XL Creative Hub has announced the debut of Battle of the Beats Season 1, the country’s first-ever Afrobeats production reality show.
According to a statement by the Hub’s Business Manager, Clement Makinde, the 12-day musical contest will run from November 1 to 12, 2025, with live streaming on YouTube.
Makinde said the show would feature six top Afrobeats producers in a high-energy creative contest, judged by experienced industry professionals.
“Watch six carefully selected producers locked in an intense camp, creating beats under pressure while professional judges evaluate every production,” the organisers said.
He noted that participation in the show is completely free, adding, “We are not collecting a dime from any participant.”
The competition will kick off on November 1, followed by an elimination night on November 8, and the grand finale on November 12, when the top three producers will compete for the top prize.
Winners will receive ₦500,000 for first place, ₦300,000 for second, and ₦200,000 for third.
Following the producers’ contest, artists across Nigeria will be invited to record songs using the winning beats and compete for major rewards between November 12 and 24, 2025.
Artists can participate by downloading the winning beat, recording a song, creating a video, and submitting their entries via Instagram or the official website.
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The artist segment offers even bigger prizes — ₦1 million and a label contract for the winner, ₦500,000 for second place, and ₦300,000 for third.
Winners will be determined through a combination of public votes and professional judging, with voting scheduled from November 12 to 25, 2025.
Makinde said the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between grassroots creativity and professional opportunity by giving talented producers and artists access to world-class production resources, regardless of financial background or location.
He said, “Battle of the Beats seeks to discover raw talent, document Afrobeats’ evolution, inject funds directly into the creative economy, and build a transparent annual platform that launches real careers.
“We urged music lovers to follow @battleofthebeatsshow on Instagram and tune in for the show’s premiere on November 1, 2025.
“This is your moment don’t miss a beat,” Makinde declared.
In the short term, the competition aims to launch at least three professional careers, deliver measurable economic impact, and build a 50,000-member YouTube community. Its long-term vision targets Pan-African expansion, prize pools worth ₦25 to ₦30 million, and recognition alongside major music awards.
The organisers said the project directly tackles issues of industry gatekeeping, producer undervaluation, and limited exposure by creating a transparent, inclusive, and sustainable creative platform.
The judges include Nnaemeka Ugochukwu Onusiriuka professionally known as Mr. Mekoyo, Tunde Akinsanmi of Styl plus and Manasseh Mashi popularly known as Monlee Mane.
Mekoyo is a versatile Nigerian musician, music producer, songwriter, and multi-talented instrumentalist. He gained national recognition as the producer of Styl-Plus’s highly acclaimed hit single “Olufunmi,” a timeless classic that remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated love songs. Over the years, Mekoyo’s name has appeared on numerous album credits as a producer, composer, and songwriter, solidifying his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most respected creative minds. Manasseh is a music producer and an artiste.