The first season of the MTN Y’ello Star was distinct because it was a youth empowerment project that is inclusive and far-reaching. As a musical platform created by MTN Nigeria, the leading Telecommunications and data services provider searched every nook and cranny of the country for musical talents, nurtured, exposed and launched the discovered to the world. At MTN Nigeria, they believe every hidden star and talent deserves a chance to shine bright.

In the pursuit to harness talents, they selected reputable judges. Six-time Grammy-award winner; Malik Yusef, multi-award-winning Nigerian artists; Banky W and Omawumi was announced to a round of applause. Speaking on the judges, a release from MTN reads as stated below. 

“We are blessed as a country to have a youth population with the talent to take on the world, and they need the right kind of mentorship to excel. This is what informed our choice of judges for this first edition of the MTN Y’ello Star music project” 

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Y’ello Star was also different because the online auditions platform for selecting contestants was engaging. The 14-contestants that made it into the Y’ello Hub exhibited diversity. According to another statement from MTN,

“The Y’ello Star project is uniquely digital-first. It is different from what the audience is familiar with from previous music talent programs. This project is initiated as a platform to empower the youths and launch their talents to the world. The show is design to groom musical talents by providing a lifetime opportunity to turn their dreams and aspirations into reality. The partnership with Henley Business School and Berklee College Of Music, will ensure adequate music training, creative entrepreneurship, and incubation of all the contestants”

After a couple of weeks of meticulous music business training, skill acquisition, and performances, Dotti emerged as the winner. Commenting on the successful completion of the premiere season of MTN Y’ello Star, Anthony Obi, Acting Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to developing the capacity of the Nigerian youths. 

“We believe in Nigerian youth and are happy with the outcome of the project. Creativity is crucial to the overall development of the nation. And they are the human resources for achieving this. We are committed to continuing work to turn up the drive to succeed,” he said.

Follow MTN Y’ello Star: Instagram – @mtn_yellostar Twitter – @MTNyellostar

Words by Sesan Adeniji culled from Afrinolly Magazine: Instagram & Twitter – @sesanadeniji