MTV Base apologises over ‘best Nigerian songs’ blunder

Music channel, MTV Base, has offered an apology to Nigerians over its controversial “best naija songs ever” list it aired on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day.

In a press statement signed by MTV Base’s publicist, BHM, the channel’s Vice-President, Alex Okosi, said the channel regrets the “misleading” list.

“We understand that the positioning could have been misleading on some of our platforms and we regret any confusion caused,” Mr. Okosi said.

He continued: “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 benefitted from the legends who paved the way for their successes today” Mr Okosi explained.

MTV further claimed that the controversial and misleading list was compiled by its viewers who voted via the station’s website.

“The list of artistes and songs featured in the programme was determined by viewers of MTV Base, who voted via the MTV Base websitewww.mtvbase.com to choose their musical favourites starting from the channel’s launch on 22 February, 2005 till the present day,‎” the statement read.

This is however contradictory to the station’s earlier announcement via its Twitter handle that the list was compiled from 2004-2014.
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“@MTVbaseAfrica: We talking about tracks from 2004 – 2014! Since #MTVBase inception” MTV wrote on Twitter.

In what seems to be an attempt to benefit from the attention created by controversial and misleading music list, the station said it w‎ould be filming a special MTV Base Nigerian music roundtable in Lagos featuring artistes, DJs and music industry experts.

“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”.

Many Nigerians youths including musicians like Iyanya, Eedris criticised the MTV list.

An entertainment Lawyer, Akinyemi Ayinoluwa described the ranking as ‎”reckless journalism capable of putting scar to Nigeria’s music history”.