A new entertainment reality initiative, Ebonyi Next Superstar, aimed at discovering and grooming emerging talents in music and digital content creation, has been unveiled in Ebonyi State, with contestants set to compete for a N10 million prize pool.
The project, initiated by talent manager and movie director, Steve Rodstick Eze, was announced on Tuesday in Abakaliki during a press conference that also featured key industry stakeholders, marketers and media executives who endorsed the talent hunt as a major boost for youth empowerment and creative industry development.
Eze said the reality show was designed to go beyond raw talent discovery, stressing that it would evaluate contestants based on creativity, discipline, composure and overall star quality.
“We are not just looking for talent; we are looking for who should be a superstar. Talent alone is not enough. We are looking at composure, creativity, exposure and the full package that makes a superstar," Eze said.
He explained that the maiden edition would focus on music and content creation, describing both sectors as key drivers of the digital economy and youth self-reliance.
According to him, the programme will run as a 20-day reality competition featuring 10 selected contestants who will undergo different performance challenges, including original music creation, freestyle sessions and content production tasks.
Eze added that participation is free, noting that the initiative is a “give-back platform” aimed at widening access to opportunities in the creative industry.
He further disclosed that winners will share N10 million in prizes, alongside management and branding deals to enhance their professional visibility and career growth.
Also speaking, a marketer and media personality, Mrs. Chinecherem Okoro, popularly known as “Utonwa of Ebonyi,” described the initiative as a timely intervention that would position Ebonyi youths on the global entertainment map.
She said the project was born out of passion and belief in local talent development, adding that it has the potential to grow beyond Nigeria.
“If others can do it, we can do it. This is not just a project for Ebonyi; it is something that can go global. It is about giving young people a platform to express themselves and be seen," she said.
She commended the initiative, describing it as a bold step toward redefining entertainment and youth engagement in the state.
Okoro noted that the project would help unlock hidden talents and create sustainable opportunities for young creatives.
In his remarks, Mr Henry Ogwudu, Editor-in-Chief of FUN AND FASHION TV/International Magazine, said the inclusion of content creation in the competition was critical in addressing negative trends in the digital space.
He said the programme would help reorient young people toward responsible content creation.
“We are redirecting what content creation should represent. This initiative will show young people that creativity should be positive, value-driven and socially responsible," Ogwudu said.
Responding to questions on selection criteria, organisers said registration is currently ongoing, with interested participants already applying online, adding that ten contestants will be selected for the house phase of the competition.
They added that participants, aged between 20 and 35, would be selected based on talent, creativity and overall suitability for the programme, with both male and female applicants eligible.
Organisers also confirmed that the competition will feature structured performance stages, including original song delivery, freestyle sessions with industry-produced beats, and final independent music production to test versatility.
The organisers further assured that the show will maintain strict rules and moral guidelines, stating that contestants will be monitored during the 20-day house period to ensure discipline and professionalism.
Our correspondent reports that the Ebonyi Next Superstar reality show is expected to commence with official unveiling activities on July 25, with organisers expressing optimism that the platform will grow into a major entertainment export in future editions.
