#MTVShugaDS! MTV Shuga is back for Season 5 TODAY | Get the Scoop on “MTV Shuga: Down South” & Watch the Promo Video

An irresponsible teen mom, a predatory teacher, an ambitious hostess, a conflicted adolescent struggling to understand his identity, a neglected trophy wife, a pregnant schoolgirl, a possessive boyfriend, a ruthless entrepreneur, these are some of the faces of MTV Shuga: Down South, the 12- part new drama series from MTV Staying Alive Foundation and MTV Base.

Set in the homes, cafés, schools, parks and hangouts of a fictional township, Zenzele, and real-life Braamfontein, MTV Shuga: Down South is the fifth installment in the award-winning drama series, MTV Shuga.

With powerful contemporary storylines, relatable characters and an ensemble cast of talented actors and contemporary musicians, it uses drama to disseminate important public health messages.

The new series, directed by Mmabatho Montsho, Thabang Moleya, and Rea Rangaka, includes a new focus on issues affecting adolescent girls in South Africa, with a particular emphasis on their vulnerability to unintended pregnancy and HIV infection. Never one to shy away from difficult subjects, MTV Shuga: Down South is crowded with interweaving stories of heartbreak, love, betrayal and difficult decisions among contemporary South African youth. Other key plot points include transactional sex, living with HIV, infidelity, and issues affecting LGBT teens.

In keeping with the contemporary tone of the drama, popular musicians Seyi Shay, Fifi Cooper and Kwesta make cameo appearances as themselves, while Mohau Cele returns in the role of dissatisfied schoolgirl/singer Bongi. Emmanuel Ikubese returns as HIV+ music promoter Femi, while Nick Mutuma reprises his role of a good boy gone bad, Leo. Vanessa Mdee plays Storm, wife to Clint Brink’s Rakeem.

Other key roles are played by Adesua Etomi, Thuso Mbedu, Mohau Cele, Jezriel Skei, Lerato Walaza, Given Stuurman, Samkelisiwe Makhoba, Stephanie Sandows, S’thandiwe Kgoroge, Phila Mazibuko, Ayanda Makayi, Graeme Kriega, Lehlohonolo Makoko, Nqobile Sipamla, Thembsie Matu and Winnie Ntshaba.

Airing weekly on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322), MTV Shuga: Down South premieres TODAY on Wednesday 8 March on MTV Base (SA) at 21:30 CAT and on MTV Base (ROA) at 22:05 WAT.

The series will subsequently air on BET (DStv channel 129), other Viacom-owned networks including BET International (UK/France), and third party broadcasters including SABC (South Africa), NTA (Nigeria), Citizen TV (Kenya), KBC (Kenya), GHONE (Ghana), RTNC (DRC), Tanzanian Broadcasting Corporation (Tanzania), NBS TV (Uganda), African Movie Channel US (USA), and TV Brasil (Brazil).

Other elements of the MTV Shuga campaign will include a 15-part radio drama series complementing the TV series, a peer educator program, comic book, audience polling, consumer helplines, mobile information service, social media and a range of digital platforms.

Watch the promo video below.