The MTV Staying Alive Foundation (MTV SAF) has greenlit the second season of MTV Shuga Mashariki and 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, which captivated millions across Kenya and beyond.

Broadcasting in Kenya and internationally on BET, the recently aired season of MTV Shuga Mashariki carried on the franchise’s legacy of not just being 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, said the show was a return to authentic Kenyan storytelling.

“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.

In addition to being broadcast 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.

MTV Shuga Mashariki, produced by MTV SAF, is part of the Surround Sound Kenya Programme, which seeks 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 endeavour 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. These topics include mental health, crisis support, gender-based violence, depression and emotional distress.

At the same time, MTV SAF has unveiled the 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 allow emerging musical talent to undergo a mentorship program before their music is featured on season 2 of the show.

“(…) our mission has always been to use the power of storytelling to shift attitudes and inspire behaviour change around critical health and social issues,” said Wame Jallow, Executive Director of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation. “Through the MTV Shuga franchise, we’re not just entertaining but igniting conversations that lead to real, lasting impact.”

He further added that the foundation was committed to telling stories that were unique to the youth.

“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.”