L-R: Mobolaji Ogunlende, Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State; Dapo “D’Banj” Oyebanjo, Singer and Founder of C.R.E.A.M platform; Dandizzy, Rapper and Singer; A’isha Umar Mumuni, Chief Digital Officer, MTN Nigeria and Obi Asika, Nigerian music executive and Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, NCAC., at the Best of the Streets press briefing on Wednesday, April 23 held at the MTN Rooftop
As the 2025 edition of MTN Nigeria’s Best of the Streets competition gears up to launch, a wave of excitement and hope is sweeping through Nigeria’s grassroots music communities. For countless upcoming artists, this competition is more than just a contest, it is a beacon of opportunity that promises to transform their lives and careers. Prizes up for grabs include a grand sum of money, music distribution, professional music video production, and an EP recording deal.
Many young talents have spent years honing their craft on street corners, local events, and small gatherings, dreaming of a breakthrough moment that could catapult them into the spotlight. The Best of the Streets competition offers exactly that, a chance to be seen, heard, and supported on a national scale.
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Past winners like Ikiedemhe David, known as Speckinging, have testified to the competition’s power to change lives. After emerging victorious in the 2024 edition, Speckinging described the experience as a turning point, saying, “I wasn’t sure of my chances with so many talented people, but I held onto faith in my abilities. MTN’s platform gave me the exposure and resources I needed to believe in a future in music.” His success story fuels the dreams of this year’s hopefuls, who see the competition as a gateway to the professional music industry.
The competition’s unique format, which brings the contest directly to local communities, resonates deeply with participants. It allows artists to perform in familiar environments while gaining access to mentorship, industry connections, and a wider audience through MTN’s extensive network. This year, the collaboration with D’Banj’s C.R.E.A.M platform further enhances the support system, providing emerging talents with management, publishing, and funding opportunities that were once difficult to access.
To participate, aspiring contestants can dial *463# on their MTN line, upload original content via the official @creamplatform, and mobilise votes from the public. Over 2584 creatives are set to be showcased and rewarded this year. Entries into this competition continue up until December, with daily, weekly and monthly winners, with a final winner who will secure the grand prize at the grand finale event in December.
As one hopeful artist shared, “This competition is our moment to show Nigeria and the world what we can do. It’s not just about winning; it’s about making our dreams real and opening doors for others like us.” With MTN and C.R.E.A.M’s backing, the Best of the Streets 2025 edition promises to be a transformative journey for Nigeria’s next generation of creatives.
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