For several up and coming artists, the MTN Best of the Streets competition is more than just a contest, it is a beacon of hope and opportunity that promises to transform their lives and careers.
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. And not only that, a huge sum of money, music distribution, music video production, and EP recording deal are some of the prizes up for grabs.
Past winners like Ikiedemhe David aka Speckinging have testified to the competition’s power to change lives. After emerging victorious in the 2024 edition, he described the experience as a turning point.
“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,” he declared with enthusiasm.
Speckinging’s success story fuels the dreams of this year’s wannabes, who see the competition as a gateway to fame and fortune.
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 hitherto 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 2,584 creatives are set to contest and get rewarded. Entries into the competition continue up until December 2025, with winners being declared on a daily, weekly and monthly basis, and a final winner emerging at the grand finale in December.
An artist said, “This competition is our moment to show Nigeria and the world what we can do. It’s not just about winning; it’s also 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 promises to be a transformative journey for Nigeria’s next generation of creatives.