has more talent than people think,” she said.
Jumoke also feels that being a woman gives her an edge. “That’s my strength. Being female makes some people underrate me. But once I show my full abilities, they will see something different.”
Another contestant, Zephaniah David, studied Civil Engineering but now works as a full-time artist. He started singing in his school choir and recorded his first track in 2013, though setbacks almost ended his dream. Today, he leads a band and hopes to put Abuja’s sound on the world stage.
“I want young people to know they can succeed in both academics and music. I want to represent excellence in every area,” he said.
Zephaniah added that Abuja’s creative scene is not given enough credit. “There are original people with real talent in Abuja, and I’m one of them,” he said.
Cross River–born Godwin Williams, also known as Big G, applied only two days before the audition but still made it through. Since 2013, when his early songs failed to gain attention, he has kept pushing.
“Many artists lose hope because they don’t get the right platform. That’s why I’m grateful to MTN’s Next Afrobeats Star for giving people like us a chance to show what we can do,” he said.
The atmosphere was lively as contestants performed freestyle to karaoke beats of Afrobeats hits, mixing rap, R&B, and Afro rhythms, while chanting “MTN Superstar” before the selection process began.
“Today has been amazing so far. My hope is that we find the next Afrobeats star in Abuja,” said Joseph Ogbuka, MTN Nigeria’s Regional Manager. He rejected the idea that Abuja is a quiet city: “I see the energy here. It’s cool, fun, and exciting.”
He explained the audition process: “It is tough, but it has to be. We are looking for someone with originality, stage presence, voice, and energy. Afrobeats is global now. It is our sound, and we want the next star who can take it even further.”
