The full cast line-up for MTV Shuga’s upcoming season has officially been announced, with 10 up-and-coming actors as well as returning cast members Timini Egbuson, Jemima Osunde, Sharon Ezeamaka and Olumide Oworu on the roster. Timini returns in his role as ‘Tobi’, as played in season 3 and 4 of the series, while Jemima, Sharon and Olumide reprise their roles as ‘Leila’,  ‘Princess’ and ‘Weki’ respectively.

Leading on from the online and on-the-ground auditions, which had over 1500 participants, the producers of the hit TV drama series, MTV Shuga unveiled a host of new, fresh talent who will also join the new season.Notable additions from the open casting include; Uzoamaka Aniumoh and Philip Frances, who will play significant, parts in MTV Shuga Naija.

The new MTV Shuga stars will act alongside the returning cast members. As well as successful actors from the public auditions, other acting talent new to the drama include: Segun Dada, Moses Akerele, Chinaza Ruby Akabueze, Sharon Jato, Helena Nelson, Chimezie Imo, Tomiwa Tegbe and Nelson Ora.

High profile personalities who will join the cast of MTV Shuga Naija include Funlola Aofiyebi–Raimi, Bolanle Olukanni, Nobert Young, Rahama Ibrahim Sadau, Ladani Sulaiman, Ozzy Agu, Shawn Faqua and Yakubu Mohammed.

The vibrant Funlola Aofiyebi – Raimi, who is famous for her role in the daily soap – Tinsel, will bring her refined acting talent to the new season. Alongside Funlola will be Rahama Ibrahim Sadau, an established Kannywood actress, model, producer, director and television personality. Rahama has starred in notable Nollywood productions, including the popular production of “Super Story”. Fellow Kannywood star, Yakubu Mohammed who has acted in over 100 movies, is also amongst the cast for MTV Shuga Naija. Northern-based On-Air Personality, Ladani Sulaiman will also feature on the upcoming season.

The talented actor, Shawn Faqua who has starred in a number of films, such as Lagos Cougars and A Few Good Men, is one of the gifted new individuals in the show. TV host and presenter, Bolanle Olukanni and veteran actor Nobert Young will also add their magic to the upcoming MTV Shuga season.

Executive Director of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, Georgia Arnold, said: “Following the successful public audition held in Lagos, we are pleased to unveil this amazing new crop of young talented actors.  The established actors and the up-and-coming MTV Shuga stars will team up to create a thrilling TV drama series aimed at positively influencing young peoples’ behaviour and attitudes relating to safe sex, HIV, reproductive health and other health and emotional issues”.

Also commenting, Executive Vice President & Managing Director of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa, Alex Okosi stated; “Pro-social programming that empowers our audience is an important part of the MTV Base brand.  MTV Shuga deals with real issues facing young people through authentic storylines and characters, and we are excited to return to Nigeria for this latest series.”

The new season of MTV Shuga will be produced by award winning writer/filmmaker of the popular TV Show, AM Hush and producer of MTV Shuga season 4, Chris Ihidero, as well as Emma Uduma of SMAT Media. Award winning directors, Tolulope Ajayi, Ishaya Bako and Tope Oshin have also been revealed as the directors for the exciting new series.

MTV Shuga Naija will focus primarily on family planning, contraception, HIV prevention & sexual health education. Generally, the new season will place emphasis on issues faced by young people across the world.

MTV Shuga, which is the gold-standard model for use of mass-media as a means of changing the behaviour of young people, is an initiative of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and is made possible by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and supported by MTV Base Africa, as well as a host of other partners.