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MTV Shuga Mashariki renewed for Season 2 just two months after Season 1 finale
A group photo of the main cast of MTV Shuga Mashariki. MTV Shuga Mashariki is part of the award-winning MTV Shuga franchise–MTV- (Staying Alive Foundation) SAF’s flagship behaviour change campaign.
Surprise, surprise, we didn’t have to wait years for the continuation of a show that was already strong in production and story.
Season 1 did exactly what it needed: introduced a solid cast, looked fantastic, explored engaging stories, and ended with a cliffhanger that demanded more.
As much as I dislike cliffhangers, this proves they somehow work, or it was planned all along. I’m not saying renewal hinged on that ending, but in today’s climate, where one-season cancellations have been normalised, it’s good to see this one survive.
I’m excited to see where the story goes, especially with characters brought to life by young Kenyan talent: Serah Wanjiru, Basil Mungai, Matthew Ngugi, Fatuma Gichuru, Julie Brenda, Fridah Mumbe, Mariam Bishar, Makena Kahuha, and Wilson Muchemi. With direction from Likarion Wainaina, June Ndinya, and Mkaiwawi Mwakaba, Captured perfectly by Enos Olik with Reuben Odanga as the producer.
As of September 21, the eight episodes, excluding trailers and promos, have already pulled in more than 2.3 million YouTube views, and that’s just two months since the Season 1 finale dropped.
If you’ve followed my coverage of Season 1, you know this is where I’d usually argue for the inclusion of two particular directors. Not today.
This time, I’m simply glad the show continues. And, I’ll hold back on predictions about where the story could or should head, at least for now.
By the time you read this, closed auditions will be underway to fill a few roles, with production set for later this year. My only concern is that decision-making at the executive level still leans heavily outside Kenya.
With such a diverse cast and crew, it would be great to see more Kenyans in top roles, not just in front of the camera but also in the boardroom, the higher-ups.
That aside, the renewal is good news. Season 1 proved that Africa can deliver a youth-centred drama at par with other global productions.
For the actors and crew, I hope this translates into a beefy paychecks. Overall, I hope they’ll be able to match what came before, which I consider to be the best young adult drama to come from the continent.
