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Tag: MTV Shuga

  • MTV Shuga returns, seeks fresh talent in Nigeria

    AWARD-WINNING drama series, Shuga returns to Nigeria and seeks fresh talent for the new season.

    MTV Shuga Naija, is a multi-sectorial partnership led by the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and is supported by MTV Base Africa, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and NGOs.

    Following the recent premiere of the new season of MTV Shuga Down South in South Africa and the announcement of upcoming campaigns in Cote D’Ivoire and India, MTV Shuga continues to champion conversations about real issues affecting young people using relatable characters and stories that revolve around contraception, sexual health, family planning, gender-based violence and other social issues.

    This year’s MTV Shuga Naija TV and radio campaign welcomes award-winning director Tope Oshin as producer. Known for setting the pace for female directors in the Nigerian movie industry, she has earned accolades for her amazing portfolio, featuring movies including, ‘Relentless’, ‘Fifty’, ‘Wedding Party 2’, ‘New Money’, ‘We Don’t Live Here’, and most recently, ‘Up North’.

    The campaign kicks off with open auditions, which will be held on Thursday, April 4th at the Classique Event Centre, Ikeja Lagos.

    MTV Shuga has been at the forefront of attracting and developing new acting talent including: Timini Egbuson, Emmanuel Ikubese, Bukola Oladipupo, Helena Nelson and Jemima Osunde; last season’s open auditions attracted over 1700 hopefuls. MTV Shuga Naija would-be actors will be judged by a diverse range of industry experts and selected based on their acting skills and originality.

    Applicants are encouraged to pre-register via the MTV Shuga website by clicking on the Eventbrite link in the Open Auditions page: http://bit.ly/MTVShugaNaijaAuditions.

    Budding actors are encouraged to engage with MTV Shuga Naija via social platforms: @mtvshuganaija on Facebook and Twitter and @mtvshuganaija_ on Instagram using the hashtag #MTVShugaNaijaAuditions

    Auditions are open to Nigerian residents aged 18+ and will run from 7am – 3pm.

    Speaking on the auditions for the upcoming series, the

    According to the Executive Director of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, Georgia Arnold, “We are excited to bring back the public auditions for the new season of MTV Shuga Naija. Our aim is to continue using relatable storytelling to educate and empower young people about social issues like contraception, sexual health, family planning and gender-based violence. We can’t wait to discover amazing new talent to join the MTV Shuga family!”

    Alex Okosi Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks and BET International commented:

    “MTV Shuga provides an important narrative for our African youth with socially relevant content that resonates globally. This call for auditions is a platform for young talent on the continent to open up the industry with diverse storytelling.”

    The new season of MTV Shuga Naija is due to hit screens in September 2019.

  • MTV Shuga focuses on HIV prevention and self-testing

    UNITAID, MTV Staying Alive Foundation (MTV SAF) and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine today announced a three-year partnership to introduce and evaluate storylines on HIV innovation, including HIV self-testing and preventive drugs (PrEP) into the award-winning drama seriesMTV Shuga.

    The programme is designed to help millions of young viewers in French and English-speaking Africa protect themselves from HIV. This follows the recent airing of MTV Shuga Season 6 “MTV Shuga Naija” on MTV Base (DStv channel 322) earlier this year.

    The effort, unveiled during the 22nd International AIDS Conference, will span Southern Africa and Western francophone Africa and deliver three new TV series of MTV Shuga, together with a multi-media campaign that promotes sexual health. The enhanced programme will target hard-to-reach populations, particularly people 15 to 24 years old.

    The new MTV Shuga campaigns will be deployed in South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire between 2018 and 2020. Preliminary work for both countries begins this year. The South Africa season will deliver another instalment of “MTV Shuga: Down South” due to broadcast in the first half of 2019, followed by two seasons in Côte d’Ivoire.

    AIDS remains the leading cause of death among 10- to 24-year-olds in Africa, bolstering the case for innovations and investments that place a high priority on this age group. Through the MTV Shuga campaign, Unitaid and MTV SAF will shine a spotlight on young people’s real-life concerns.

  • MTV Shuga addresses sex, rape and consent with documentary

    With the world fixed on the outcry by women over sexual abuse and exploitation, MTV Shuga In Real Life (MTV Shuga IRL) is set to beam its searchlight on the topic with a 30-minute special that will chronicle the lives of these real individuals as they  go through the struggles portrayed in the hit series.

    In a statement by the organisers of MTV Shuga IRL, the documentary will address issues such as unprotected  sex, transactional sex, female education and the myths behind contraceptives.

    “This generation may have access to more information than ever before and this has definitely translated to more awareness on subjects relating to sex, rape and consent,” it said.

    “However, very little has changed in behavioural pattern, people are still getting raped on a daily, guys still can’t tell when no means no and young people are still having unprotected sex without a care in the world.

    “While many Tv series and movies have sometimes touched on the subject matter none has really taken such an honest approach to the problem like MTV Shuga In real life. Here it’s no acting, no script, no false depiction, just real life stories of people dealing with these issues that have plagued our nation. In this season the drama portrays a young girl being sexually abused by older men at a party and a young woman trying to make a career in music only to be raped by a senior figure in the industry. In MTV Shuga IRL, a young woman caught in the world of transactional sex tells of being drugged and abused.

    “While Nigeria as a nation may not have evolved quickly enough to curb some of these vices that have defined us, one of the highlights of the documentary was seeing people who have been caught up in transactional sex turn a new leaf and change their lives for the better.”

    Though Nigeria is not forefront on this advocacy, organisers of MTV Shuga believe Nigerians are concerned about it, talk about it but it seems we’re not concerned “because we don’t shine the beamlight enough on our own stories of sexual abuse.”

  • MTV Shuga: Real Life Documentary Out

    So we all know MTV Shuga by now. After six seasons , the series has become one of the best on TV, boasting some awesome cinematography and jaw dropping acting performances from Nollywood’s finest.

    Now, the minds behind Shuga have put together a remarkable documentary, showing the lives of real life people with striking similarities to those we see in the drama . The documentary will take a deep dive into the lives of these real individuals as they go through the struggles portrayed in the hit series.

    If you’re still in doubt on what to expect from this amazing expose, let’s walk you through 5 reasons you absolutely need to catch MTV Shuga In Real life when it airs on the 24th & 27th of May.

    1. The Drama is real

    It’s one thing to see your favourite characters deal with sexual abuse, transactional sex and the negative effects of these vices. It’s another thing to see these tropes play out in real life and watch real people deal with these issues. MTV Shuga IRL takes the narrative to a whole new level with this documentary, showing that everything you see in the Shuga series is inspired by real stories.

    2. Education For All.

    One of the major subject matters the documentary sheds light on is female education.

    In the show we meet, teenage girls who are being forced to quit their education after becoming mothers at an extremely young age. This deprives these brilliant minds from having the knowledge and information to unlock their potential. MTV Shuga In Real Life casts some spotlight on this issue and shows that there just might be hope for these young girls as attitudes change within communities .

     3.Perspective

    The issue of transactional sex is often a topic of conversation in Nigeria. Whether it’s when discussing “runs girls” or prostitution. It’s easy to hear these stories and jump into quick conclusion on the motives of people who engage in such vices. However, after seeing this documentary, you get a better sense of the reasons why some of these girls do what they do. There is a compelling narrative to be told here and MTV Shuga IRL delivers it brilliantly.

    4.What You Don’t Know Might Kill You.

    You know that saying that what you don’t know can’t kill you? Well, not knowing about the dangers of unprotected sex actually can kill you. All through the seasons of MTV Shuga, a prevailing theme has been sex education. African parents have never been good with “the talk”, something which MTV Shuga IRL addresses, before emphasizing the need for everyone, child or adult to have enough information on these subject matters so they can make informed decisions.

    5.Let’s Talk Condoms And Contraceptives.

    One of the highlights of this documentary is the Q & A sessions with real life couples, who were open enough to  reveal some insights into their sex lives. The documentary then takes some of these notions and puts them to the sword, confirming and/or debunking many preconceived ideas about sex and contraceptives. After hearing that some people literally jump repeatedly immediately after sex to avoid conception, you start to understand the importance of clearing the air on some of these false and widely spread ideas.

  • Kannywood stars Rahamu Sadau, Yakubu Mohammed among cast of MTV Shuga

    Kannywood stars Rahamu Sadau, Yakubu Mohammed among cast of MTV Shuga

    Followers of the popular hit TV- drama series, MTV Shuga, are set for an immersive experience as popular Kannywood actors; Rahama Ibrahim Sadau and Yakubu Mohammed are set to feature in the upcoming series.

    Being one of the very few Kannywood actors who have successfully crossed over into Nollywood, Rahama has starred in some notable productions, including “Super Story”. Rahama has become a household name in the Kannywood and Nollywood scene, as well as other prominent film industries. She is also a model, producer, director and television personality.

    Fellow Kannywood star Yakubu Mohammed, who has acted in over 100 movies, is also amongst the cast for MTV Shuga Naija.

    MTV Shuga has at its core sexual and reproductive health messaging for young people, aimed at enabling them to make healthy lifestyle choices. It is produced by the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and made possible by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and supported by MTV Base Africa and other partners.

    MTV Shuga will premiere on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322)) and BET (DStv channel 129) and other third party broadcasters around the world in 2018. Updates on the new MTV Shuga season can be found on  Facebook ; or via  @MTVShuga on Twitter or Instagram using the hash tag #MTVShugaNaija   or  #MTVShugaCastReveal

  • Aspiring actors storm “MTV Shuga” auditions

    Aspiring actors storm “MTV Shuga” auditions

    Aspiring actors trooped to Planet One, Maryland, Lagos, last Saturday to attend an open audition for award-winning drama series, “MTV Shuga”.

    The wannabees waited hours for their turns, forming queues that stretched well outside the perimeter of the audition venue. The panel of judges, which included movie directors; Tope Oshin, Ishaya Bako and Tolu Ajayi appraised the acting skills of participants.

    Speaking on the auditions for the new series, the Executive Director of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility for Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), Georgia Arnold said: “We are amazed by the great turn out at the auditions which offers a great platform to discover acting talent who can convey the MTV Shuga messaging. We are now poised to produce a really good drama that will trigger important conversations on sexual health which will engender positive lifestyle choices amongst young people.”

    Also speaking at a press briefing, Monde Twala, Vice President, BET, Youth & Music, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa said; “Young people want to get more from entertainment.

    “They hope to walk away with something authentic; with messaging that reflects who they are and can guide them through the thick channel of dynamic life issues. At MTV Base we are pleased to continue to be a key and primary partner in the MTV Shuga project; making sure that we continue to spearhead this very important messaging that can change lives and empower young people”.

    The MTV Shuga TV drama series, which has had five successful seasons in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, will have a strong emphasis on family planning and contraception as well as other issues affecting young people; using gripping storylines portrayed by Nigerian talent.

    Actors who were successful at the audition will be announced on a later date and will join returning cast members; Sharon Ezeamaka, Timini Egbuson and Jemima Osunde on set for the new season.

  • MTV SHUGA RETURN GOOD FOR NIGERIA

    FOR its sixth season, MTV Shuga series has announced a return to Nigeria in a move which portends good for the country.

    The Pan African television series will be broadcast on 179 channels in 61 countries to over 720 million people across the world. The TV show revolves around the lives of young African as they face the challenges of adolescent years.

    Playing host to the award winning MTV shuga drama series can be extremely rewarding for a country with public image issues such as Nigeria. A former information and communications minister, late Prof. (Mrs.) Dora Akunyili announced a national rebranding campaign which was tagged “Good People, Great Nation.” However, this largely did not change the narrative.

    But production of MTV Shuga in Nigeria is a project that will help to redirect the narrative about Nigeria from negative to positive.

    Season six will feature former MTV Shuga stars, Sharon Ezeamaka, Timini Egbuson and Jemima Osunde while new talents on the TV series will be selected through auditions. Also joining the MTV Shuga team for season six is Chris Ihidero, who will be producing the upcoming series in Nigeria.

    The fourth series of MTV Shuga was directed by Biyi Bandele and featured Ikubese Emmanuel Ifeanyichukwu, Nick Mutuma, Dorcas Shola Fapson, Sharon Ezeamaka, Timini Egbuson, Olumide Oworu, Chris Attoh, Zoe Favour, Mohau Mokoatle, Ifeanyi Dike Jr, Jemima Osunde and Peace Hyde. Nigerian musicians, Patoranking, Eva Alordiah, and MI Abaga, also made cameo appearances in the series.

  • ‘MTV Shuga’ to hold open auditions

    ‘MTV Shuga’ to hold open auditions

    As award winning TV series, MTV Shuga enters its sixth season, producers have announced thatdoors will be open to acting hopefuls as they sets out to discover new talents in Nigeria

    The show, which has had five successful seasons in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, focuses on real issues affecting young people and tells hard-hitting stories that revolve around contraception, sexual health, family planning and social issues.

    According to the producers, auditions for the long-running Pan-African drama series are open to Nigerian residents aged 18 and above and will be held on Saturday, August 12, at Planet One, Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The auditions will be open from 9am until 6pm. Participants will be required to provide one head shot photograph and a form of photo identification, such as a passport, driver’s license, National ID Card or student ID, producers say.

    Also, budding actors and actresses who are unable to attend the physical audition need not worry as they can also submit a short video audition on Instagram, Facebook and Twi tter using the hashtag #MTVShugaAudition. The online auditions will be open from Friday 28 July to Wednesday 23 August 2017.

    Speaking on the auditions, Executive Director of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility for Viacom International, Georgia Arnold said; “We are excited to bring back the public auditions for the brand-new season of MTV Shuga. Nigeria has one of the most vibrant movie and television industries in the world, which is a testament to the amazing acting talent available in the country and our aim is to find another star through these auditions.”

    The sixth and seventh seasons of MTV Shuga will premiere on MTV Base and BET, as well as MTV networks and other third party broadcasters around the world in 2018.

     

  • Sophie the ‘runs girl’ returns to MTV Shuga

    Sophie the ‘runs girl’ returns to MTV Shuga

    •New season reveals more cast 

    LAST seen with a life-threatening gunshot injury sustained in the dramatic season finale of the TV drama, former ‘runs girl’ Sophie has been profoundly affected by her brush with death and has vowed to turn her life around. But audiences will have to wait and see whether Sophie will be able to cope with the harrowing new challenges that life has in store for her.

    Played by Dorcas Shola Fapson, the actress is to make a surprise return on TV, in the new series of MTV Shuga, the sizzling sex and relationships drama and multimedia campaign developed by the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and MTV Base (DStv channel 322).

    Producers reveal that other brand new faces have been carefully selected to make the new season more entertaining. They include, South African actress and singer, Mohau Mokoatle, who was chosen for a juicy new role. Mohau will be interpreting the new role of Bongi, a 15-year-old songwriter and wannabe singer from South Africa, who is living in Nigeria with her family. MTV Shuga represents the first professional acting gig for Mohau, who graduated in 2014 from the University of Witwatersrand with a B.A. in Dramatic Arts. Raised in Soweto, Mohau originally hails from Matatiele in the Eastern Cape and speaks English, Sesotho, isiZulu, isiXhosa and Setswana.

    Fapson and Mohau join returning cast members Emmanuel Ikubese (Femi), Sharon Ezeamaka (Princess), Nick Mutuma (Leo), Chris Attoh (Nii), Timini Egbuson (Tobi), and Olumide Oworu (Weki) in series 4 of MTV Shuga.

    New cast members include Adesua Etomi (Sheila), Peace Hyde (Eniola), Zoe Favour (Mary), Jemima Osunde (Leila), Tunbosun “Tuby” Aiyedehin (Sheila’s mum), Jude Chukwuka (Sheila’s dad), Kate Adepegba (Sheila’s aunt), Paul Adams (Sheila’s uncle), Ifeanyi Dike Jr (Sheila’s brother), Najite Dede (Mary’s mum) and Ahide Adum (Mary’s dad).

    Filming for MTV Shuga is already underway in Lagos and the show is slated to hit TV screens later this year. The new season is set to top the success of series 3 of MTV Shuga, which aired to more than 550 million households in Africa, Europe, UK, The Americas, Asia, Australia and Oceania, and the Caribbean.

    Fusing sexual and other public health messaging with world class storytelling and relatable characters, producers say the new series of MTV Shuga will focus on a range of themes relevant to young people, including adolescent girls, first sex, gender-based violence, HIV testing and counselling, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, disclosure of HIV status, stigma and the use of helplines.