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Base faces: Jasmine and the MTV Base presenters

MTV Base's Jasmine Dotiwala spills the behind-the-scene-beans.

Readers, it’s nearly time for me to pack my just unpacked suitcase for my annual, end of year holiday with my Christmas cousin Mariah Carey Cannon – and her husband Mr Nick Cannon!

Before I jet off though, I want to reflect on what a great year it’s been for the British black music industry. This year, many music media organisations came together both publicly and under the radar to push our acts and champion our young talents not only in music, but also in theatre, sport, writing and comedy, and we really showed the world what we’ve got.

It’s true that on the flipside, there are some young people that feel disenchanted and frustrated with life and are lashing out violently the only way they know how. But the majority are determined to be leaders of the new school and how they are achieving!

To see just how strong the UK urban scene has been in 2008, catch The Lick End of Year Special on your screens all month, where our Base presenting team kicked ass with swagger that had to be seen to be believed!

Big up to Trevor Nelson, Rickie Haywood Williams, Kat, Ace and Vis, Sarah Love, Kojo, Scottie B, and Reggie Yates!

Thanks to all of MTV Base’s Spanking New Music participants in 2008 who showed that the UK has an abundance of fresh, new sounds and swag-tastic flair for days! Honourable mentions go to Tinie Tempah, Natty, Taio Cruz, Lethal B, Lemar, The Thirst, Filly, DJ Ironik, Estelle, Sincere and Chipmunk.

It’s also been an eventful year with loads of monumental things occurring in the world. We said goodbye to young hero Daniel De Gale, Bernie Mac, Issac Hayes and many other loved ones. But many great things happened too. America welcomed their first black president, Barack Obama, and the world started loving America again for proving that they’re more progressive than we thought.

Lewis Hamilton did great things for sport, Bashy inspired the new generation of intelligent road boys, and both men did wonders for the reputation of young black men.

The ladies have also been more than well represented, thanks to Estelle, Alesha Dixon and Leona Lewis who really grafted hard all year and deserve their places in celeb-ville.

There are so many more great things to look forward to in 2009. The new young writer, actor, comedian and impressionist Jason Lewis will see his show The Jason Lewis Experience air on January 13. Expect to be shaken up by his very clever skits!

Big Base Comedy nights are back on Tuesdays and joining Everybody Hates Chris in the line-up is Man and Wife, which sees Fatman Scoop and his wife giving viewers their advice on sex! 50 Cent’s Money and the Power will also be in the mix, and be warned: It is awfully addictive viewing if you’re a fan of The Apprentice.

We bring it back to the Brits with The Brothers by Angie Le Mar airing in March, and balance it out with our current highest raters: the second series of Randy Jackson’s Americas Best Dance Crew and G’s to Gents, also starting in March.

Finally I want to thank my mum and dad; the MTV BASE core team – Susan, Yemi, Jak and Luke – for their dedication to the channel and working above and beyond the call of duty; my home crew for holding me down for another fabulous year; and my family for making sure I’m still mopping, cleaning, sweeping, cooking, shopping, taxiing them around and basically never letting me forget that I owe them!

At this time of year, it’s easy to slip into over indulgence and festivities, but please remember the reason for the seasonal break. Be sure to acknowledge Jesus, or your spiritual side with whichever religion you follow. Make time for the lonely or elderly people who might need a smile, a card or box of biscuits to remind them we care. And look after yourself. Treat yourself. Love yourself and remember the meaning of life is to be the best person that you can be.

Happy holidays – see you on the flipside!

Published: 22 December 2008
Issue: 1352

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