MTV STAYING ALIVE FOUNDATION & MTV BASE HOST KENYAN SCREENING OF “MTV SHUGA: DOWN SOUTH” HARD-HITTING CONTEMPORARY YOUTH DRAMA PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE UPS & DOWNS OF LOVE, SEX, RELATIONSHIPS, PREGNANCY & DIFFICULT CHOICES AMONG VULNERABLE AFRICAN TEENS
An irresponsible teen mom… a predatory teacher…an ambitious hostess… a conflicted adolescent struggling to understand his identity… a neglected trophy wife… a pregnant schoolgirl… a possessive boyfriend…a ruthless entrepreneur… these are some of the faces of MTV Shuga: Down South, the 12-
part new drama series from MTV Staying Alive Foundation and MTV Base. First originated in Nairobi, Kenya in 2009, MTV Shuga has since travelled to Nigeria and now South Africa, evolving from a 3-part series into a fully-fledge 12-part series and multiplatform franchise. MTV Shuga: Down South airs on MTV Base (DStv channel 322) on Wednesdays at 22:05 EAT and Sundays on Citizen TV at 23:00 EAT; the series will premiere on KBC from Tuesday 28 March at 22:30 EAT. Set in the homes, cafés, schools, parks and hangouts of fictional South African township, Zenzele, and real life Braamfontein, MTV Shuga: Down South is the fifth instalment in the multi-award-winning drama series, MTV Shuga. With powerful contemporary storylines, relatable characters and an ensemble cast of talented actors and contemporary musicians, MTV Shuga: Down South uses drama to disseminate important public health messages. The new series, directed by Mmabatho Montsho, Thabang Moleya and Rea Rangaka, includes a new focus on issues affecting adolescent girls in South Africa, with a particular emphasis on their vulnerability to unintended pregnancy and HIV infection. Never one to shy away from difficult subjects, MTV Shuga: Down South is crowded with interweaving stories of heartbreak, love, betrayal and difficult decisions among contemporary South African youth. Other key plot points include transactional sex, living with HIV and infidelity. In keeping with the contemporary tone of the drama, popular musicians Victoria Kimani, Seyi Shay, Fifi Cooper and Kwesta make cameo appearances as themselves, while Mohau Cele returns in the role of dissatisfied schoolgirl/singer Bongi. Emmanuel Ikubese returns as HIV+ music promoter “Femi”, while Kenyan actor Nick Mutuma reprises his role of good boy gone bad, “Leo”. Vanessa Mdee plays “Storm”, wife to Clint Brink’s “Rakeem”. Other key roles are played by Adesua Etomi, Thuso Mbedu, Mohau Cele, Jezriel Skei, Lerato Walaza, Given Stuurman, Samkelisiwe Makhoba, Stephanie Sandows, S’thandiwe Kgoroge, Phila Mazibuko, Ayanda Makayi, Graeme Kriega, Lehlohonolo Makoko, Nqobile Sipamla, Thembsie Matu and Winnie Ntshaba. Commented Alex Okosi, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa, “Pro-social programming that empowers our audience is an important part of our MTV Base brand. MTV Shuga deals with real issues facing young people through authentic storylines and characters, and we are excited to premiere this latest series, based in South Africa.” Added Georgia Arnold, Executive Director, MTV Staying Alive Foundation, “Previous seasons of MTV Shuga have been proven to change young peoples’ behaviour and attitudes relating to safe sex and HIV. While the series is moved to a South African setting and context for the first time, we know that MTV Shuga: Down South will continue to speak to young people all over the world, and make further strides in changing attitudes to unplanned pregnancies, and other health and emotional issues among African youth.” Other elements of the MTV Shuga campaign in Kenya will include two complementary episodes of TV series, MTV Shuga In Real Life, plus a 15-part radio drama series, a peer educator programme, comic book, audience polling, social media and a range of digital platforms. Lauding MTV for the new season, MultiChoice East Africa Commercial General Manager. Kenneth Oyolla, expressed his delight that customers would be reunited with their favourite local stars on the home of MTV Base in Kenya on DStv Channel 322 and GOtv Channel 72. “The strength of MultiChoice’s DStv ahd GOtv platforms lies in their ability to use the power of entertainment to enrich lives. We are excited that through the MTV Shuga production, our customers will have additional local content that informs, inspires, entertains and enhances their television experience. Furthermore, just as we’ve seen the rise and rise of Lupita Nyong’o’s star since her days on the series, we now look forward to watching with pride as more of our local talent like the lead actor, Nick Mutuma, grow into global creative industry heavyweights,” said Oyolla. MTV Shuga: Down South is
supported by the South African government’s Department of Basic Education, PEPFAR (The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), Marie Stopes International, ViiV Healthcare’s Positive Action MSM & Transgender Programme, CIFF (Children's Investment Fund Foundation) and FHI 360 (Family Health International). MTV Shuga: Down South is produced on behalf of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and MTV Base by Quizzical Pictures. To continue the conversation about MTV Shuga: Down South, please go to www.MTVShuga.com, like MTV Shuga on www.facebook.com/MTVShuga, or follow MTV Shuga on Twitter or Instagram @MTVShuga using the hashtag #MTVShugaDS.