Explainer: Everything we know about Season 5 of MTV Shuga Naija

The youth television drama series MTV Shuga Naija has returned with a Season 5, set to air this April. Starring Gbubemi Ejeye, Genoveva Umeh and John Njamah in lead roles, the edutainment series is powered by MTN Staying Alive Foundation, an initiative of MTV International which, since 1998, has strived to create awareness about HIV prevention methods and to fight the discrimination which those with the virus suffer.

Given that, Season 5 of the show spotlights HIV, as well as explores themes like gender-based violence and the effects of COVID-19.

The pan-African series initially launched in Kenya, in 2009, where it has 2 seasons, and it has since expanded to Nigeria (5 seasons), South Africa (2) and Cote D’Ivoire (2). Last March all of the series’s episodes premiered on Netflix.

Fans of the show can expect some surprises, particularly some new faces.

Synopsis

New characters join the MTV Shuga Naija universe, and the story shows them finding their place in the world, while having to deal with issues like arranged marriage, toxic masculinity, COVID-19, gender-based violence and HIV.

Cast 

Last year, MTV Shuga Naija initiated a search for exceptional young talent via online auditions that received over a thousand applications. The two winners of these auditions, Kanaga Emmanuel Eme and Chioma Edak, will play lead roles in the new season.

Returning MTV Shuga actors include Adesua Etomi-Wellington (Far From Home, Falling, Sugar Rush), Tomiwa Tegbe (My Siblings and I) and Sharon Jatto (The Griot). Other members of the cast include Gbubemi Ejeye, Susan Pwajok, Genoveva Umeh, Maggie Osuome, Lexan Peters, Ilooise Omohinmin, Bolaji Ogunmola, Okey Uzoeshi, John Njamah, Kiki Omeili, Ben Touitou, Francis Onwochei, and Kem Ajieh–Ikechukwu.

“New cast always means deeper, richer stories and, of course, more drama,” said Adesua Etomi-Wellington. “Given the importance of the conversation we are making mainstream, I am so excited to be part of the new season, and excited to be sharing the screen with this group of uber-talented individuals and proud new members of the MTV Shuga Naija family.”

Behind the scenes

Showrunners include Isioma Osaje and Temidayo Makanjuola. Meanwhile, Adeola Osunkojo, Yemi “FilmBoy” Morafa, and Kayode Kasum direct the episodes of the new show.

Kemi Adesoye, who wrote the screenplay of The Figurine and several episodes of Tinsel, is Season 5’s head writer.

Where to watch

The new season of MTV Shuga Naija will air on MTV Base (DStv channel 322 and GOtv channel 72), BET, and the free-to-air platform, NTA. All episodes of the season will also be available on Netflix and YouTube.

Female crew

The crew of MTV Shuga Naija Season 5 is 80% female, further emphasising MTV Staying Alive Foundation’s objective of investing in female creatives in the Nigerian media market. The fifth season of the award-winning TV drama is produced by 1Pod Pictures, a female-led production company out of Nigeria and boasts the youngest producers ever to film MTV Shuga Naija.