The maiden edition of MTN Y’ello Star, a music skill-building initiative for talented young Nigerians, came to a grand conclusion at the finale last weekend with Dotti (Oladotun Okeowo) emerging winner of the keenly contested competition.
A host of Nigerian celebrities were present at the closing gala, we had Iyanna, Basket Mouth, Johnny Drile, Malik Yusef, Omawummi, Banky W and a host of others
It has been quite an exhilarating experience with all the contestants of the first season of MTN Yello Star.
We couldn’t have asked for a better set of young and savvy individuals who put in all their best to get here and shine just like the stars that they are.
Our winner Dotti won an apartment with an in-built house studio, a Honda RV, N 5 million cash and a one-year recording contract. We presented him with his car and check at the closing gala.
Storm our first runner up won N3 million and Gideon our 2nd runner up won N1.5 million.
We also had other consolation prizes for our top 6 from Bentley and Henley Business School.
The top 14 contestants had engaged in a series of vocal battles over six weeks at the live-in training quarters – the Y’ello Hub. The finale saw the top six contestants display their musical prowess, performing in front of a live, socially-distanced audience and panel of judges following which Dotti was crowned the 1st MTN Y’ello Star.
Sharing his thoughts on the entire experience, Dotti said, “I am sincerely grateful to MTN for the rare chance to develop my talent. I could not have done this alone. The coaching and business training I have received through MTN Y’ello Star from the Berklee College of Music and the Henley Business School will help my career immensely.”
Dotti’s winnings include a house with an in-built studio, a new car and five million naira cash prize. He will also write and record a song under the professional tutelage of six-time Grammy award winner, Malik Yusef, at the Power Studio in New York. The top six finalists will attend the summer music programme at the Berklee College of Music in the United States.
Commenting on the successful completion of the premiere season of MTN Y’ello Star, Anthony Obi, Acting Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to developing the capacity of 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
We are super excited here at MTN for what the future holds for them, and as we crown our winner for tonight, we wish everyone the best and brighter years ahead. Thank you, Nigeria for taking this journey with us #MTNYelloStar @mtn_yellostar
