MTV Base Marks 20th Anniversary With Reality Series “Inside Life: The Hustle Diaries”

Two decades after it launched, MTV Base, a leading media organization specially targeted at African entertainment and youth culture, marks its 20th anniversary with another season of the powerful reality series Inside Life, under the theme “The Hustle Diaries”.

The six-part season shines the light on some of the most celebrated African stars in a more intimate and emotional way like never before, tracing the hard roads they travelled before success. Hosted by MTV Base Culture Squad’s Ilooise “Ilowitdflo” Omonhinmin, the show features singer-songwriter Spyro, legendary producer Cobhams Asuquo, media personality BamBam, actor Neo Akpofure, and others, each opening up about the grit, sacrifice, and resilience that shaped their journeys.

“This season is about going deeper,” explains Busola Komolafe, Senior Channels Manager at Paramount. “We are not just celebrating success. We are honouring the road it took to get there. The Hustle Diaries highlights the courage, persistence, and passion that embody the African spirit and inspire a new generation.”

For Ilo, who guides viewers through these stories, the experience has been just as powerful behind the camera. “This is not your regular reality show,” he says in a conversation with the media. “Viewers will see the struggles and sacrifices that shaped these stars. It is honest, emotional, and incredibly motivating.”

The production itself was an emotional adventure, with highlights that delved into the humble beginnings of the faves. Spyro returned to Mushin, where he grew up, pointing out the modest house and room that marked the beginning of his story. Joeboy revisited the studio where he once recorded in stifling heat, while Bam Bam took the crew back to her old school, where a choir she co-founded has now grown into a nationally recognized group. Cobhams Asuquo also revisited his alma mater, King’s College. “That moment was unforgettable,” Ilo recalls. “It reinforced an important lesson: no one will chase your dream faster or better than you. You must be your own number-one supporter.” In addition to these notable moments, there were unscripted encounters with fans that triggered nostalgia and a flurry of emotions.

According to Ilo, the decision to focus each episode on one individual created space for fuller storytelling. “Unlike previous seasons, there is no splitting of air time. Each person gets their full story told. It is a complete, immersive experience.”

One of the challenges faced while filming was time management. Working together with a visionary and detail-oriented director, the team first had to map out the story and identify key moments in the journeys of the featured stars before building a narrative around each of them. They had to film within a strict schedule, which meant that some planned segments had to be dropped. “Time was our biggest challenge,” Ilo admits. “But overall, it was smooth, and the depth we captured makes up for what we left out.”

For a host who grew up watching MTV Base spotlight legends like P-Square and D’Banj, working with the entire team on this anniversary season carries deep meaning. “We wanted to recapture that nostalgia,” Ilo says. “MTV Base has always documented the journeys of African entertainers—whether at the beginning or at their peak. This show continues that legacy.”

Perhaps the most eye-opening part of the filming experience was learning about the lesser-known struggles of these celebrities. Joeboy once worked at a water bottling company. Spyro sold recharge cards in Mushin. Bam Bam worked in a showroom in Abuja. Cobhams opened up about his own early battles. “All of it was humbling,” Ilo reflects. “The consistent theme was gratitude, for where they started, and for where they are now.”

Beyond entertainment, the show carries a clear message for young Nigerians. “I don’t believe Nigerian youths are lazy,” Ilo insists. “They may have flaws, but they are hustlers. What keeps these celebrities going is remembering why they do what they do. If success is your goal, chase it with everything you have got.”

For anyone who has ever dreamed, doubted, or hustled, this season offers more than entertainment. It is a reminder that behind every spotlight is a powerful story, and this time, you get to see it unfold in full.

Inside Life: The Hustle Diaries airs on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322, GOtv Channel 72) from 4 September at 20:30 WAT, with repeats on Saturdays at 20:00 WAT, Sundays at 18:00 WAT, and Wednesdays at 11:00 WAT.