Women-led, wellness-first and unapologetically African — Season 2 kicks off with bold stories, and a renewed standard of on-set care

November 13, 2025 42

The MTV Staying Alive Foundation (MTV SAF) yesterday unveiled the cast and creative leadership for the upcoming Season 2 of its groundbreaking youth drama, MTV Shuga Mashariki, set to premiere in early 2026.

Returning to Season 2 of MTV Shuga Mashariki will be the powerhouse ensemble of Serah Wanjiru, Basil Mungai, Matthew Ngugi, Wilson Muchemi, Fatuma Gichuru, Juliebrenda Nyambura, Fridah Mumbe, Renee Gichuki and Mwende King’ori, with fan-favourite Brian Kabugi making a powerful return this season in a major role that audiences won’t want to miss. The anticipated new season will also introduce Vanessa Okeyo Aika, Marima Wanjiru, Natalia Kyalo, Jenny Muigai, Amalie Chopetta, Beatrice Kamuyu, Eunice Kamau and Tanzania’s Talie Gray — all who will breathe fresh life into Shuga’s evolving narrative with their dynamic performances.

Set in the lively world of campus life at Enkare University, MTV Shuga Mashariki Season 2 will continue its powerful tradition of using storytelling to spark change among Kenya’s youth. From script to screen, every storyline is grounded in local, youth-centred research and crafted to challenge restrictive norms and harmful social expectations that shape young people’s lives. Drawing on extensive evidence that authentic, relatable storytelling can shift attitudes at scale, this season promises to both entertain and inspire.

Fatuma Gichuru & Wilson Muchemi, Series Actors

Season 2 marks a significant milestone as MTV SAF partners with She Moves Africa Films, a women-led production company founded by award-winning producer and storyteller Dina Mwende. The season also welcomes Janet Chumbe as one of the new directors, joining MTV Shuga Mashariki’s accomplished directorial team alongside June Ndinya, Mkaiwawi Mwakaba and Likarion Wainaina — acclaimed Kenyan filmmakers celebrated for their groundbreaking work in film and television. Together, they bring a wealth of experience, creativity and passion to the production.

Dina Mwende is taking the reins as Series Producer for Season 2 after serving as Associate Producer in the first season. With acclaimed productions under her belt, including the acclaimed feature film ‘Nafsi’, ‘Makutano Junction’ TV Series and the documentary ‘With Grace’, Dina brings over two decades of experience in storytelling, edutainment and social impact.

Dina Mwende, Series Producer

Speaking about her new role Dina says, “My heart found a home in stories that do more than entertain, stories that move people and challenge us to reimagine what future is possible for young people. Being able to develop content that not only entertains but also nurtures much-needed conversations on young people and the challenges they are facing is essential in being able to do this.”

This move marks a defining leap for women in film and television across East Africa, highlighting the rising influence of female creators who are shaping narratives that drive change. Guided by its mission to build pathways for women and youth in Africa’s creative industries, MTV SAF continues to merge cinematic brilliance with purpose-driven storytelling that entertains, educates and inspires. Through its unwavering commitment to inclusivity, the foundation creates spaces where women can thrive in storytelling, production and media innovation—amplifying their voices and perspectives to shape narratives that inspire and transform.

Mitchelle Kimathi, Country Manager (Kenya) at MTV Staying Alive Foundation, shares, “At MTV Staying Alive Foundation, we see storytelling as both cultural work and care work. Through MTV Shuga Mashariki Season 2, we’re not only producing bold, authentic stories — we’re transforming how those stories are made. This season, we are embedding wellness and psychosocial support into the fabric of our production, championing intimacy coordination – setting new standards for safety and gender equity in East African filmmaking. We want to create an ecosystem where care is intentional, creativity is protected and impact is felt just as much behind the camera as it is on screen.”

Janet Chumbe, Series Director

MTV SAF and She Moves Africa have also rolled out the second iteration of Shuga’s Talent Acceleration Programme (TAP 2.0), a hands-on initiative designed to train and empower the next generation of filmmakers in Kenya. This year’s cohort includes Ian Mwendwa (Directing), Trevor Sudi (Camera), Beatrice Karu (Sound), Ann Naomi (Make-up), Maissy Wairimu (Wardrobe), Alicia Njoki, Sam Mahinda & Ruth Wambui (Art), Leila Fiona & Marion Kipawa (Production), Clinton Ayieka (Lighting) and Ryan Glib (Grips) — emerging talents who represent the future of Kenya and Africa’s creative industry.

Season 2 of MTV Shuga Mashariki promises bold, thought-provoking storytelling that continues to reflect the real lives and experiences of young Kenyans—with each episode and character infused with fresh energy, depth and the authenticity that has defined the award-winning show. From consent and agency, to mental well-being, relationships, ambition and the power of community; the new season will dive deep into real-life issues that matter to Kenyan youth. Through captivating performances and visually compelling storytelling, MTV Shuga Mashariki aims to ignite meaningful conversations and empower audiences to make informed choices and embrace positive change.

This impact-driven production is part of MTV SAF’s collaboration with Shujaaz under the Surround Sound Kenya Programme, which seeks to challenge limiting norms and improve the social and health outcomes of young people nationwide, through multi-platform content. Offering a raw, relatable and hopeful lens into the lives of Kenya’s youth, MTV Shuga Mashariki proudly continues the legacy of the MTV Shuga franchise — celebrated across Africa for boldly addressing real-life issues facing the continent’s young generation.