New season to air starting May 13 on Citizen TV and May 14 on YouTube
MTV Shuga Mashariki, the latest chapter of the iconic Shuga franchise by the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, officially kicked off its highly anticipated return to Kenya with a star-studded premiere event held on 30th April 2025 in Nairobi at The Tamarind Brasserie. The glamorous evening brought together the show’s cast, crew, producers, partners and media in celebration of powerful storytelling. The guests had an exclusive first look at the series and a chance to interact with the cast, directors and crew, alongside executives from the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.
The new season is set to premiere in Kenya on Citizen TV on May 13 at 11 PM EAT, airing weekly on Tuesdays, and internationally on BET. It will also be available globally on MTV Shuga’s YouTube channel starting May 14, with new episodes every Wednesday at 8 PM EAT.
At the heart of this new chapter is an eclectic and diverse cast of rising and established talent including Serah Wanjiru, Basil Mungai, Matthew Ngugi, Wilson Muchemi, Fatuma Gichuru, Julie Brenda, Fridah Mumbe, Mariam Bishar and Makena Kahuha, each delivering powerful and authentic performances, adding to the emotional depth of the series.
Mitchelle Kimathi, Country Manager (Kenya) at MTV Staying Alive Foundation, says, “We are incredibly proud to present MTV Shuga Mashariki as a uniquely Kenyan story, created by and for young people across the country. The strength of our cast and creative team reflects our commitment to delivering content that the audience can relate to owing to our intention to engage in meaningful storytelling that reflects the realities of Kenyan youth.”
The show’s powerhouse team of Kenyan directors: June Ndinya, Mkaiwawi “Mkay” Mwakaba and Likarion Wainaina were in attendance at the premiere. Representing a new era in Kenyan storytelling, the trio has brought their groundbreaking experience in film and television to MTV Shuga Mashariki, elevating the production with rich narratives and a bold cinematic vision.
Also present was respected cinematographer and filmmaker Enos Olik, whose signature eye as Director of Photography has been instrumental in shaping the show’s striking visual identity. His work ensures the series is not only emotionally powerful but also visually unforgettable. Reuben Odanga of Multan Production Limited – the powerhouse behind numerous celebrated Kenyan series who was tasked with bringing the series to life, was also in attendance.
Developed under the Surround Sound Kenya Programme, this season builds on MTV Shuga’s legacy as Africa’s leading youth drama Fo a platform for both social impact and creative excellence. Through compelling characters and bold narratives, the series unpacks issues that affect young people and their outcomes. Each one of the 8 episodes is designed to spark honest conversations that matter and challenge harmful norms, reinforcing MTV Shuga’s mission to change lives through storytelling.
Speaking at the premiere event, Wame Jallow, Executive Director of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, said, “It’s very special for us to be back in Kenya. The very first MTV Shuga made here in 2009 marked the beginning of what would become a global broadcast franchise spanning across South Africa, Nigeria, India and beyond. But MTV Shuga is more than just a series; it’s a movement. It has sparked important and often difficult conversations among young people worldwide. The return of Shuga to Kenya affirms the work we’ve been doing at the MTV Staying Alive Foundation for the past 25 years. We know this isn’t about quick wins it’s about creating deep, long-term and meaningful impact. Through the Surround Sound Kenya programme, we aim to drive better health and educational outcomes for young people across the country.”
In the first episode, a wild night at Club Baze, the campus hotspot, triggers a chain reaction of betrayal, heartbreak and life-altering choices, forcing the students to confront one question: Who are you, really when nobody is watching? At the core of MTV Shuga Mashariki is a daring, unfiltered exploration of what it means to come of age in today’s hyper-connected world. Set in the vagabond world of campus life, Enkare University, the show follows a group of students as they navigate love, identity, mental health and sexuality all under the pressures of family expectations, social media validation and economic realities.
With compelling narratives and grounded performances, MTV Shuga Mashariki is designed to spark conversation, reflection and change. The new season dives deep into the lives of Kenyan youth, addressing issues such as sexual and reproductive health, financial independence, gender norms, consent and the power of collective youth agency.
Don’t miss the premiere of MTV Shuga Mashariki:
Citizen TV – 13th May at 11 PM EAT (airs every Tuesday)
YouTube – 14th May at 8 PM EAT (weekly episodes)
For more information, call +254721368983.
