— Wins Liberia’s largest talent showcase
In a night filled with raw talent, electrifying performances, and emotional triumphs, Benkies Dolo emerged as the winner of MTN Y’ello Star Season 4.0, cementing her place as one of Liberia’s brightest musical stars. The grand finale, held on Saturday, November 17, 2024, in the theater of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, also marked a historic moment for the show as it introduced the biggest prize package ever awarded in its history.
Benkies, who had been eliminated in the quarter final stage of Season 2.0, made a surprising comeback this season, earning her redemption and a life-changing victory. Her story of resilience and perseverance resonated deeply with fans and judges alike, culminating in a series of standout performances that propelled her to the top. The grand finale was the culmination of weeks of fierce competition, starting with auditions held across the country. From thousands of hopefuls, 20 contestants were selected to compete in the show, showcasing their talent over five intense weeks.
The finale saw seven contestants vying for the top spots, but it was Benkies’ powerful performances that set her apart. She captivated the audience with a duet alongside rapper Mark Doe and singer Rania Fawaz, delivering a dynamic rendition of “Knock You Down” by Keri Hilson featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo. Her solo performance of Koryn Hawthorne’s “Won’t He Do It” was equally moving before touching stage with her self-composed song “Glaypor (God) got my back”.
In the sudden-death round, Benkies, Sophia Bacarnee, and Evelyn Carter performed “Jealous” by Labrinth, a song chosen by the judges to test their vocal depth and emotional range. Flawless; Benkies’ rendition sealed her victory, leaving no doubt about her deserving the crown.
Benkies’ victory is a testament to her resilience and determination; recounting her elimination in season 2.0 “Being eliminated in Season 2 was devastating, but it taught me valuable lessons. I knew I had to work harder and never give up. This win is not just for me but for every young Liberian who dares to dream big and fight for it.”
For the first time in the competition’s history, three winners were announced, each receiving prizes designed to transform their musical careers.
As the winner, Benkies Dolo walked away with an unprecedented prize package, including a “record deal worth Two million Liberian dollars (LRD 2M) with Young Future Entertainment, a brand-new SUV, and a wardrobe budget of five hundred thousand Liberian dollars (LRD 500,000). To further solidify her status as a rising star, Benkies will also receive; 100GB of data every month for one year, a one-year performance deal with MTN, and the opportunity to have her original song, uploaded to the CRBT platform (Caller Ring Back Tone), allowing fans to download it as their call-back tune.
Not only will the winner receive these mouthwatering prizes but also the runners-up. Second-place winner; Sophia Bacarnee was awarded a Six hundred thousand Liberian dollars (LRD 600,000) record deal, a one-year performance contract with MTN, and a wardrobe budget of Three hundred thousand Liberian dollars (LRD 300,000) **. Her music will also be activated on the CRBT platform, giving her instant exposure to a national audience.
Elsewhere, Evelyn Carter, who placed third, took home a Four hundred thousand Liberian dollars (LRD 400,000) cash prize and 100GB of data monthly for one year. These prizes given by Lonestarcell MTN are the singular largest benefits given to the winner of a talent competition in Liberia.
The success of MTN Y’ello Star Season 4 highlights the transformative impact of Lonestar Cell MTN’s investments in Liberia. The competition has become a beacon of opportunity, empowering young Liberians to showcase their talent and pursue their dreams on a national stage.
Through initiatives like Y’ello Star, Lonestar Cell MTN has positioned itself as a catalyst for positive change in Liberia, going beyond telecommunications to invest in education, technology, and the arts.
Since its inception, MTN Y’ello Star has unearthed remarkable talents who have gone on to build successful careers in the music industry. Past winners like Kaandace Cooper (Season 1), Winn (Season 2), and Imoz Darblo (Season 3) have set the stage for Benkies’ triumph, proving that the platform is a launchpad for greatness.
As the curtain falls on Season 4.0, MTN Y’ello Star continues to affirm its legacy as a life-changing initiative, empowering Liberia’s youth and showcasing the nation’s vibrant cultural and musical heritage.
