MTV Base, a premier platform dedicated to youth, music, and pop culture, ignited Calabar, Cross River State capital, with a high-energy outdoor music rave known as ‘Base Day Calabar’. Held on Sunday, June 29, at Hogis Royale Car Park, State Housing Estate, this electrifying event marked a significant milestone for the 24-hour music and entertainment channel, which has been at the forefront of African youth culture and music for two decades.

The Calabar installment of Base Day offered an exhilarating blend of dynamic DJ sets, captivating live performances, intricate dance showcases, and the signature MTV Base vibe that has resonated with audiences across the African continent. Hosted by former Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) housemate Neo Akpofure, the event also featured performances from some of Calabar’s brightest rising stars, including Omizzy, Harcher, and Czn Baby, showcasing local talent.

This cultural takeover in Calabar is the second stop in a thrilling three-part series designed to bring the MTV Base experience directly to fans, following a high-energy kick-off in Lagos. The series is set to culminate with a final activation in Abuja, all part of the channel's 20th-anniversary celebrations. Since its debut in 2005, MTV Base has consistently championed youth voices and nurtured talent, propelling local artists onto global stages and launching award-winning music videos, thereby shaping how audiences express themselves through music, fashion, dance, and identity.

Busola Komolafe, Senior Channels Manager at Paramount Africa, underscored the significance of the event, stating, “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.” She added, “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.”

As MTV Base continues to build on its groundbreaking legacy, Base Day 2025 serves as a vibrant spotlight on the energy and evolution of African pop culture. It brings fans face-to-face with the beats, icons, and epic moments that define the channel’s profound influence on pop culture trends across the continent. The next destination for the Base Day series is The Buj, in the nation’s capital, Abuja, where the Romies Block Party Activation promises to light up the city with its renowned high-energy vibes and street-style flair, delivering yet another captivating Base Day experience.