MTV Base welcomes raging debate on best Nigerian tracks

Music channel MTV Base ignited a fierce social media debate about the best of Nigerian music following a programme which aired on Nigeria’s Independence Day called The Best Naija Songs Ever on MTV Base.

The list of artistes and songs featured in the programme was determined by viewers of MTV Base, who voted via the MTV Base website www.mtvbase.com to choose their musical favourites starting from the channel’s launch on February 22, 2005 till date.  The “Top 20” voted for by MTV Base viewers were:

1.         2Face: African Queen
2.         9ice: Gongo Aso
3.         D’Banj: Oliver Twist
4.         P Square Feat. Waje : Do Me
5.         Wizkid: Holla At Your Boy
6.         Davido: Dami Duro
7.         Ice Prince: Oleku
8.         D’Banj: Why Me
9.         M.I.: Safe
10.       Olu Maintain: Yahooze
11.       Naeto C: Kini Big Deal
12.       Davido: Skelewu
13.       Banky W: Lagos Party
14.       Wizkid: Pakurumo
15.       Asa: Jailer
16.       P Square: Chop My Money
17.       Wande Coal: Bumper To Bumper
18.       Dr Sid: Surulere
19.       Flavour: Nwa Baby (Remix)
20.       KCee: Limpopo

Bonus Track: Iyanya: Kukere

Other artists/tracks who received an honourable mention were Styl Plus, Olufunmi; Shank, Julie; DJ Jimmy Jatt, Stylee; Ikechukwu feat. Don Jazzy and D’banj, Wind Am Well; and D’Banj, Fall in Love.

Alex Okosi, senior vice president and managing director, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa, welcomed the heated debate sparked by the programme, saying: “We are thrilled to see the passion with which people are engaging in the discussion about the Best Naija Tracks. There has been concern in some quarters that the list didn’t include some of Nigeria’s most seminal artistes and songs – it seems as if some people may have misinterpreted the campaign.

“This list of tracks, as voted by the public, was never intended to reflect the Best Naija Tracks of all time; the creation of this campaign is part of the buildup to our 10th birthday and it was supposed to highlight artistes that have been played on our channel since the launch of MTV Base in 2005, hence the title The Best Naija Tracks Ever on MTV Base. We understand that the positioning could have been misleading on some of our platforms and we regret any confusion caused.

As a brand, we acknowledge and respect the fact that Nigeria has a long music history beyond the last 10 years and our work since launching MTV Base is to help develop and showcase the best of Nigerian and African music to a global audience.  The ‘Best Naija Tracks Ever on MTV Base’ campaign is really about celebrating the new generation of talent who have benefited from the legends who paved the way for their successes today.”

Okosi recognised the importance of the divergent views about what makes a great song or a great artiste, saying MTV Base is keen to hear their thoughts.

“We are continuing the debate and encouraging music fans to further engage with the campaign via our digital media platforms. We will also be filming a special MTV Base Nigerian music roundtable in Lagos on this topic, featuring artistes, DJs and music industry experts,” he continued.

“The roundtable will air on MTV Base in November 2014 as part of the channel’s buildup to our 10th birthday celebrations. Simultaneously, MTV Base is challenging music fans to create their own lists of Best Naija Tracks, and to post them on MTV Base social media assets, or to get involved in the conversation by using the hashtag #BaseBestNaijaTracks. Those engaging in the campaign stand the chance to have their comments featured in the roundtable discussion on MTV Base.”