By Faith Mwende
MTV Shuga is making a highly anticipated comeback after 15 years, unveiling a diverse cast for its latest season.
The series brings together a mix of rising stars and established actors, including Serah Wanjiru (Netflix’s Volume), Basil Mungai (Click Click Bang), Matthew Ngugi (Mo Faya), Fridah Mumbe (Jiji), Makena Kahuha (Subterranea), Julie Brenda (Kina), Fatuma Gichuru (Sky Girls), radio host Mariam Bishar, and newcomer Wilson Muchemi.
This marks Muchemi’s first TV role, known for his comedic and social media content. Gichuru also steps into her first major TV lead, while Brenda, winner of the Best Actress in a Leading Role at the African Smartphone Film Festival (2020), gets her breakthrough opportunity.
Mumbe, a stunt performer and People’s Choice Awards Kenya 2023 winner for Pepeta, adds her expertise to the show. Mariam, a radio personality and content creator, takes on her debut acting role, while Makena, an experienced stage actress, rounds out the ensemble.
The cast was selected from nationwide auditions in October 2024, which saw over 1,600 actors compete for a spot in the series.
Set in the vibrant world of campus life, MTV Shuga Mashariki continues the franchise’s mission to entertain and empower young audiences. The show tackles critical social issues such as gender norms, love, ambition, peer pressure, mental health, and community support. It also sparks conversations around agency, sexual and reproductive health, consent, and informed decision-making among Kenyan youth.
Mitchelle Kimathi, Country Manager – Kenya, of MTV Staying Alive Foundation, emphasized the show’s role in talent development and social impact:
“In addition to addressing critical societal issues, we are also nurturing the next generation of Kenyan superstars. From our talented directors to the fresh faces discovered during our auditions, this production continues the legacy of MTV Shuga as a platform for launching careers and telling impactful stories that resonate across the continent.”
The latest season is directed by Mkaiwawi Mwakaba, June Ndinya (Prefects, Flash Squad), and Likarion Wainaina, with Reuben Odanga as the lead producer.
While the exact premiere date is yet to be confirmed, MTV Shuga Mashariki is set to debut in May 2025.
