A new season of MTV Shuga Mashariki, is set to premiere in 2026, promising to continue the show’s impactful storytelling.
MTV Shuga has gained international recognition for tackling critical health and social issues among young people, including HIV/AIDS prevention, safe sex, gender-based violence, and mental health.
MTV Shuga Mashariki is part of the Surround Sound Kenya Programme and is designed to be a uniquely Kenyan story, created by and for the country’s young people.
The show is set in the fictional Enkare University and follows a group of students as they navigate the complexities of love, identity, mental health, and sexuality. The series, which consists of eight episodes, aims to spark honest conversations and challenge harmful social norms by tackling important issues like HIV prevention, gender-based violence, financial independence, and youth agency.
Produced by Reuben Odanga and directed by Mkaiwawi Mwakaba, June Ndinya, and Likarion Wainaina, the show features a diverse and talented cast. Lead actors include Serah Wanjiru, Basil Mungai, Matthew Ngugi, Wilson Muchemi, Fatuma Gichuru, Julie Brenda, Fridah Mumbe, Mariam Bishar, and Makena Kahuha. The cast was selected from over 1,600 hopefuls through a rigorous nationwide audition process.
MTV Shuga Mashariki season 1 premiered in Kenya on Citizen TV on May 13 at 11 PM EAT, and aired weekly on Tuesdays, and internationally on BET. It is also available globally on MTV Shuga’s YouTube channel.
MTV Shuga Mashariki builds on the show’s legacy of discovering and nurturing fresh talent and is part of the award-winning MTV Shuga franchise. The MTV Shuga series has been set in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Cote D’Ivoire and India .