Unitaid and MTV Base host the global premiere of MTV Shuga: Down South 2

Returning to our screens this February is MTV Shuga: Down South 2. The second season is set one year on from the previous series, old and new faces collide in the buzzing downtown hub of Braamfontein and the fictional vibrant township of Zenzele, as they come to terms with young adulthood, their relationships, sexual health, happiness, and the challenges of self-acceptance and survival.

Part of a three-year partnership with Unitaid – which includes two other series to be shot in Côte d’Ivoire – the MTV Staying Alive Foundation (MTV SAF) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, have launched the seventh instalment of the award-winning drama series which will introduce and evaluate storylines on HIV-innovation approaches, including HIV self-testing and preventative drugs (PrEP).

“Millions of people in Africa watch MTV Shuga. Our partnership with MTV Staying Alive Foundation offers a vital bridge to young women and men who don’t otherwise have reliable access to health information. By raising awareness among young people of the need to take the initiative in protecting themselves from and testing for HIV, MTV Shuga is providing invaluable support for Unitaid investments in HIV self-testing and prevention in Africa,” said Lelio Marmora, executive director of Unitaid.

Directed by Thishiwe Ziqubu, Vivek Mehta and previous MTV Breaks winner Mlu Godola, the new series focuses on topical issues in South Africa including toxic masculinity, the realities of living with HIV as a young person, and the root causes of gender-based violence.

Fan favourites return to the series, from stars including Thuso Mbedu who reprises her role of Ipeleng, the intelligent university student who struggles to balance university life with the pressures of caring for her unruly little brother Lemo, played by Tshiamo Molobi. Given Stuurman also returns as Reggie, the loveable friend who must now learn to navigate life in Braamfontein as an openly gay young man. Ayanda Makayi is back in Zenzele as criminal Sol, and Samke Makhoba returns as Khensani who must face life after the loss of her best friend Tsholo. Other key roles are played by Jezriel Skei, Lerato Walaza, Jemima Osunde, Jet Novuka, Nqobile Sipamla, Gcina Grace Olifant, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, and Winnie Ntshaba.

Talented newcomers to the series include public-auditions winner Malibongwe Mdwaba, who was awarded the principal role Kwanele, a fun-loving party boy who works and lives with friend Reggie, after wowing the judges at the nationwide public auditions last year. Other new characters include Mohale Motaung who stars as the charming Odirile, Mamarumo Marokane who plays sports science student Dineo, Mamodibe Ramodibe who plays Lesotho-born Arabeng, and Dee Rasedile as Sol’s little sister Thuli.

“By empowering young people to make informed decisions about their sexual health and relationships, MTV Shuga trusts in the ability of our viewers to become a force for positive change. Contemporary, provocative, but most importantly – relevant – MTV Shuga reflects young peoples’ lives and features characters and stories that resonate,” said Georgia Arnold, executive director, MTV Staying Alive Foundation.

Alex Okosi, executive vice president and managing director, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN Africa) said MTV Shuga continues to be an incredibly powerful catalyst for education and change on the continent. With the second instalment of MTV Shuga highlighting MTV Base’s efforts to empower the youth of Africa.

MTV Shuga: Down South 2 will be broadcast from Tuesday, 12 February on MTV base.