'MTV Shuga Mashariki': Show sets new bar in Kenyan production

It’s been a splendid week in the Kenyan film and TV space.

First off, a huge congratulations to Abel Mutua and his legion of followers, the Wakurugenzi, Philip Karanja, and the entire Philit Productions team for bagging two wins at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

You showed up, put in the work, and now you've earned the recognition. Untying Kantai scooped Best Writing for TV, and Makosa ni Yangu took home Best Indigenous Language Movie (East Africa).

To the other nominees who didn’t take home a trophy, your nominations alone are proof that Kenya’s film and TV game is commanding attention across the continent. It’s less about the win and more about showing the rest of Africa (and the world) that we’re here, we’re good, and we’re only getting better.

Now, onto the second exciting bit, and the focus of today’s story: MTV Shuga is back in Kenya.

The show returns to where it all started, premiering on Wednesday. Based on what I saw at the premiere held on April 30 at Tamarind Brasserie in Nairobi, the team didn’t come to play. These guys went all out. I had expectations, but they weren’t even close to what I witnessed.

That gala I wasn’t dressed for

So, picture this: a glamorous gala premiere, something bordering on Met Gala vibes. And there I am in a T-shirt and hat. Classic mistake.

Actors and guests dressed like actual super stars.

I got to chat with a few cast members and crew, and you could feel how proud and present they were. For many of the actors, this is their first major role, and the weight of that was evident in how seriously they took the show and the night.

Before the screening, there was a panel discussion moderated by Mariam Bishar. We started with the executives' panel, you know, the important people, important talk. But the conversation felt more like a pitch to donors or investors. Polished, strategic, but a little out of place for a premiere night. It was giving boardroom energy.

Then came the panel with the actors, one of the directors, and the cinematographer. This is where things got interesting.

I sat there looking at these young actors thinking: Do these guys understand the magnitude of what they’re in? I mean, these are people who were probably children when Shuga first aired, at that age when parents sent them to bed right before the opening credits.

Read: 'MTV Shuga Mashariki': Behind the scenes exclusive on set early look

And now here they were, in it. Watching that panel was thought-provoking. But when the lights dimmed and the first scene rolled, it became clear that these “children” knew exactly what they were part of.

A lesson (before I get carried away)

Now, I won’t be reviewing the show just yet, it’s too soon. We all need to experience it together before pulling it apart. What I will do is point out a few things that you, the viewer, might overlook. Not because you don’t care, but because the production will immerse you so deeply you might miss the craft behind it.

I know some of you saw the trailer and were either triggered or ready to argue about genre choices. We’ll get into that later. For now, here’s a small lesson.

1. Story Structure

There are filmmakers who cook traditionally, buy ingredients, prep, cook, serve. Others show you the finished meal first and make you work backwards. And then there’s Christopher Nolan, he shows you the restaurant and expects you to figure it all out.

As you watch Shuga Mashariki, don’t rush to judge the genre or plot. Ask yourself: what kind of chef are we dealing with here? Because how this story unfolds is half the reason you’ll be hooked.

2. Blocking

Quick filmmaking 101 for the non-nerds: blocking is how actors and extras move in relation to the camera and space, based on the story, cinematographer, and director vision. It’s planned before filming and shapes how you experience each scene.

In Shuga Mashariki, the blocking is near flawless. Extras interact like they belong. You probably won’t even notice it, because it’s that seamless. But take a second look, and you’ll appreciate how much effort went into making every space feel lived-in and real.

3. Performances

Across the board, the performances are good. But a few were exceptional. Not in big, dramatic monologues, but in subtle, effortless delivery. The kind of acting that’s so natural, you might miss it. I’ll dig into specifics in the full review, but trust me, some of these performances will stick with you.

4. Logistics

At one point I genuinely thought, This must’ve been a logistical nightmare. The number of locations. The extras. The road closures. The crowd scenes. But because the story is tight and well-paced, you might not even notice how complex it was to pull off.

As you watch, look out for how far the story pushes the production to make this world feel real and alive.

All about the young people

I had a chat last week with June Ndinya (one of the three directors) and Enos Olik (Director of Photography), and one theme kept coming up: pre-production planning.

From the start, the writers and directors spent months refining the story to make it engaging, authentic, and laser-focused on young people.

“The script was designed for young people, with young people,” June said. “We even had them approve the final draft before we began principal photography.”

“Young people weren’t just in the story, they were part of the crew,” Enos added. “They were a big part of the production. During lunch breaks, I’d talk to them, teach them things. Some even shot B-rolls under my supervision.”

This is a story about young people, but it’s not just for them. The themes are universal. That said, send the children who might be in a Shuga prodcution 15 years from now to bed as you watch this.

Why I’m so excited

Look, I won’t call Shuga Mashariki a fully Kenyan production, it’s still part of an international franchise. And from the trailer alone, I’ve already got a few things I’ll nitpick in my full review. But none of that takes away from how excited I am for this show.

Enos Olik, June Ndinya, Mkaiwawi Mwakaba, and Likarion Wainaina have created a visually stunning, well-paced, and deeply engaging show. Yes, the message is there, but personally, I’m most impressed by everything around it.

Shout out to Njue Kevin and Reuben Odanga, who handled the logistical madness. And of course, credit to the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, though I’ve got thoughts on them too, which I’ll save for the full review.

With Philit Productions' double win this week and MTV Shuga Mashariki hitting our screens tomorrow, we have enough proof that we can make shows and movies that match, and even surpass, what’s labell-ed as the “global standard.”

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