Puffy Tee back for season 2 of Afrobeats Stars, promises fans more hit records
By Uzor Odigbo
Veteran Nigerian music producer Puffy Tee has expressed excitement over his return for the second season of Next Afrobeats Stars, promising an exciting musical experience and more hit records for fans.
Describing his return to the talent development programme, the celebrated producer said, “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.”
Reflecting on the maiden edition, Puffy Tee acknowledged that although the experience did not accomplish everything he initially envisioned, it laid an important foundation for the project and his continued investment in young talents.
“I would say it did, although not 100 per cent because I was also sowing seeds and that journey is still ongoing. When you sow a seed, you don’t reap immediately; you have to give it time to grow,” he explained.
The producer, who recorded notable success in the first season with the highest-performing judge, the first-place winner and the second-place winner, alongside a contestant who reached the semi-finals, attributed the achievement to consistency, enthusiasm and hard work.
“I think it was enthusiasm and the willpower to keep going, even when there was no motivation. Sometimes motivation runs dry, but you must remain consistent because you have a responsibility to fulfil and that is to produce the Next Afrobeats Star,” he said.
He was, however, quick to acknowledge the contributions of the contestants, stressing that their commitment and dedication played a significant role in the success recorded.
“They worked extremely hard, and their dedication contributed significantly to our success last season,” he added.
Looking ahead to the new season, Puffy Tee identified hunger, determination, originality and a genuine understanding of music as the qualities he hopes to discover in the contestants.
“First of all, hunger. When someone is hungry for success, you can see it in their determination and willingness to work,” he stated.
Citing former contestants Ayobenzi and Dave Cash as examples, he explained that their refusal to give up despite difficult moments was one of the qualities that impressed him.
“I’m looking for that same quality in the contestants this season, artists who are hungry enough to go for their dreams, artists with originality in their sound and those who truly understand what music is all about,” he said.
Puffy Tee also praised the telecommunication company for its longstanding contributions to youth empowerment, talent discovery and the Nigerian entertainment industry, describing the telecommunications company as a major force in the country’s music development landscape.
” They have 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.
He encouraged the company to remain committed to its initiatives, adding: “The firm has built such a strong presence that you cannot talk about the Nigerian music industry, talent hunts, youth development or campus shows without mentioning outfit”.
Away from the talent show, the veteran producer reflected on his return to the Nigerian music scene after spending some time in the United Kingdom, revealing that he once considered walking away from music.
He disclosed that encouragement from his brother eventually changed his mind.
“While I was there, my brother told me, ‘Boy, you’re doing well now, but you know your calling is music. Go back to Nigeria,'” he recalled.
Following his return, Puffy Tee worked on Orisha Femi’s album, producing 15 tracks, a project he said opened doors to several other opportunities in the industry.
“Since then, it’s been one exciting experience after another,” he said.
Giving fans a glimpse of what to expect from his upcoming releases, the producer revealed that he recently completed work on Pasuma’s Fuji Afro album, producing seven tracks, including Paid the Premium, Cornerstone, Jaiye Faja and Calm Down. He also disclosed that he co-wrote the songs.
Additionally, he produced Kilimanjaro, a record by gospel music star Mike Abdul featuring Monique.
With several other projects in the pipeline, Puffy Tee assured music lovers that more exciting releases are on the way.
“A lot of bangers are coming, for real!” he declared.
When asked what fans should do while anticipating the new releases, the producer offered a reassuring message: “Stay tuned! Don’t worry, music will flow.”
