Every aspiring artiste who walked onto the Next Afrobeats Star Season 2 stage in Enugu came with a reason to be there, from pursuing long-held dreams and seeking second chances to meeting family expectations and turning difficult experiences into meaningful music.
The two-day auditions, held on Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29, at the Oakland Hotel and Amedeo Event Center, attracted contestants from Enugu and other parts of the South-East, who performed before the judges for an opportunity to progress in the competition.
The auditions are part of MTN’s efforts to discover and nurture musical talent across Nigeria through Next Afrobeats Star, in partnership with Ultima Studios and ONErpm.
Speaking on the auditions, Callima Inino, General Manager, Regional Operations — Eastern Region, MTN Nigeria, emphasised that nurturing emerging talent remains an important part of the company’s efforts, adding that the platform provides an avenue to identify and support young people with the potential to build careers in music.
For 18-year-old Adriel Umoh, the Enugu audition was an opportunity to make a fresh attempt after coming close during the first season.
Umoh received a Golden Mic in Season 1 but did not make it to the finals. Undeterred by the setback, he returned for Season 2 and secured another Golden Mic.
Having been involved in music since childhood, Umoh described the achievement as a dream come true.
“I feel so happy to get the Golden Mic again. It means everything to me,” he said.
For Bayelsa-born Michael Tamaradoubra Eyetuaghanwo, participating in the competition was also about fulfilling a personal ambition despite the weight of family expectations.
As the first child and first grandchild in his family, Eyetuaghanwo disclosed that he felt responsible for carrying the hopes of an entire generation.
His decision to pursue music also meant choosing a different path from the accountants and medical practitioners who make up much of his family.
However, he stated his mother had remained supportive of his ambition.
“My mother was the very first person that took my hand and said, ‘I believe in this vision’,” he remarked.
The auditions also provided an opportunity for brothers Emmanuel, 30, and Kingsley Diala, 27, to pursue their musical ambitions together.
The brothers received three yeses from the judges and advanced as a duo. They noted that the competition would provide an avenue to develop their craft, revealing that their participation carries a deeper significance.
The Diala brothers mentioned that they are orphans, describing their progression in the competition as an important step for themselves and their family.
For 35-year-old Unigwe Chinenye from Anambra State, music goes beyond entertainment, as she hopes to use her talent to communicate messages of faith and hope.
After receiving three yeses from the judges, Chinenye advanced with a vision to pursue gospel Afrobeats.
She stressed that there were times when she felt unsupported and was told that she could not achieve much, but her mother continued to believe in her and prayed for her before the audition.
Chinenye affirmed that she now hopes to transform those experiences into music that will inspire and encourage others.
Similarly, 23-year-old Alexandra Iwuchukwu from Enugu State came to the auditions seeking an opportunity to showcase her sound and represent her home state.
Iwuchukwu emerged as the only female contestant at the Enugu auditions to receive a Golden Mic.
“I’m very excited and very happy at this point in my life,” she said, promising the audience a “new and original sound.”
While some contestants secured their places in the next stage, others left the competition with renewed determination to continue pursuing their musical ambitions.
For 28-year-old Chinemerem Israel Iheukwumere, simply appearing on stage was itself a significant achievement, as it was his first time singing before an audience.
Although he did not advance, Iheukwumere acknowledged that the experience had strengthened his resolve to continue working on his music.
“I will try again if I am given an opportunity. I will keep working on my music. Hopefully next time,” he stated.
Although the contestants came from different backgrounds and had different motivations, they shared a common willingness to take a chance on themselves and pursue their musical aspirations.
With the Next Afrobeats Star Season 2 auditions continuing in Benin, Jos, and Lagos, more aspiring artistes will have the opportunity to showcase their talents, tell their stories, and take another step towards their dreams.
