MTV Shuga Down South also known as MTV Shuga, is back with a 10-part, brand-spanking new third season, premiering on 25 June 2023.
The sensational drama series that has captivated audiences worldwide, is poised to make an exhilarating return to the small screen with its highly anticipated third season. This season is set to spark some serious conversation by showcasing compelling storylines delivered by a diverse cast and a culturally relevant musical score with guest appearances from some of South Africa’s most talented musicians.
The multi-award-winning series will tackle important social issues such as HIV prevention (oral PrEP, Dapivirine Vaginal Ring (DVR) and Long-Acting Injectable Cabotegravir or CAB-LA), HIV Self Testing, treatment adherence, sexually transmitted infections, Tuberculosis (TB), substance abuse, self-care, mental health, gender-based violence and various issues involving the LGBTQI+ community, amongst others.
The creators
South African film and television production company Burnt Onion Production’s combination of fresh creativity and a commitment to quality lends itself beautifully to this season. Award-winning Creative Producer Rethabile Ramaphakela, supported by Head Writer Makgano Mamabolo, Head Director Athi Petela and Director of Photography Gaopie Kabe make up the all-black-female team tasked with bringing this phenomenal season to life, and they don’t miss a beat.
The tone of this vibrant series is set right from the opening scene, with tons of energy and charisma to match the youthfulness of the characters, despite their problems. The script explores difficult topics with great care as each character wrestles with their choices and actions, while the camera carefully lurks in a manner that brings integrity to the storyline.
Returning cast
The new season features familiar faces, including Ayanda Makayi who plays the controversial character Sol, and Dineo Rasedile who plays Thuli.
Ayanda Makayi
Ayanda Makayi is back on his role as a reforming Sol, the son of a rich taxi company owner in Zenzele, he is always on the hunt for a new girl and he woos them using his dad’s money.
Makayi is also known for starring in the second season of Mzansi Magic series Igazi. He has been on numerous shows like Ingoma, and is part of the new star-studded Mzansi Magic telenovela, Gqeberha: The Empire.
Dineo Rasedile
Dineo Rasedile reprises her role as Thuli, Sol’s younger sister, whose emotional journey begin this season as she returns to the series.
Rasedile is also known for her role as Yanga, the feisty young woman on etv Scandal! She has also graced our screens in numerous TV shows like Ambitions, the Netherlands drama series Commandos, and the Netflix original series Justice Served, playing the role of Itu. The 32-year-old actress also starred in a UK international film, Sulphur and White, that was released in 2019. She plays the role of Dora.
Introducing the new cast
In true MTV Shuga style, viewers will be treated to fresh faces unearthed from an open call to the public auditions end of last year.
- Zazi Kunene as Nono (Lady Groove), a bubbly, up-and-coming Amapiano DJ on the rise, who seems to stop at nothing to become the next best thing in Mzansi.
- Ziya Xulu as Warona, a shy, queer teenager who loves music and is a good dancer struggling with weight issues and the death of a close friend. ( Also, catch Ziya Xulu in the much anticipated Mzansi Magic epic, Shaka iLembe)
- Tyson Mathonsi as Sandile (Snacks), a rich-kid hustler and manipulative flirt.
- Ayakha Ntunja as Thembi, a feisty attention-seeking go-getter who is the star of her school’s drum majorette team and a popular girl who finds herself growing up much faster than expected.
- Ayanda Nzimande as Kedibone, a young queer girl who is very loving and supportive of those around her.
- Lobisa Tsatsi as Azania, a young woman who is living with HIV, and is on a mission to document positive social media content to break the stereotypes around it. She’s also attempting to build a life and family with her HIV-negative high school sweetheart Victor.
- Alex Aduka as Victor, a hardworking good guy with a big heart. Living in the inner city of Johannesburg as a foreign national presents its fair share of challenges for Victor as he battles a 2-year unemployment spell.
- Palesa Mothopi as Vuvu, a quick-witted teen who hides her sense of displacement and the general feeling of lack of belonging by bullying and humiliating her peers who are all petrified of her.
- Chidera Nwoha as Khenzo, a social recluse with a creative fashion flair, well-loved by his teachers but battling an addiction to Lean (a cough syrup mixture and antiretrovirals cocktail drug).
- Naret Loots as Emma, a fun-loving girl who can dance and has immersed herself in black popular culture, and a friend of Nono’s from primary school.
Seasoned actors Nimrod Nkosi (plays Blessing), Seiphemo Motswiri (plays Robert Mosimane), Thuli Thabethe (plays Nomazizi Mkhize), Josias Moleele (plays Coach Sono), Lerato Mvelase (plays Mam’ Grace), and Leera Mthethwa (plays Nurse Keitu) also join the series as new cast members for the third season.
“We’re excited to introduce the new cast for MTV Shuga Down South 3. Their talent and passion for storytelling brings fresh energy to the multi-award-winning TV series that addresses important social issues experienced by young Africans as they navigate their way through adolescence and young adulthood. We can’t wait for viewers to see them in action” said Tshireletso Yvonne Diogo, Country Director of MTV Staying Alive Foundation.
“We’re thrilled to bring back MTV Shuga Down South for another season. The series has been a powerful voice for young people on the African continent and has tackled some of our society’s most pressing issues. This series is a vital part of Paramount Africa’s approach to storytelling as it keeps us true to our mission of telling authentic African stories as well as providing platforms for growth, inclusivity, identity ownership, and mirror reflective authenticity. In this light, we’re delighted to be working with an all-black-female team of Directors from the leading South African production company Burnt Onion, and to have given 16 young people an opportunity to participate in the production of the series through our internship programme” said Monde Twala, Senior Vice President, General Manager, and Lead, BET International.
What to expect in Season 3?
Through captivating storytelling and engaging characters, the show provides a platform to raise awareness and promote positive behavioural change. Known for its hard-hitting storylines, viewers can expect nothing less than a bold and innovative approach to Season 3 with powerful performances from the cast.
The new season of MTV Shuga Down South promises to be just as powerful and thought-provoking as previous seasons, with authentic and immersive viewing experiences that are MTV Shuga’strademark. Other than the on-screen drama, the show continues to be a cultural phenomenon, inspiring conversations and driving change in communities across the continent.
Digital Drive
The world of MTV Shuga will come to life on various digital platforms, with empowering content and useful links aimed at assisting young people off-screen with some of the social issues explored in the show’s storyline. The show’s social media platforms will host themes from the show, behind-the-scenes content, exciting competitions and much more.
The show’s official hashtag #MTVShugaDS3 will carry the conversation through the season and will connect Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Tik Tok: @mtvshugadownsouth creating much-needed and life-changing social awareness. My Prep is a website for all things PrEP and other health and well-being news. The website chat-bot Sister Unathi is available 24/7 creating a safe space for any questions people might have. The show will also use real-life social media influencers living both inside and outside the series, to reflect on social truths central to the world of the youth.
#MTVShugaDS3 will premiere on 27 June 2023 on BET (DStv channel 129) at 21:00 CAT and 20:00 WAT, with repeats on Sundays at 21:40 CAT. It will also be available to stream on YouTube.
