The MTV Staying Alive Foundation (MTV SAF) has greenlit the second season of its young adult drama MTV Shuga Mashariki, set to premiere in early 2026. Closed auditions are currently underway for select roles, with production scheduled to begin later this year.
MTV Shuga first launched in Kenya in 2009 with a star-studded cast that included Lupita Nyong’o, Valerie Kimani, Nick Mutuma, Brenda Wairimu, and Avril for its first two seasons. The series later moved to Nigeria and South Africa before returning to Kenya in 2025 after 15 years.
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The first season of this new Kenyan edition premiered in May 2025 on Citizen TV and internationally on BET. It was also made available on YouTube, where it has so far garnered over 2.8 million views, alongside significant engagement on social media – more than 81,000 interactions on Instagram and TikTok, according to MTV SAF. The foundation described this as “a testament to MTV Shuga Mashariki’s strength in connecting with youth on digital platforms, where they already spend most of their time.”
“The return of MTV Shuga Mashariki was more than a relaunch, it was a revival of authentic Kenyan storytelling that speaks directly to youth and the challenges they face,” said Mitchelle Kimathi, MTV SAF Country Manager (Kenya). “We are excited to continue engaging in bold storytelling that will allow traditionally uncomfortable conversations to happen as we challenge restrictive norms by tapping into creative content to amplify the voices, realities and ambitions of young Kenyans through powerful and relatable narratives told through homegrown creators.”
Season 1 brought together a cast of young Kenyan actors including Serah Wanjiru (Volume), Basil Mungai (Click Click Bang), Matthew Ngugi (Mo-Faya), Julie Brenda (Kina), Fridah Mumbe (Jiji), Mariam Bishar, Makena Kahuha (Subterranea), Fatuma Gichuru and Wilson Muchemi. MTV SAF noted that the show “cemented MTV Shuga Mashariki as both a platform for fresh talent and a defining cultural force.”
It was directed by Mkaiwawi Mwakaba (Makosa ni Yangu, 4Play), June Ndinya (Prefects, Flash Squad) and Likarion Wainaina (Supa Modo, Subterranea), and produced by Reuben Odanga (Nafsi, Mo-Faya). The writers’ room was led by South African Makgano Mamabolo (Rhythm City), joined by Natasha Likimani (Sincerely Daisy), Mkamzee Mwatela (Second Family), Arnold Mwanjila (Subterranea) and Annette Shadeya (Country Queen).
“At MTV Staying Alive Foundation, our mission has always been to use the power of storytelling to shift attitudes and inspire behaviour change around critical health and social issues,” said Wame Jallow, Executive Director of MTV SAF. “Through the MTV Shuga franchise, we’re not just entertaining but igniting conversations that create real, lasting impact. We’re proud to once again feature an exceptional Kenyan-led team of directors, cast, crew, and producers in the upcoming season.”
Produced by MTV SAF, MTV Shuga Mashariki is part of the Surround Sound Kenya Programme, which aims to open up conversations on gender norms and their impact on young people’s livelihoods.
MTV SAF has also announced 25Flow, a music initiative seeking young Kenyan talent to create original soundtracks for the show’s second season. Emerging artists are invited to submit their work for consideration and will undergo mentorship under Kenyan producer So Fresh before their music is featured in the series.
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