Puffy Tee Returns to Next Afrobeats Stars Season 2, Promises More Hit Songs
Oru Leonard
Veteran Nigerian music producer, Puffy Tee, has returned for the second season of MTN-backed talent development programme, Next Afrobeats Stars, expressing optimism about discovering emerging talents and delivering more exciting musical experiences.
The celebrated producer described his return to the programme as a homecoming, noting that his experience during the maiden edition had strengthened his passion for nurturing young and promising musicians.
“It feels like coming home. The first season was amazing, but returning for this second season feels like I never left. It’s been a wonderful experience, and I’m excited to be back,” he said.
Reflecting on the first season, Puffy Tee acknowledged that although the programme did not achieve all his initial expectations, it provided a valuable foundation for discovering and developing emerging music talents.
According to him, talent development requires patience, consistency and sustained investment, stressing that the results of nurturing young artistes may not become immediately visible.
He attributed his success in the first season, which saw him emerge as the highest-performing judge, with contestants securing first and second positions and another reaching the semi-finals, to determination, enthusiasm and commitment.
The producer explained that remaining focused on the responsibility of discovering the next generation of Afrobeats stars was central to his performance.
He also commended the contestants for their hard work and dedication, noting that their commitment contributed significantly to the achievements recorded during the inaugural season.
Looking forward to the new edition, Puffy Tee said he would be searching for contestants with exceptional determination, originality, musical understanding and an unmistakable hunger for success.
He identified the willingness to persevere through difficult moments as an important quality every aspiring musician must possess.
Citing former contestants Ayobenzi and Dave Cash, he recalled how their determination to overcome challenges and pursue their musical ambitions impressed him.
He expressed hope that the new contestants would demonstrate similar resilience while developing distinctive musical identities.
Puffy Tee also applauded MTN for its sustained investment in youth empowerment, talent discovery and the growth of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
He described the telecommunications company as an important contributor to the country’s music ecosystem, particularly through its support for talent competitions, campus entertainment and youth development initiatives.
“MTN has been a backbone of youth development, youth empowerment and the music industry for a long time. Twenty-five years is no small achievement,” he said.
Beyond his involvement in Next Afrobeats Stars, the producer reflected on his musical journey, revealing that he once contemplated abandoning music during his stay in the United Kingdom.
He, however, reconsidered following encouragement from his brother, who reminded him that music remained his true calling and urged him to return to Nigeria.
Upon his return, Puffy Tee worked on an album by Orisha Femi, producing 15 tracks, a development he described as the beginning of several exciting opportunities in the Nigerian music industry.
He also disclosed his recent involvement in Pasuma’s Fuji Afro album, where he produced seven tracks, including Paid the Premium, Cornerstone, Jaiye Faja and Calm Down. He further revealed that he co-wrote the songs.
In addition, he produced Kilimanjaro, a gospel-inspired musical collaboration by Mike Abdul featuring Monique.
With several other projects underway, Puffy Tee assured fans that music lovers should expect more exciting releases in the coming months.
“A lot of bangers are coming, for real!” he enthused, urging fans to remain expectant.
“Stay tuned! Don’t worry, music will flow,” he added.
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Maxwell Kumoye
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