The 7th season of MTV Shuga - the second season of MTV Shuga Down South - has started on MTV Base (DStv 322).
Previous seasons of Viacom International Media Networks Africa's (VIMN Africa) MTV Shuga have been filmed in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria with the second season of the entitled "MTV Shuga Down South " that was filmed in South Africa between September and November 2018.
The second season of the edutainment drama series is once gain set in Braamfontein in Johannesburg and the fictional township of Zenzele where the plot revolves around various sex and youth challenge dilemmas as part of a Unitaid, MTV Staying Alive Foundation, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, initiative.
Several of the previous season's characters like Ipeleng (Thuso Mbedu), Q, Zamo and Reggie (Given Stuurman) are back, with the addition of the gay actor Mohale Motaung in the role of Odirile as the second openly-gay character after Reggie.
Also back are Ayanda Makayi (Sol) and Samke Makhoba (Khensani), with the rest of the MTV Shuga Down South cast who includes Jezriel Skei, Lerato Walaza, Jemima Osunde, Jet Novuka, Nqobile Sipamla, Gcina Grace Olifant, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, and Winnie Ntshaba.
New characters include Kwanele (Malibongwe Mdwaba who won a role after the public auditions), Dineo (Mamarumo Marokane), Arabeng (Mamodibe Ramodibe) and Thuli (Dee Rasedile).
This season of MTV Base's Shuga Down South will use Mohale Motaung's character to explore innovations in the HIV-prevention space ranging from percautionary medication like PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), self-testing, abusive relationships, so-called "toxic masculinity" and transactional sex.
Episodes were directed by Thishiwe Ziqubu, Vivek Mehta and Mlu Godola.
"Part of the MTV Shuga vision is to empower and open up the industry for young African talent, as it did for Lupita Nyong'o who got her start on MTV Shuga Kenya. We're excited to have Mohale join the MTV Shuga Down South family," says Monde Twala, vice president for youth, music and BET for VIMN Africa, in a statement.
