How I overcame audition rejection to land ₦100m music deal — Next Afrobeats Star runner-up DaveCash

Lagos-based rising Afrobeats singer Oladikupo David, popularly known as DaveCash, has recounted how he bounced back from an unsuccessful audition to emerge first runner-up of the inaugural Next Afrobeats Star, securing a ₦100 million music deal.

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DaveCash’s journey in the competition almost ended before it began. At his initial audition, three judges voted against his progression, leaving him out of the next stage.

Rather than give up, the singer took another route, submitting a demo through the competition’s online entry platform. His submission was selected, handing him a second chance that eventually took him all the way to the finale.

“When they picked me through the online submission, I told myself everybody was going to notice me. I saw it as God giving me another chance, and I knew I had to make the most of it,” he said.

DaveCash eventually finished behind Ayo Benzi, winner of the maiden edition, and secured a ₦100 million music deal as first runner-up.

Reflecting on the experience, the singer said the turnaround strengthened his belief in his talent and taught him the importance of persistence, discipline and continuous improvement.

Second chance

The competition began with more than 15,000 aspiring artistes participating in regional auditions before the field was narrowed down to the finalists.

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For DaveCash, returning to the competition after his initial rejection meant he could not afford to waste the opportunity.

“It wasn’t just about talent anymore,” he said. “Every performance had to count because everyone around me was incredibly talented. The competition pushed me to raise my standards and give everything my best every single time.”

At the grand finale, held at Ultima Studios in Lekki, Lagos, Ayo Benzi emerged the winner and secured a ₦150 million music deal, while DaveCash received a ₦100 million music deal as first runner-up.

Kaeko, Somto O’Laker and Lucky Yay finished behind them and received deals of ₦75 million, ₦50 million and ₦25 million, respectively.

Ultima Studios organised the first season in partnership with MTN Nigeria and ONErpm. Contestants were mentored by established music producers and hitmakers, including Sarz, Puffy Tee, P.Priime and Andre Vibez, who worked with them on songwriting, performance, stagecraft and other aspects of their development.

Beyond performances

DaveCash said the competitive environment and mentorship changed his understanding of what it takes to build a sustainable career in music.

Rather than focusing on how he compared with other contestants, he said he learned to concentrate on improving his craft and making each performance better than the previous one.

According to the singer, the support he has received from his community has also made his success feel like more than a personal achievement.

“People from where I’m from tell me I’m making them proud. So it’s no longer just about me. It’s about everyone coming after me,” he said.

Since the competition, DaveCash has continued to build on the exposure it provided, including with the release of his song, Gbese.

For the singer, however, his journey from an unsuccessful audition to the final remains a lesson in persistence and making the most of a second opportunity.

READ ALSO: Mali beat Nigeria again to retain U18 Women’s AfroBasket crown

Context

The inaugural Next Afrobeats Star was conceived as a talent-development platform for emerging Nigerian artistes, combining competition with mentorship from established figures in the music industry.

More than 15,000 aspiring artistes participated in the first season, which ended with Ayo Benzi as the winner and DaveCash as the first runner-up. Kaeko, Somto O’Laker and Lucky Yay were among the other top finishers.

The prizes were structured as music deals rather than cash prizes, with DaveCash’s first runner-up position earning him a ₦100 million deal.

Following the inaugural edition, entries for Season Two opened in July 2026. Organisers announced an expanded prize package, with the winner expected to receive a ₦225 million recording deal and a new car, while the first runner-up is expected to receive a ₦150 million recording deal.