Hard-hitting youth drama
EDUCATIONAL: USING DRAMA TO DISSEMINATE IMPORTANT PUBLIC HEALTH MESSAGES
Putting the spotlight on the ups and downs of love, sex, relationships, and pregnancy among teens.
An irresponsible teen mom, a predatory teacher, a conflicted adolescent, a neglected trophy wife, a pregnant schoolgirl and a ruthless entrepreneur – these are some of the faces of MTV Shuga: Down South, a 12- part new drama series from MTV Staying Alive Foundation and MTV Base.
Set in the homes, cafés, schools, parks and hangouts of fictional township Zenzele, and real-life Braamfontein, MTV Shuga: Down South is the fifth instalment of the award-winning drama series. With powerful contemporary storylines, relatable characters and a cast of talented actors and musicians, the series uses drama to highlight public health messages.
Directed by Mmabatho Montsho, Thabang Moleya and Rea Rangaka, it includes a new focus on issues affecting adolescent girls in South Africa, with a particular emphasis on their vulnerability to unintended pregnancy and HIV infection.
The series is crowded with interweaving stories of heartbreak, love, betrayal and difficult decisions among youth.
Other key plot points include transactional sex, living with HIV, infidelity and issues affecting LGBT teens.
Popular musicians Seyi Shay, Fifi Cooper and Kwesta make cameo appearances as themselves, while Mohau Cele returns in the role of unhappy schoolgirl and singer Bongi.
Emmanuel Ikubese is HIV positive music promoter Femi, while Nick Mutuma reprises his role of good-boy-gone-bad Leo.
Vanessa Mdee plays Storm, wife to Clint Brink’s Rakeem. Other key roles are played by Adesua Etomi, Thuso Mbedu, Mohau Cele, Jezriel Skei, Lerato Walaza, and Given Stuurman.
“Pro-social programming that empowers our audience is an important part of our MTV Base brand,” said Alex Okosi, executive vice-president and managing director at Viacom International Media Networks Africa.
Airing weekly on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322), MTV Shuga: Down South premieres next Wednesday on MTV Base (SA) at 9.30pm. – Citizen reporter