Shuga is back!

MTV Shuga Mashariki One of the biggest TV series produced in Kenya, Shuga, is coming back after nearly 15 years. Shuga is reputed to have launched the careers of some of Kenya's celebrated actors, including Lupita Nyong'o, Nicholas Mutuma, Brenda Wairimu, Gin Ideal, and Anthony Mwangi. Centred on the themes of love, sex, and money, the Shuga series is a bittersweet tale of lust, ambition, fast living, and the choices made by the youth in this generation. The MTV Staying Alive Foundation has announced audition dates for the new edition. "MTV Shuga Mashariki is searching for fresh talent-whether you're new to acting or a seasoned performer, this is your chance to shine on the big screen," said the widely shared announcement. This exciting development marks the show's comeback after over 10 years, with auditions kicking off this weekend (October 11 and 12) at the University of Nairobi. From script to screen, the production is informed by local, youth-centred research and designed to tackle restrictive and harmful gender norms that affect young people. To broaden its reach to aspiring actors across the country and nurture local talent, the show will hold physical and virtual open auditions this month. MTV Shuga is a coming-of-age drama that follows the lives of young friends as they navigate their sexual health, relationships, and family issues. Love, heartache, broken dreams, and the struggle to overcome life's challenges are at the heart of Shuga. Season 1 was purely a Kenyan affair, but subsequent productions featured a cast drawn from East, West, and Southern Africa. Season 2 of the series included a stellar cast featuring Timini Egbuson, Mohau Cele, Nick Mutuma, Emmanuel Ikubese, Adesua Etomi, Thuso Mbedu, Clint Brink, Lerato Walaza, Jezriel Skei, Ayanda Makayi, Stephanie Sandows, and Vanessa Mdee. According to the producers, this season will uphold the Shuga legacy, introducing dynamic new faces and a fresh generation of Kenyan actors. Shuga was the biggest production in the region back then, and there has been a constant demand for a Kenyan production of the same stature. The television drama series first aired in November 2009 on MTV Base as part of an initiative called 'MTV Staying Alive Ignite!' Its first two seasons were commissioned by MTV Networks Africa in association with The MTV Staying Alive Foundation, PEPFAR, the Partnership for an HIV-Free Generation (HFG), and the Government of Kenya, as part of a multimedia campaign to spread the message about responsible sexual behaviour and tolerance. Shuga became a major hit and was aired in 40 different African countries before being broadcast internationally on over 70 television stations. A section of Kenyans considered the drama controversial because it contained sexually explicit scenes. In May 2010, the show received a Gold award in the Public Relations Health category at the World Media Festival in Hamburg, Germany, for its focus on love, emotions, and sexual behaviour among Kenyan youth. In 2013, production of the series moved to Nigeria, where the third and subsequent seasons were set. Dubbed Shuga Naija, the new version is a multimedia campaign aimed at educating youths on HIV/AIDS, safe sex, and teen pregnancy. The Story A three-part series, Season 1 introduced Ayira (Lupita Nyong'o), a beautiful, confident, and vivacious 22-year-old college student. Her father left Ayira's mother for another woman six years earlier-an act that deeply affected her. Determined to help her mother and sister escape financial constraints, she was eager to restore the comfortable life they once enjoyed. Ayira had a steady, loving boyfriend named Ty, but she was distrustful of men due to her father's behaviour. However, her hunger and impatience for life clouded her judgment and sense of values. Ayira's good friend Sindi (Valerie Kimani) could be described as a beautiful, wise, generous, and compassionate girl. Sindi and Ayira were opposites, but their common background and shared history had bonded them-they had been friends since childhood. Sindi was a virgin and determined to remain one until she found Mr. Right. She was the grounded, responsible one in the friendship. Ayira and Violet (Sharon Olago) loved her because she always looked out for them when they got drunk or ran into trouble. Sindi watched the high drama and excitement of her friends' lives but was increasingly concerned about their reckless behaviour. She had lost a close aunt to HIV/AIDS and was committed to ensuring that her friends didn't fall into the same trap. Unlike Sindi, the cute and naughty Violet was the life and soul of the party, and like Ayira, Violet had a passion for the good life. When the two girls got together, things could get volatile, as they were not afraid to go after what they wanted, regardless of the consequences. Violet's party lifestyle involved lots of alcohol-and often, sex followed. Her sexual exploits included occasional encounters with different partners and a long-term sexual relationship with one of the boys. Her demeanour suggested she enjoyed sex, and her confidence meant she wasn't afraid to pursue it when she wanted to. However, beneath her facade, Violet was insecure and felt unworthy of love. "There was something quite unique about the Shuga series that many young people in Kenya and across Africa resonated with. It was about reality; the lifestyle young people live and experience. It told the true story in a very straightforward way. Many from the older generation were uncomfortable with it because it addressed issues about sex quite bluntly. I think that was the only way to push the campaign," says Nick, one of the key cast members. "Even though it was originally a Kenyan youth story, the production became so popular across Africa that subsequent seasons went to South Africa and Nigeria. It became clear that the social issues faced by African youth in urban areas were similar. I'm not surprised Shuga is back. I bet it will be a hit again," he says. The season also featured cameo appearances from Madtraxx, P-Unit, Nonini, Nameless, Juliani, Jimmy Gait, and DJ Adrian. After her role, Lupita went on to become a major Hollywood star, now a celebrated actress with an Academy Award and a Daytime Emmy Award, and nominations for two British Academy Film Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award. Actors like Nick Mutuma and Brenda Wairimu also grew into stars, continuing to take major roles in local productions that have since won local and continental film awards. The other Kenyan production from the same era that can be compared to Shuga's success is Nairobi Half Life, the 2012 Kenyan drama film directed by David 'Tosh' Gitonga. The film was selected as Kenya's entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 85th Academy Awards but did not make the final shortlist. It was the first time Kenya had submitted a film in this category. At the 33rd Durban International Film Festival, Joseph Wairimu won the award for Best Actor. He also won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Most Promising Actor at the 9th ceremony. The film won the most awards at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards in 2014.

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