MTV Shuga Reconnects With Its Kenyan Roots

The popular television show MTV Shuga is returning to Kenya after 15 years and will premiere in May 2025. The anticipated season, MTV Shuga Mashariki, brings together a new array of talented actors and an all-Kenyan production team.

First launched in Kenya in 2009, the award-winning drama series has evolved across different African regions, expanding to Nigeria, South Africa, and Côte d’Ivoire. The franchise has gained attraction from a diverse audience with its focus on youth culture and responsible sexual behavior.

In its first season set in Nairobi, Kenya, the show unveiled a star-studded cast that includes Valerie Kimani, Lupita Nyong’o, Brenda Wairimu, Nick Mutuma, and Avril. The opening season followed the story of Ayira, an independent and strong-willed woman, and her female friends Sindi and Violet, spotlighting Ayira’s attempts to use sex as a means to get ahead in life.

Season 2, also filmed in Nairobi, came two years after, bringing back the main stars of the previous one and introducing new acts like Emmanuel Ikubese as Femi, Nick Ndeda, Shirleen Kiura, Nancy Karanja, and Brenda Wairimu. The third and fourth seasons were set in Lagos, Nigeria, featuring a sterling cast of Nigerian TV personalities. The fifth, sixth, and seventh seasons were set in South Africa and the eighth season returned to Nigeria. The Nigerian version of the show is popularly known as MTV Shuga Naija, while that of South Africa is called MTV Shuga Down South.

Reconnecting with its roots, the current season of the series spotlights yet another new generation of talented Kenyan actors. This includes Serah Wanjiru (Volume), Basil Mungai (Click Click Bang), Matthew Ngugi (Mo-Faya), Fridah Mumbe (Jiji), Makena Kahuha (Subterranea), Julie Brenda (Kina), Fatuma Gichuru (Sky Girls), on-air personality Mariam Bishar and newcomer Wilson Muchemi.

MTV Shuga Mashariki is directed by Likarion Wainaina (Supa Modo, Subterranea), June Ndinya (Prefects, Flash Squad), and Mkaiwawi Mwakaba (Makosa ni Yangu, 4Play), all Kenyan directors.

MTV Shuga is an initiative of MTV Networks Africa in conjunction with MTV Staying Alive Foundation and was created as part of the many campaigns against irresponsible sexual behavior among young people. MTV Staying Alive is known for encouraging HIV prevention, promoting healthy sexual lifestyle, and discouraging the discrimination and prejudice surrounding the HIV epidemic.

“We are particularly proud to have two female directors on board, whose perspectives are crucial in shaping how themes affecting young women and girls are portrayed,” MTV Staying Alive Foundation Country Manager Mitchelle Kimathi said regarding MTV Shuga Mashariki.

The producer for the upcoming TV project is Reuben Odanga (Multan Multan Production Limited), who is previously known for Selina, Nafsi, A Familiar Christmas, and Netflix’s Mo-Faya. Also part of the sterling creative team is cinematographer Enos Olik (Crime and Justice, Anyango and the Ogre, Supa Modo, 40 Sticks)

“This season reflects our commitment to challenging gender norms and empowering the youth,” said Wame Jallow, Executive Director of MTV Staying Alive Foundation, dropping a hint on the season’s expectations.