Months after captivating audiences in the inaugural season of MTN’s Next Afrobeats Star (NAS), Ayo Benzi, Dave Cash and Lucky Yay! are translating the momentum from the competition into promising music careers, with growing fan bases, new releases and a renewed sense of purpose.
Speaking during a recent catch-up, the three artists reflected on the personal experiences that shaped them long before the spotlight and how the competition became a turning point in their creative journeys.
For Season One winner, Ayo Benzi, resilience has always been rooted in looking ahead rather than dwelling on past challenges. Raised by his grandmother when he was very young, he credits his growth to staying focused on continuous improvement.
“The numbers don’t lie. We have a new audience, new fans, and the numbers are increasing. We are not there yet, but now there’s proof that if you keep working hard, you’ll definitely get good results.”
With his music approaching half a million streams across digital platforms, Ayo Benzi says the competition marked the beginning of a much bigger journey.
Dave Cash’s story is one of persistence. Raised by his grandparents when he was two years old, he faced skepticism about pursuing music and was initially turned away during the competition auditions after receiving three “No” votes. Undeterred, he submitted an online demo, earned a second chance, and advanced through the competition.
“The competition taught me discipline, consistency and how to perform under pressure. When I got that second chance, I told myself I couldn’t waste it.”
Today, he continues to build a growing audience, with listeners increasingly engaging with his music across streaming platforms and social media.
For Lucky Yay!, success has always been about creating music with lasting impact.
“I want to make music that people can relate to. I want to impact Africa and the world. Every song I make has to mean something.”
Since the competition, he has continued to attract new listeners while establishing himself as one of the standout talents from the inaugural edition.
Beyond showcasing exceptional talent, MTN’s Next Afrobeats Star continues to provide emerging artists with mentorship, industry exposure and professional development, equipping them with the skills and confidence to build sustainable careers in Africa’s evolving music industry.
As Season Two gets underway, a new generation of aspiring artists will have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Ayo Benzi, Dave Cash and Lucky Yay!, demonstrating once again how talent, when matched with opportunity, can unlock lasting success.
