MTV Shuga, the one-time hit series that is making a comeback after 15 years, has begun production following the completion of auditions that began last October.
The latest MTV Shuga Mashariki, which previously featured Hollywood actress Lupita Nyong’o, is scheduled to premiere in May 2025.
The directorial team will include veterans June Ndinya, Mkaiwawi Mwakaba, and Likarion Wainaina as its directors.
June Ndinya’s notable works include ‘Flash Squad’ and ‘Prefects’ while Mwakaba co-directed the 2024 film ‘Makosa Ni Yangu’. Wainaina is the mastermind behind ‘Supa Modo’.
Reuben Odanga’s Multan Production has been commissioned to produce the series. Mr. Odanga is known for producing several movies and TV series including ‘Mo Faya’, ‘Selina’, ‘Saida’, and Nafsi’ among others. Selina, which ran for five seasons, won the best TV drama award at the Kalasha Film and TV Awards in 2018 and 2019, while Saida won the best TV drama award at the same awards in 2014.
Former music director Enos Olik will also be part of the production team, helping to shape the visual identity of the series and ensuring that the stories are not only powerful but also visually unforgettable. Since turning to film, Enos has been involved in several projects including the “Crime and Justice” series (2021-2023), “Supa Modo” (2018), and “The Christmas Run” (2024).
“MTV Shuga Mashariki is a celebration of Kenyan talent and storytelling, and we are thrilled to have an entirely local team of directors leading the way. With June Ndinya, Mkaiwawi Mwakaba and Likarion Wainaina at the helm, this production is truly Kenyan at its core, ensuring that each story is authentic and deeply rooted in the experiences and realities of Kenya’s youth. This season reflects our commitment to challenging gender norms and empowering youth.” Says Wame Jallow, Executive Director, MTV Staying Alive Foundation
The return of MTV Shuga Mashariki builds on the show’s legacy of discovering and nurturing new talent.
The MTV Shuga franchise, which brings important sexual and reproductive health messages to a global audience, has previously filmed in Nigeria, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, and India.It first premiered in Kenya in November 2009 before spreading to other African countries, bringing big names like Lupita, Nick Mutuma, and Valerie Kimani into the limelight.
Shuga became a hit and was broadcast in 40 different African countries before being shown internationally on over 70 television channels. At the time, the drama was considered very controversial by the older generation of Kenyans as it contained some sexually explicit scenes. Since turning to film, Enos has been involved in several projects including the “Crime and Justice” series (2021-2023), “Supa Modo” (2018), and “The Christmas Run” (2024).