Fast-rising singer Ayo Benzi has won the maiden edition of Next Afrobeats Star, clinching a N150 million music record deal.

The televised talent show, which launched in August, began with 300 contestants from nationwide auditions before being trimmed down through multiple stages to a final 12. The finalists were mentored by top producers Puffy Tee, P.Prime, Sarz, and Andre Vibez.

The competition ended at a grand finale, where Benzi emerged winner from the top four finalists.

In his victory speech, Benzi credited his success to perseverance and consistency, describing the win as a reward for not giving up despite past setbacks.

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“I am short of words. This is a sign of not giving up. I have been pushing all this while. I have been to other competitions. There are some you get the prize, there are others you do not get the prize,” he said.

Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, chief marketing officer of MTN Nigeria, said the company was proud to support young talents, noting that Afrobeats has become one of Nigeria’s most celebrated global exports.

Source: Thecable