MTV Shuga Mashariki begins production
The upcoming season is part of landmark collaboration with Shujaaz Inc
Ahead of its highly anticipated return in May 2025, the multi-award-winning TV drama series MTV Shuga Mashariki is now in production, its producers (MTV Staying Alive Foundation-SAF) have announced.
The upcoming season is part of landmark collaboration with Shujaaz Inc, and it is aimed at challenging gender norms and their impact on the outcomes of young people, as part of the Surround Sound Kenya Programme.
Set in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Cote D’Ivoire and India, MTV Shuga Mashariki is part of the MTV Shuga franchise–MTV-SAF’s flagship behavior change campaign. The series is accompanied by radio, digital, social media, and on-the-ground educational activities, which integrates health messaging into storylines that reflect the lives and experiences of youth audiences.
Its directorial team features three celebrated Kenya directors June Ndinya, Mkaiwawi Mwakaba and Likarion Wainaina. Known for their groundbreaking work in Kenyan film and TV, these directors bring a wealth of experience, creativity and passion to the production.
June is celebrated for her dynamic storytelling in hit teen dramas like Flash Squad and Prefects, earning her a reputation as a powerhouse of bold, authentic narratives.
Mwakaba is the co-founder of the African Female Filmmakers Collective. She blends technical expertise with a passion for innovative storytelling, making significant strides in the Kenyan film industry, including co-directing the 2024 film Makosa Ni Yangu.
Internationally acclaimed for his award-winning feature film Supa Modo, Likarion continues to redefine African cinema with fresh, impactful narratives that resonate globally. He’s also behind Kenya’s first sci-fi drama series Subterranea.
“We are particularly proud to have two female directors on board, whose perspectives are crucial in shaping how themes affecting young women and girls are portrayed on the show. By having women engaged in shaping this creative process, we can authentically showcase societal issues and their impact, especially those that intersect with gender. Their contributions allow us to highlight these challenges with nuance, empathy and depth,” says MTV Staying Alive Foundation country manager-Kenya, Mitchelle Kimathi.
MTV Shuga Mashariki will be produced by Reuben Odanga in collaboration with Kenyan production company, Multan Production Limited. Multan has produced notable series including Mo Faya, Selina, Saida, Nafsi and A Familiar Christmas.
Additionally, celebrated Kenyan cinematographer Enos Olik will play a key role in shaping the visual identity of the series, ensuring that the narratives are not only impactful, but also visually unforgettable. Olik’s notable works include the anthology film Anyango and the Ogre (2021), Crime and Justice series (2021–2023), Supa Modo (2018), musical drama Famous (2021), and The Christmas Run (2024).
“MTV Shuga Mashariki is a celebration of Kenyan talent and storytelling, and we are thrilled to have a fully local team of directors leading the way. With June, Mwakaba and Likarion at the helm, this production is truly Kenyan at its core, ensuring that every narrative 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, with the gender-diverse directors team being central to this vision,” says MTV Staying Alive Foundation executive director Wame Jallow.
