The new block is focused on giving airplay to the hottest artists from the contemporary African music scene, including African music videos, and other original programming created by MTV base in Africa including live performances, interviews and longform shows.

Commented Dillon Khan, MTV Base UK, ‘The musical output of African contemporary artists is a growing force that has never been more exciting or relevant than at the present time. Our research shows us that UK viewers are passionate about urban music whatever its source, and we believe that they will warmly welcome the addition of wonderful African artists such as D’Banj and Tic Tac to the channel.’

This new block is designed to appeal to Base UK’s audience, including the considerable African diaspora community living in the UK, to give an insight into the rich and diverse music culture in contemporary and ‘urban’ Africa. Videos and music featuring on the block will be sourced from across sub-Saharan Africa including content drawn from Angola, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda.

Among the African music videos featuring on the MTV base Africa will be hot tracks such as: Comboio II from Angolan Kuduru band Os Lamba; Sinzia from Kenyan Afro Fusion star Nameless; Why Me? by Nigerian R&B soloist D’Banj; Kangaroo from Ghanaian hip-life innovator Tic Tac, and I’d Like from South African urban crossover pop combo and MTV Europe Music Award winners Freshlyground.

Commented BBC Radio One Xtra presenter DJ Edu: ‘This is a milestone for the fast-evolving urban African music scene, showcasing African talent alongside international artists and giving power to the youth to paint a picture to the world about the current situations facing them and their continent.’

Added Tony Tagoe, Managing Director, Deal Real Records, ‘African artists are now playing a dominant role throughout the world of music across various genres. It’s important that MTV are giving multicultural Britain an opportunity to witness first hand the new African renaissance.’

Agreed Ilka Schlockermann, manager of Nigerian group JJC & 419 Squad and Lagos-based reggae artist African China (and content editor of bbc.co.uk/africaonyourstreet), ‘There’s always been American and British content on MTV base in Africa — now, at last, this will be a two-way process with audiences having the chance to see the best African music videos on MTV Base in the UK. I believe that by starting a channel in Africa, then including an African category in their Europe Music Awards and now this programme, MTV are showing that their commitment to African music is real and with their support I hope that it’s not too long before we see an African star making it in the West.’

‘MTV Base Africa’ will air on MTV Base (UK) everyThursday from 29th May 2007 at 1:00 am, debuting with MTV base 100th LIVE!, the concert with which MTV welcomed its African channel to the fold in April 2005. Featured artists include: Mandoza (South Africa), Nigeria’s Sean Kuti & Fela’s Egypt 80 Band, Skwatta Kamp (South Africa) and the late South African diva Lebo Mathosa alongside US superstars Ludacris and Will Smith.