Kenya’s Shuga Mashariki emerged as the country’s only winner at the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), clinching the Best Writing in a TV Series award.
The victory extended Kenya’s dominance in the category to a third consecutive year after Volume won in 2024 and Untying Kantai in 2025.
It also marked Kenya’s sole victory despite the country earning 12 nominations at this year’s AMVCAs in Lagos.
Produced by Kevin Njue, Shuga Mashariki was recognised for its impactful storytelling centred on issues affecting young people across Africa.
Speaking after receiving the award, Njue praised the show’s writing team for their dedication across the first two seasons.
“Our team of writers worked hard on this show for season one and season two, so this is very validating. To come to Nigeria and receive an award for writing reflects the effort our writers put into making sure Shuga Mashariki speaks to young people while still resonating with everyone,” he said.
Shuga Mashariki beat out strong competition from Nigeria’s The Wives, Our Husband, Baba Oh and The Party, alongside Ethiopia’s Addis Fikir and Gizat.
The victory continues Kenya’s impressive run in the Best Writing TV Series category. In 2024, Tosh Gitonga’s music drama Volume won through writer Mona Ombogo, while 2025’s award went to Untying Kantai by Phil-It Productions, written by Abel Mutua.
The Shuga franchise first launched in Kenya in 2009 before expanding to Nigeria, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire and India.
It returned to Kenya in 2025 as MTV Shuga Mashariki before later rebranding to Shuga Mashariki after parent company Shuga Global dropped the “MTV” name following the end of its partnership with Paramount.
The series had earlier won the People’s Choice Award for Best TV Drama at the 14th Kalasha International Film and TV Awards.