MTV Base, the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artistes, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people has once again proved its knack for staying relevant with its pan-African audience through its reality show Ghosted.
The show which reflects the real-life struggle many young people face today, especially within the Nigerian context, has rapidly captured audiences since its debut on July 11, 2024, thus becoming a standout hit across Africa in its first season.
Hosted by the MTV Base Culture Squad, Ilo and Oluchi, the show explored the complexities of ghosting in all forms of relationships — romantic, platonic, and familial; highlighting why people choose to ghost and its impact on those left behind.
The season started with a bang in Episode 1, where viewers were introduced to Chiwendu and Michael’s tumultuous relationship. What started as a simple suspicion of infidelity quickly unraveled into a web of secrets and heartbreak!
Chiwendu suspected that Michael was in a relationship with his colleague, Kemi; however, the real shocker came when it was revealed that Michael had been sexually intimate with Chiwendu’s best friend, Amaka.
This revelation left Chiwendu devastated, and her decision to end the relationship set the tone for the rest of the season. The emotional intensity of this episode had the viewers glued to our screens, ensuring that no one missed the following episodes.
Following Season 1’s wrap, NaijaTimes takes a look at some key highlights and memorable moments that made the show a must-watch for everyone who has ever faced the confusing reality of being ghosted.
‘Ghosted’ debunked the myth that ghosting is simply about avoiding someone. The show revealed the deeper emotional complexities behind why people ghost, ranging from fear of confrontation to unresolved personal issues. This insight helped viewers understand that ghosting is often a reflection of the ghost’s own struggles, not just a dismissal of the relationship.
In each episode, whether it was a best friend who suddenly vanished or a romantic partner who left without a word, the show captured the shared human experience of seeking closure and understanding in the face of abandonment.
The show offered both the participants and viewers the rare opportunity to confront their ghosts face-to-face. This pursuit of closure resonated deeply, reminding us that understanding why someone left can be crucial in healing and moving forward.
This was especially true of the peace and happiness most participants, like Chiwendu (Episode 1), experienced after discovering what was responsible for the strained communication between her and her ‘ghost’ and how it contributed to being ready to move on with life.
One of the most striking aspects of Ghosted is its exploration of ghosting beyond just romantic relationships. From friends who suddenly disappear to family members who cut ties without explanation, the show highlighted how people can be left in the dark, proving that ghosting is a universal experience that touches all types of relationships.
One instance was the story of the second episode featuring Olusola and Bukola, her family friend and long-time buddy, who bounced her money and left her hanging. Highlight of the episode was Olusola finding out that Bukola knowingly went AWOL with the money (despite knowing fully well it was for his school fees) as payback for the money Olusola’s mother owed her (Bukola’s mom) eight years ago!
The stories, while diverse, were universally relatable, especially within the pan-African context that MTV Base so effectively explored.
