Season 1
Shuga is a South African/Kenyan/Nigerian television drama series created as part of the MTV Staying Alive Ignite campaign, a multimedia campaign designed to empower and motivate sexually active youth and young adults to modify their sexual behaviour, and to embrace positive prevention strategies towards HIV infection.
The series, which first aired in November 2009 on MTV Base, explores key issues such as HIV testing, condom use, gender inequality and the role of multiple concurrent partnerships play in driving the HIV epidemic.
Shuga is aimed at positively changing the behaviour of young people in order to improve their sexual and reproductive health. The series interweaves the tales of original and newly introduced characters in the various episodes.
The first two seasons of this drama are based in Nairobi, Kenya, while the third season is based in Nigeria.
Season 1 is a three-part drama series that follows the lives of a group of cool young students whose bright lives and fabulous futures are balanced on a knife-edge due to their love of risk and danger. It is a story of love, sex, Friday nights and the indelible marks we leave on one another.
Season 1 features actress, producer and director Lupita Nyong'o, reality show star and recording artist Valerie Kimani, established actors Anthony Mwangi and Nicolas Mutuma as well as South African actor Tumisho Masha.
Season 1 of Shuga follows the lives and love of a group of young students whose bright lives and fabulous futures are balanced on a knife edge due to their love of risk and some bad choices.
This season focuses on a modern girl, Ayira, who knows what she wants and how to get it. She develops passion with an older man at the expense of a long time lover, Ty.
It also looks at the life of two lovers Virginia and Leo who face various obstacles in their relationships but are determined to make it work.
The series is produced by Bomb.
Season 1 Cast
(scroll to bottom for actor bios)
Starring
Lupita Nyong'o ... Ayira
Pepe Haze ... Ty
Tumisho Masha ... Felix
Sharon Olago ... Violet
Valerie Kimani ... Sindi
Eva Kanyang'onda ... Virginia
Nick Mutuma ... Leo
David Omwange ... Skola
Antony Mwangi ... Kennedy
Recurring / Guests
Juliani ... Narrator / Hip Hop Student
Abel Amunga ... Sugar Daddy
Nicole Wangui ... Ayira's Sister
Mukami Njiru ... Ayira's Mother
Gilbert Lukalia ... Restaurant Manager
Hellen Dausen ... Waitress
Steenie Njoroge ... Lecturer
Elizabeth Nyiva ... Student 1
Linet Munyali ... Student 2
David Mulwa ... Ad Man 1
Tony Mbala ... Ad Man 2
Alison Ngibuini ... Alison
Joseph Wachu ... Slick / Matatu Tout
Tabitha Methu ... Virginia's Friend
Jimmie Gait ... Special Guest Appearance
Nameless ... Special Guest Appearance
DJ Adrian ... Special Guest Appearance
P'Unit ... Special Guest Appearance
Nonini ... Special Guest Appearance
Lenny Juma ... Ty's Landlord
Boniface Loppokoyit ... Radio Station Caller
Raymond Ofula ... Ayira's Father
Linet Atieno ... Girl at Poolside
Elizabeth Muthoni ... Shop Assistant
Lucy Nyagah ... Nurse Muthai
Steenie Njoronge ... Lecturer
Madtraxx ... Special Guest Appearance
Evelyn Nyambura ... DJ Eve
Abubaker Muindi ... Councillor
Lucy Nyagah ... Nurse Muthai
Fidel Namisi ... Radio Caller (voice)
Mark Somen ... Ad Colleague