The new episodes are also expected to air in North America on BET.
Ahead of the show’s return, the show’s cast, crew, producers, partners and media gathered at The Tamarind Brasserie for an exclusive first look at the series.
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.
Speaking at the premiere event, Wame Jallow, Executive Director of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, called coming back to Kenya “special.”
“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,” she said. “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.”
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.
Mitchelle Kimathi, Country Manager (Kenya) at MTV Staying Alive Foundation, said the story was uniquely Kenyan.
“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.”
Developed under the Surround Sound Kenya Programme, this season builds on MTV Shuga’s legacy as Africa’s leading youth drama, 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.
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.
By Nzula Nzyoka
