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Tag: MTV Base

  • Pop culture channel celebrates 20 years of African culture, music

    Pop culture channel celebrates 20 years of African culture, music

    MTV Base, Africa’s youth and pop culture channel, is celebrating 20 years of amplifying African music, culture, and creativity across the continent.

    As the first pan-African music channel, MTV Base has been a driving force in showcasing the vibrant sounds and stories of Africa’s youth, and continues to be a platform where African artists and fans connect, express, and thrive.

    For two decades, MTV Base has championed African talent, spotlighting the continent’s diverse musical genres and cultural movements. From Afrobeats to Amapiano, the channel has played a pivotal role in elevating local voices to global stages, shaping the narrative of African excellence in entertainment.

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    As the year draws to a close, MTV Base invites viewers to take a nostalgic journey through some of its most iconic local productions.

    On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, the channel is broadcasting double bills of fan-favourite shows including: Inside Life (Seasons 1–3) – A raw and real look into the lives of Nigeria’s stars, Know Your Music – A celebration of musical knowledge and culture and Ghosted – The gripping reality series that explores the complexities of modern relationships.

    This special programming lineup is a tribute to viewers who have made MTV Base a cultural cornerstone in Nigeria and Africa. Senior Vice President/General Manager of Paramount Africa and Lead at BET International, Monde Twala, said: “MTV Base is more than a music channel — it’s a movement. For 20 years, we’ve been committed to telling authentic African stories, empowering youth, and celebrating creativity that defines our continent. This is a moment to reflect, celebrate, and look ahead to the future of African pop culture.”

  • MTN, MTV Base join forces to promote Internet safety

    MTN, MTV Base join forces to promote Internet safety

    To help young people cultivate safety habits while using the internet, telecommunications giant, MTN Group and music channel MTV Base have launched an innovative youth-led movement known as “Room of Safety”.

    The initiative which aims to empower youths to report online harm, will promote positive digital behaviours across the continent.

    “Room of Safety” is a powerful 10-part short-form series which premiered on DSTV Channel 322 and across the music channels’ social media handles on Sunday, July 20.

    The series features Paramount’s Culture Squad member, Craig Nobela, alongside a dynamic lineup of young African influencers including Yanda Woods, LordKez, Foyin Ongunrombi, Azana, Major Steez, Melissa Nayimuli, Mawelele and Naledi.

    According to MTN, the collaboration forms part of its Help Children Be Children campaign, leveraging the reach and influence of platforms like MTV to drive meaningful change.

    “Through relatable storytelling and youth-driven content, the series aims to spark dialogue, raise awareness, and equip young people with the knowledge and tools to navigate online risks. 

    With its multi-platform distribution, the campaign is positioned to reach millions of young Africans, catalyse community conversations, and influence safer digital behaviour across the continent,” the telco said.

    The launch is coming on the heels of recent study conducted in Nigeria, South Sudan, and Zambia which showed one in 10 children aged between 8 and 17 years reported they were harassed online.

    The report revealed that 20 per cent of children in South Sudan reported being bullied online- the highest among the three countries.

    In Nigeria, the report found that 

    79% of adolescents aged 13-17 spend more than an hour online daily, which increases their exposure to risky online behaviour.

    30–40 per cent of teens across the three countries admitted to adding strangers to their messaging apps. In Juba, children who spend more than an hour online daily are 17 times more likely to engage in risky online behaviour.

    These findings underscore the urgent need for digital education and protective mechanisms tailored to African youth.

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    Commenting on the initiative, the General Manager, Regulatory Affairs, MTN Nigeria, Ikenna Iheme, said,

    “As technology evolves, we’re seeing serious risks, AI misuse, online stalking and exploitation- harm we once associated only with the physical world. 

    “At MTN, we believe access must go hand-in-hand with protection. Through our partnership with MTV Base on Room of Safety, we’re amplifying the voices of young people to speak to, and stand up for, each other, creating a safer, more conscious digital future.”

    Also, Senior Vice President, Paramount Africa, Monde Twala, noted how the entertainment channel had been at the forefront of shaping youth culture and sporting issues that matter in the past two decades.

    “From HIV awareness to gender equality and mental health, we’ve consistently championed content that drives change. With Room of Safety, we’re continuing that legacy, empowering young people to navigate the digital world safely and confidently. This partnership with MTN is a powerful step in protecting the next generation and ensuring their voices are heard,” she said

  • MTV Base promotes African stars with Inside Life premier The Hustle Diaries

    MTV Base promotes African stars with Inside Life premier The Hustle Diaries

    In celebration of 20 years of amplifying African entertainment culture, Africa’s leading youth culture and lifestyle channel, MTV Base, is set to premiere the highly anticipated new season of Inside Life. Themed “The Hustle Diaries”, this season of the widely-watched reality docu-series shines a light on the resilience, passion, and unbreakable spirit that define the journeys of some of Africa’s most influential stars.

    Hosted by MTV Base Culture Squad member Ilooise “Ilowitdflo” Omonhinmin, each episode follows the extraordinary paths of an all-star cast, including Cobhams Asuquo, BamBam, Spyro, Neo Akpofure and more. The reality show offers an inspiring experience, taking viewers through the roots of ambition, revisiting dreams, struggles, and defining moments. With raw storytelling, it offers an unfiltered look at the struggles, setbacks and triumphs that shape the entertainment industry.

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    Speaking on the new season, Busola Komolafe, Senior Channels Manager, Paramount, stated, “As we celebrate 20 years of shaping African music and pop-culture, this season of Inside Life reinforces MTV Base’s legacy of telling authentic African stories and elevating the voices of young creatives. We are going even deeper—unveiling the grit, passion, and unrelenting drive that fuel success. Hustle Diaries is about showcasing the strength of the African spirit, honouring the resilience that defines our stars, and inspiring the next generation to chase their dreams, no matter the odds.”

    Host, Ilo expressed his excitement over the upcoming season, saying, “This season is a rare opportunity to step into the lives of these incredible stars and witness firsthand what it took for them to reach the top. Their stories are raw, real, and deeply inspiring.”

  • MTV Base sets June 29 for ‘Base Day Calabar’ music rave

    MTV Base sets June 29 for ‘Base Day Calabar’ music rave

    MTV Base, Africa’s leading platform for youth, music, and pop culture, is bringing the excitement to Calabar with Base Day Calabar—a high-energy outdoor music rave set to light up the city on Saturday, June 29, 2025, at Hogis Royale Car Park, State Housing Estate.

    Kicking off at 2 PM, the event promises an electrifying mix of DJ sets, live performances, dance showcases, and the unmistakable MTV Base vibe that has resonated with audiences across the continent for two decades. Hosted by Neo Akpofure, with performances from some of Calabar’s finest rising stars, Omizzy, Harcher and Czn Baby.

    This year’s base day, a major milestone for MTV Base as it marks 20 years of amplifying African music, culture, and talent to the world, is the second stop in a thrilling three-part cultural takeover, following a high-energy kickoff in Lagos and building up to a final activation in Abuja designed to help fans “Live the Culture”, bringing the signature MTV Base vibe directly to the fans where they are.

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    Since its debut in 2005, the channel has been championing youth voices and nurturing talent from the continent’s most unexpected corners. From launching award-winning music videos to propelling local artists onto global stages, MTV Base has shaped not just what we listen to but how we express ourselves through music, fashion, dance, and identity.

    “Base Day isn’t just another music event; it has become a movement. And this year’s edition is particularly important for us at MTV Base as we honour two decades of connecting with Africa’s vibrant youth community,” says Busola Komolafe, Senior Channels Manager, Paramount Africa. “From Lagos to Calabar and Abuja, we are bringing the party to the streets and honouring the spirit of our audience who have grown with us and helped shape MTV Base over the past 20 years. Calabar, get ready to be part of something extraordinary.”

    Young people across the south-south and beyond are invited to show up, vibe out, and live the culture.  For updates, exclusive content, and artist announcements, follow @mtvbasewest across Instagram, X, and TikTok.

  • MTV Base premieres new show ‘Ghosted’

    MTV Base premieres new show ‘Ghosted’

    Leading youth and pop culture entertainment brand, MTV Base announces the premiere of its new reality show, ‘Ghosted’. This exciting and relatable series delves into the raw and often heart-wrenching experiences of individuals left feeling heartbroken and confused after seemingly promising relationships vanish into thin air.

    Hosted by dynamic MTV Base Culture Squad, Ilo and Oluchi, ‘Ghosted’ offers the show guests a chance at closure by confronting their ‘ghosts’ face-to-face. With their infectious energy and sharp wit, the hosts will guide the ‘haunted’ through every awkward encounter and emotional rollercoaster as the participants express their feelings and, hopefully, find some closure.

    Busola Komolafe, Paramount, expressed her enthusiasm for the new show saying, “We are thrilled to bring ‘Ghosted’ to our Pan African audience base. It’s a show that resonates deeply with many reality content lovers and offers a unique blend of entertainment and real-life drama that we believe will captivate our viewers.”

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    Ilooise Omonhinmin, MTV Base Culture Squad Member and co-host shared his excitement, “As co-host of ‘Ghosted’, I’m excited to guide participants through this emotional journey. The show offers a unique entertainment platform for people to find closure and understand the complexities of modern relationships.”

    Oluchi Harrison, MTV Base Culture Squad and fellow co-host, emphasised the importance of the new show for the participants. “Ghosting can leave people feeling hurt and confused. By bringing these stories to light, we hope to offer not just entertainment, but also empathy and understanding. It’s about helping people move forward,” she stated.

    Through the new reality series, MTV Base continues to push the boundaries of entertainment, offering quality content programming that resonates with the diverse interests of its young and dynamic audience.

  • MTV Base Roundtable returns with DJ Big N, Taymi B, VJ Adams, others

    MTV Base Roundtable returns with DJ Big N, Taymi B, VJ Adams, others

    MTV Base Roundtable, the spectacular annual entertainment show which brings the top media personalities to deliberate on the most noteworthy topics and trends in the music industry, will air on Thursday, 28 December, on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322, GOtv Channel 72) at 20:00 WAT. 

    The ninth edition of the Roundtable promises to be a stacked show with three engaging segments, the biggest music moments, the most controversial personality(-ies) in the entertainment space, and the top 10 best albums of 2023. 

    The exciting Roundtable features a star-studded lineup of six of the most prominent music voices in Nigeria that include VJ Adams, Award-winning Video Jockey, entertainment entrepreneur, artist cum executive producer; Taymi B, Award-winning On-Air Personality; DJ Big N, Award-winning Disc Jockey; Sunky O, Producer and Lifestyle Connoisseur; Tosin Akinbo, Head of Strategy, Glitch Africa; and Ejino Valentine, Head, Music & Programming, MTV Base.

    On what to expect from this Roundtable edition, Busola Komolafe, Senior Channels Manager for Paramount in Nigeria, said: “The stage is set once more to explore the trends in the music industry that made heads turn all year. It has indeed been an exceptional 2023 for Nigerian music with global recognition from the MTV VMAs, BET Awards, as well as BET Hip Hop Awards, some of the biggest music collaborations worldwide, and a fair share of controversy. 

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    As a result, we are taking things up a notch this year and adding two more segments; most controversial personality(-ies) in the entertainment space, and the biggest music moments. 

    Media personalities familiar with the landscape will come together to offer their insightful critiques and rankings on the best music moments of the year. The Roundtable will also factor in the way music is marketed, distributed and consumed in the discourse. 

    It’s important to have some of the brightest music experts in the country reminisce on the collective progress we’ve had and we are proud to give the platform for that. This Roundtable is one to shape the narrative of the music industry and set the tone for what is to come in 2024.”

    The panel undoubtedly has a lot to weigh in from Davido’s gold-certified Unavailable on his record-breaking Timeless album to Asake’s continued mainstream dominance, Burna Boy’s multiple Grammy nods, Afrobeats sweetheart Ayra Starr’s Rush, break-out star Shallipopi taking over the airwaves, Odumodublvck’s Arsenal FC moment, Rema’s global success as well as the late MohBad’s street anthem Ask About Me. 

    Expect dissenting opinions and arguments on who did what best and what moments are worth remembering this year. 

    The criteria for selecting the year’s top songs include impact, streams, appeal, charts, social media influence/trends and longevity of airplay. 

    In addition, no song released after November 2023 will be considered for the rankings.

    The  MTV Base Roundtable 2023 for the ultimate year-end review of Nigerian music will hold on Thursday, 28 December. One can also join the conversation via MTV Base’s social media handles. 

  • Paramount, MTV Base drive African music growth at ACM 2023

    Paramount, MTV Base drive African music growth at ACM 2023

    Paramount and MTV Base took centre stage at the Music Day for the second edition of the African Creative Market (ACM) which held at the 21st Century Technology Hub in Lagos. Featuring panel sessions and keynote sessions with industry thought leaders and experts, the event was an insight driven review of the evolution and future of the African music scene.

    The Music Day, which was curated by Paramount and MTV Base, witnessed the gathering of industry experts, leaders and visionaries who generously shared profound insights to further boost the growth of the Nigerian music industry.

    Speaking about the anticipated impact of the event, Bada Akintunde-Johnson, Country Manager of Paramount in Nigeria, remarked, “Music transcends boundaries, and the mix of professionals from all sides of the industry who spoke on the panel and at keynote sessions is a testament to the unifying power of the business of African Music. This power, we know, is capable of propelling our sound to unimagined heights. The world truly is the African oyster.”

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    A pivotal moment of the day was the keynote address given by Will Stevens, United States Consular General, on the topic ‘Supporting the Globalisation of African Music – The US Perspective’; he commented, “In advocating for the global prominence of African Music, we recognize its transformative potential from a distinct United States vantage point. There is no doubt that African Music has shifted the global perspective of the continent and endorsed its artists as more than mere musicians but as savvy businessmen with nearly unrivalled prowess. Let us stand resolute, elevating the voices and messages of Africa’s musical pioneers and budding talents.”

  • MTV Base’s Ilowitdflo emerges TFAA ‘On-Air Personality’ of the year

    MTV Base’s Culture Squad presenter and media personality, Iloosie Omonhinmin aka Ilowitdflo, has been recognised for his exceptional talent and charismatic presence on-air at the 17th edition of The Future Awards Africa (TFAA).

     The media personality won the ’Prize for On-Air Personality’ for his deep cultural insights in the media and entertainment industry.

     Iloosie’s win in the ’On-Air Personality’ category is a testament to his remarkable contribution to the entertainment landscape. His ability to connect with audiences on MTV Base and his unwavering commitment to promoting culture have set him apart as a true influencer and a driving force in the media industry.

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     Upon receiving this honour, Iloosie expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honoured to receive this award. It is a testament to the authenticity of my talent and I am even more committed to continuing this journey of celebrating Africa’s rich heritage and amplifying the dynamic voices of the youth.”

     Iloosie’s achievement not only highlights his exceptional talent but also underscores the importance of authentic representation in the media.

  • MTV Base wins ‘Best Music Channel of the Year’ at Marketing Edge Awards

    Cable TV music channel MTV Base has won the award for ‘Music Channel of the Year’ at Marketing Edge Awards which held recently in Lagos.

    The event attracted players like corporate CEOs, professionals in public relations, marketing, advertising and the entire integrated marketing sector.

    Speaking on the win, Solafunmi Oyeneye, VIMNA Senior Channels Manager, thanked the organisers and said: “The MTV Base team is a collective of professionals who work around the clock to ensure that we create and consistently churn out top notch content, so to be acknowledged and honoured on a platform as reputable as Marketing Edge is a big deal to us. We would like to thank them for honour done to us. We promise not to relent in keeping our values and standards high. Thank you.”

    The award, organised by Marketing Edge Magazine, had for it theme: ‘Storytelling as a New Paradigm Shift in Contemporary Brand Building Convergence of Creativity and Technology’.

    A keynote address was delivered by Professor Sir Chris Ogbechie, the senior faculty officer at Lagos Business School, an APCON fellow.

  • Falz, others discuss Nigerian entertainment on MTV Base

    AWARD winning rapper and actor Falz, music entrepreneur Olisa Adibua and Special Projects Consultant Edi Lawani were among a panel that discussed the challenges and future of Nigerian entertainment on MTV Base’s flagship roundtable show, Musicology.

    Others on the panel include Superstar Disc Jockey, DJ Kaywise; Co-founder/Business strategist operations for Nairabox, Jay Chikezie; Head West Africa ULIve, Bayo Fatoba and  Digital Media Manager for VIMN Africa, Adetola Adekoya.

    Hosted by VJ Ehiz, the new episode examined the prospects and challenges currently facing events and concerts in Nigeria. Discussing the nonchalant attitude of artists toward their performances, Falz, said: “Generally speaking, I feel standards of events and concerts have gone down. It’s almost like the consumer takes whatever is thrown at them. As a result, artistes have naturally become lazy.”

    Corroborating Falz, Bayo Fatoba, said: “We believe in creating experiences for artistes at ULive, it now depends on how creative the artiste is, in accepting what you have sold to them.”

    Creativity, financial constraints, quality control, consumer experience and research were some of the issues discussed at the panel session. And during the discussion about creativity as it concerns performances, promotion and ticket sales, Mr. Adibua asked the following “If from January to November, I see you at everybody’s show popping up here and there, then you say in December you want to do a concert, why would I come to watch you? What’s the value you’re bringing?”