JUNE NDINYA, MKAIWAWI MWAKABA & LIKARION WAINAINA ANNOUNCED AS DIRECTORS FOR MTV SHUGA MASHARIKI

MTV Staying Alive Foundation (SAF) has announced that MTV Shuga Mashariki is now in production, ahead of its highly anticipated return in May 2025. 

This season is part of a landmark collaboration with Shujaaz Inc, aimed at challenging gender norms and their impact on the outcomes of young people, as part of the Surround Sound Kenya Programme. 

MTV Shuga Mashariki’s directorial team features three celebrated Kenya directors: June Ndinya, Mkaiwawi Mwakaba and Likarion Wainaina. Known for their groundbreaking work in Kenyan film and television, these directors bring a wealth of experience, creativity and passion to the production. Under their visionary leadership, The series is set to deliver an unforgettable season that not only entertains but also sparks critical conversations about the lives of young people across Kenya and East Africa. 

Wame Jallow, Executive Director, MTV Staying Alive Foundation says, “MTV Shuga Mashariki is a celebration of Kenyan talent and storytelling, and we are thrilled to have a fully local team of directors leading the way. With June Ndinya, Mkaiwawi Mwakaba and Likarion Wainaina at the helm, this production is truly Kenyan at its core, ensuring that every narrative is authentic and deeply rooted in the experiences and realities of Kenya’s youth. This season reflects our commitment to challenging gender norms and empowering youth, with the gender-diverse directors team being central to this vision.”

June Ndinya is celebrated for her dynamic storytelling in hit teen dramas like ‘Flash Squad’ and ‘Prefects’, earning her a reputation as a powerhouse of bold, authentic narratives. Mkaiwawi Mwakaba, co-founder of the African Female Filmmakers Collective, blends technical expertise with a passion for innovative storytelling, making significant strides in the Kenyan film industry, including co-directing the 2024 film ‘Makosa Ni Yangu’. Likarion Wainaina, internationally acclaimed for his award-winning feature film ‘Supa Modo’, continues to redefine African cinema with fresh, impactful narratives that resonate globally.

Mitchelle Kimathi, Country Manager says, “We are particularly proud to have two female directors on board, whose perspectives are crucial in shaping how themes affecting young women and girls are portrayed on the show. By having women engaged in shaping this creative process, we can authentically showcase societal issues and their impact, especially those that intersect with gender. Their contributions allow us to highlight these challenges with nuance, empathy and depth.”

MTV Shuga Mashariki will be produced by Reuben Odanga in collaboration with the award-winning Kenyan production company, Multan Production Limited. Multan has produced notable series including ‘Mo Faya’, ‘Selina’, ‘Saida’, ‘Nafsi’ and ‘A Familiar Christmas’. Since its founding in 2009, the company has thrived on telling compelling stories, with a strong focus on quality, uniqueness and creativity. Multan’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its numerous achievements, including Kalasha Awards for Best TV Drama for ‘Selina’ (2018 and 2019) and ‘Saida’ (2014). Its exceptional work has been recognized by CNN Africa Connect and MultiChoice, which named it one of the best content creators/producers in 2018/2019.

Kenyan cinematographer Enos Olik to its production team. Enos will play a key role in shaping the visual identity of the series, ensuring that the narratives are not only impactful but also visually unforgettable. The filmmaker, educator and pioneer in East Africa’s entertainment industry, brings over a decade of expertise in crafting visually compelling narratives that resonate both locally and internationally. Enos’s notable works include the anthology film ‘Anyango and the Ogre’ (2021), ‘Crime and Justice’ series (2021–2023), ‘Supa Modo’ (2018), ‘Famous’ musical drama (2021) and ‘The Christmas Run’ (2024).