YOUNG, sexy and brains are what the viewers will experience at the latest MTV Shuga Down South Season3.
The thought-provoking season 3 will premiere on June 27 BET (DStv channel 129) at 21:00 CAT and 20:00 WAT, with repeats on Sundays at 21:40 CAT.
On Monday, MTV Staying Alive Foundation hosted an exclusive stakeholder panel discussion and watch party to launch the highly anticipated premiere 10-part drama series.
Funded by the global health agency Unitaid and the Anglo American Foundation, the series talks about adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa contracting HIV at an alarming rate.
“Women aged 15-25 make up just 10% of the population in the region, yet they account for one-quarter of all new HIV infections. Unitaid is proud to back another season of MTV Shuga, which is vital to ensuring young women and men have the understanding and awareness they need to advocate for themselves and live healthy lives,” says Herve Verhoosel, Unitaid spokesperson.
The cast is made of young, beautiful and raw talent who were auditioned for the role in this award winning series such as Ayakha Ntunja, Chidera Nwoha, Palesa Mothopi and Lobisa Tsatsi, amongst others.
“We are delighted to have hosted these two remarkable events, bringing together our funders, media partners, public health service partners, broadcast and streaming partners, the cast and the crew who share our commitment to creating positive social change through this exciting and educational show.
This season is truly exceptional – from the performances to the powerful messages, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience it,” said Georgia Arnold, Executive Director of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.
“Paramount Africa is committed to telling authentic African stories and we’re proud to be part of such an impactful project aimed at positively empowering young lives. The gripping narratives are home-grown making them relatable, and an excellent way to address critical social issues in a manner that resonates with youth culture,” said Monde Twala, Senior Vice President, General Manager and Lead, BET International.
The programme seeks to create conversations around behavioural changes when it comes to HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, mental health, Tuberculosis, gender-based violence and various issues affecting the LGBTQIAP+ community and help young people to make the right choices about their reproductive and mental health.
Some of seasoned actors also make an appearance.
Image supplied (The cast members of the MTV Shuga Down Season3 at the launch on Monday evening, in Sandton).
