One of Kenya’s most significant TV series, *Shuga*, is making a comeback after nearly 15 years. The series is known for launching the careers of renowned Kenyan actors, including Lupita Nyong’o, Nicholas Mutuma, Brenda Wairimu, Gin Ideal, and Anthony Mwangi.
Focusing on themes of love, sex, and money, *Shuga* presents a bittersweet narrative of lust, ambition, fast living, and the choices faced by today’s youth. The MTV Staying Alive Foundation has announced audition dates for the new edition, stating, “MTV Shuga Mashariki is searching for fresh talent—whether you’re new to acting or a seasoned performer, this is your chance to shine on the big screen.”
This exciting news signals the show’s return after more than a decade, with auditions set to take place this weekend (October 11 and 12) at the University of Nairobi. The production will be informed by local, youth-centered research and aims to address harmful gender norms affecting young people.
To expand its reach to aspiring actors nationwide and nurture local talent, *Shuga* will conduct both physical and virtual open auditions this month. The coming-of-age drama follows young friends as they navigate issues related to sexual health, relationships, and family. Love, heartache, broken dreams, and the struggle to overcome life’s challenges are central to *Shuga*.
While Season 1 was exclusively Kenyan, subsequent seasons featured a diverse cast from East, West, and Southern Africa. Season 2 included prominent actors such as Timini Egbuson, Mohau Cele, Nick Mutuma, Emmanuel Ikubese, Adesua Etomi, Thuso Mbedu, Clint Brink, Lerato Walaza, Jezriel Skei, Ayanda Makayi, Stephanie Sandows, and Vanessa Mdee.
According to the producers, this new season will maintain the *Shuga* legacy while introducing dynamic new faces and a fresh generation of Kenyan actors. *Shuga* was the largest production in the region at its time, and there has been a consistent demand for a Kenyan show of similar stature.
The television drama series first premiered in November 2009 on MTV Base as part of the initiative “MTV Staying Alive Ignite!” Its first two seasons were commissioned by MTV Networks Africa in partnership with The MTV Staying Alive Foundation, PEPFAR, the Partnership for an HIV-Free Generation (HFG), and the Government of Kenya, as part of a multimedia campaign promoting responsible sexual behavior and tolerance.
*Shuga* became a major hit, aired in 40 different African countries, and was broadcast internationally on over 70 television stations. Some Kenyans considered the drama controversial due to its sexually explicit scenes.
In May 2010, *Shuga* received a Gold award in the Public Relations Health category at the World Media Festival in Hamburg, Germany, recognizing its focus on love, emotions, and sexual behavior among Kenyan youth. By 2013, the production of the series shifted to Nigeria, leading to the creation of *Shuga Naija*, a new version that serves as a multimedia campaign aimed at educating youth about HIV/AIDS, safe sex, and teen pregnancy.
The Story
*Shuga* is a three-part series that began with Season 1, introducing Ayira (Lupita Nyong’o), a beautiful, confident, and vivacious 22-year-old college student. Ayira’s life was profoundly affected when her father left her mother for another woman six years prior. Determined to help her mother and sister escape their financial struggles, she was eager to restore the comfortable life they once enjoyed.
Despite having a steady, loving boyfriend named Ty, Ayira struggled with trust issues towards men due to her father’s actions. Her hunger for life often clouded her judgment and sense of values.
Ayira’s good friend, Sindi (Valerie Kimani), was characterized as beautiful, wise, generous, and compassionate. Although Sindi and Ayira were opposites, their shared history and common background forged a strong bond between them; they had been friends since childhood. Sindi, a virgin, was committed to remaining so until she found Mr. Right, serving as the grounded and responsible one in their friendship. Ayira and Violet (Sharon Olago) appreciated Sindi for always looking out for them during drunken escapades or moments of trouble.
As she observed the high drama and excitement of her friends’ lives, Sindi grew increasingly concerned about their reckless behavior. Having lost a close aunt to HIV/AIDS, she was committed to ensuring her friends avoided a similar fate.
In contrast, the lively and mischievous Violet embodied the party spirit. Like Ayira, she pursued a love for the good life, and their dynamic often led to volatile situations as they chased what they wanted without considering the consequences. Violet’s party lifestyle involved significant amounts of alcohol, often leading to casual sexual encounters and a long-term sexual relationship with one of the boys. Although she appeared confident and carefree, beneath her facade, Violet grappled with insecurities and feelings of unworthiness in love.
“There was something quite unique about the *Shuga* series that many young people in Kenya and across Africa resonated with. It was about reality—the lifestyle young people live and experience. It told the true story in a very straightforward way.”
Many from the older generation were uncomfortable with *Shuga* because it addressed issues about sex quite bluntly. “I think that was the only way to push the campaign,” says Nick, one of the key cast members. “Even though it was originally a Kenyan youth story, the production became so popular across Africa that subsequent seasons went to South Africa and Nigeria. It became clear that the social issues faced by African youth in urban areas were similar. I’m not surprised *Shuga* is back. I bet it will be a hit again,” he adds.
The season also featured cameo appearances from notable Kenyan artists, including Madtraxx, P-Unit, Nonini, Nameless, Juliani, Jimmy Gait, and DJ Adrian. After her role in *Shuga*, Lupita Nyong’o became a major Hollywood star, now a celebrated actress with an Academy Award and a Daytime Emmy Award, along with nominations for two British Academy Film Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award.
Actors like Nick Mutuma and Brenda Wairimu also rose to prominence, continuing to take major roles in local productions that have won both local and continental film awards.
Another Kenyan production from the same era that can be compared to *Shuga*’s success is *Nairobi Half Life*, a 2012 drama film directed by David ‘Tosh’ Gitonga. The film was selected as Kenya’s entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 85th Academy Awards but did not make the final shortlist. This marked the first time Kenya had submitted a film in this category.
At the 33rd Durban International Film Festival, Joseph Wairimu won the award for Best Actor and later received the Africa Movie Academy Award for Most Promising Actor at the 9th ceremony. *Nairobi Half Life* won the most awards at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in 2014, further solidifying its place in the Kenyan film industry.
