MTV Shuga: Down South – Episode One Recap

MTV Shuga made a grand return to African television as people from around the continent tuned in to watch the first episode of MTV Shuga: Down South on Wednesday the 8th of March.

The 5th season of the educational drama features a combination of new talent and familiar faces as the adventure makes its way to Johannesburg for the first time.

After a successful premiere in February, thousands of young people tuned in to watch Bongi (Mohau Cele)’s return to Johannesburg where she reconnected with several old friends before receiving a very typical “Joburg Welcome”.

South Africa was buzzing with excitement as we got to meet some of the country’s most exciting young talents as cast members on the newest season of MTV Shuga.

Ipeleng (Thuso Mbedu) captured our hearts as she introduced us to a harsh reality that is faced by many young people in South Africa.

Ipeleng looks after her baby brother and is the family’s sole breadwinner. This sounds difficult enough but when you see that she has to juggle these responsibilities with school and work, you come to realise just how big a challenge she has in front of her.

Ipeleng’s boyfriend, Quinton (Jezriel Skei) is the exact opposite. He’s got the world in his hands and if he’s not trying to get some love from his bae, he’s trying to make sure his friends get some.

One such friend is Reggie (Given Stuurman), who is one of the most talented artists we have ever seen on MTV Shuga. While Q seems to be focused on hooking him up with Zamo (Lerato Walaza), Reggie is more interested in leaving his mark as one of Joburg’s most gifted visionaries. The only problem is; his dad doesn’t quite see the vision, which leads to some dramatic clashes.

Fans of previous seasons will also be glad to see that Femi (Emmanuel Ikubese) is back this season doing what he does best. Africa’s hottest club promoter had to deal with a strict club owner, Rakeem and his not-so-subtle wife.

This episode also saw the first cameo of the season as Nigerian singer, Praiz, performed his single, “Sisi”.

If you missed all of the excitement and drama, make sure you catch some of the repeats. Here is when you can catch #MTVShugaDS on your TV and online (All times CAT): 

MTV BASE
Episode 1 Repeat: 21:00. Sunday. 22:00 Monday. 21:05 Wednesday
Episode 2: 21:30 Wednesday
SABC 1:
Episode 1: 22:00 Friday  
YouTube
Episode 1: 22:30