MTV Shuga Mashariki Renewed: Season 2 Set to Heat Up Screens in 2026

The MTV Staying Alive Foundation (MTV SAF) has greenlit the second season of MTV Shuga Mashariki and today confirms that the new season is set to hit screens early 2026. This announcement comes on the back of a landmark comeback season in 2025, that captivated millions across Kenya and beyond, while captivating young audiences.

Broadcasting in Kenya and internationally on BET, the recently aired season of MTV Shuga Mashariki carried on the franchise’s legacy and proved not just entertaining but transformative while blending bold storytelling with authentic Kenyan voices to spark real world dialogue for lasting impact. 

Mitchelle Kimathi, Country Manager (Kenya) at MTV SAF, says, “The return of MTV Shuga Mashariki was more than a relaunch, it was a revival of authentic Kenyan storytelling that speaks directly to youth and some of the challenges that they face. We are excited to continue engaging in bold storytelling that will allow traditionally uncomfortable conversations to happen as we challenge restrictive norms by tapping into creative content to amplify the voices, realities and ambitions of young Kenyans through powerful and relatable narratives told through homegrown creators.”

The first season brought together a stellar Kenyan cast including Serah Wanjiru, Basil Mungai, Matthew Ngugi, Fatuma Gichuru, Julie Brenda, Fridah Mumbe, Mariam Bishar, Makena Kahuha and Wilson Muchemi – cementing MTV Shuga Mashariki as both a showpiece for fresh talent and a defining cultural force.

On top of being broadcasted nationally and globally via BET, the series has so far garnered over 2.8 million YouTube views and significant engagement on social media platforms, with more than 81,000 interactions on Instagram and TikTok, a testament to MTV Shuga Mashariki’s strength in connecting with youth on digital platforms, where they already spend most of their time.

MTV Shuga Mashariki, produced by MTV SAF, is part of the Surround Sound Kenya Programme which is seeking to open up conversations on gender norms and how they affect the outcomes and livelihoods of young people. This collaboration amplifies the show’s mission to drive social change by challenging restrictive gender norms and reflecting the lived realities of Kenyan youth. As part of this endeavor and in response to the demand creation model that MTV Shuga works within, young audiences were introduced to the Sema Nami support chatbot that allows young people to  access services while addressing their privacy concerns as they meet these needs. Topics including mental health, crisis support, gender-based violence, depression and emotional distress emerged as key challenges that young people who interacted with Sema Nami encountered.

At the same time, MTV SAF has unveiled 25Flow music program that is looking for young and fresh Kenyan music talent, to send in their musical works for consideration to be part of the creation of original soundtracks for season 2 of MTV Shuga Mashariki. This collaboration with So Fresh (one of Kenya’s leading local music producers) will seek to give emerging musical talent an opportunity to undergo a mentorship program prior to their music being featured on season 2 of the show.

Wame Jallow, Executive Director of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, says, “At the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, our mission has always been to use the power of storytelling to shift attitudes and inspire behavior change around critical health and social issues. Through the MTV Shuga franchise, we’re not just entertaining but igniting conversations that lead to real, lasting impact,” adding,“We’re proud to once again feature an exceptional Kenyan-led team of directors, cast, crew and producers in the upcoming season, reaffirming our commitment to stories that reflect the truths, challenges and hopes of young people as they navigate their unique and often complex journeys.” 

After more than a decade away, MTV Shuga’s 2025 relaunch in Kenya as MTV Shuga Mashariki proved to be a cultural moment, reigniting conversations on love, ambition, peer pressure, sexual health, consent, mental health well-being and gender based violence. The show continues to tackle the issues that matter most that are rooted in the lived realities of young people. 

MTV Shuga Mashariki has become a vital platform for educating and empowering young people, while sparking crucial conversations on health, justice and sexual reproductive rights. Grounded in youth-led insights and authentic storytelling, its Kenyan-driven production offers a replicable model for catalyzing positive change. Season two will once again be produced entirely in Kenya, showcasing real stories created by and for Kenyan youth, while delivering MTV Shuga’s signature gripping drama and bold themes.

In recent months, fans have been revisiting season one, eagerly speculating about which cast members and directors will return. Closed auditions are currently underway to fill a select number of roles, with production scheduled to begin later this year. Stay tuned for updates as MTV Shuga Mashariki prepares to make its highly anticipated return to the screen.

More info on the 25Flow music project, follow MTV Shuga Mashariki social media & website 

 Instagram | Twitter/X | Facebook | MTV Staying Alive foundation