MTV Base Shuga Get Euphoric Reception At World Premiere In Lagos

MTV Base Shuga Get Euphoric Reception At World Premiere In LagosMTV Base and the MTV Staying Alive last night welcomed Professor John Idoko of NACA and a host of Nigerian entertainment industry
personalities at the world premiere of Shuga, the award winning drama series airing around the world from 1 December 2013 (World AIDS Day).

The Shuga cast and crew turned out in force with a presence from Biyi Bandele (director) and stars Ikubese Emmanuel Ifeanyichukwu, Okezie Morro, Chris Attoh, Timini Egbuson, Kachi Nnochiri, Olumide Oworu and Sani Mu’azu. Newlywed Tiwa Savage and the other female cast members Dorcas Shola Fapson, Sharon Ezeamaka, Maria Okanrende, Owumi Ugbeye, Bikiya Graham-Douglas and KC Ejelonu rivalled each other in the glamour stakes on the stylish black carpet at the Silverbird Galleria, Lagos.

Speaking at the Shuga launch, Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Network commented, “We are so proud of Biyi and our amazing ensemble cast who have done such a fabulous job in delivering this utterly compelling and thought- provoking drama that engages while also communicating important public health messages.”

Chidinma and Sound Sultan who recorded “Sweet Like Shuga”, the title track for Shuga were also present at the star-studded event, as was Iyanya, who makes a cameo appearance as himself in the series.

Well-known faces who walked the red/pink carpet at the event included comedians Basketmouth and Bovi, Sound Sultan, Banky W, Iyanya, Basketmouth, Bovi, Damilola Adegbite, Praiz, OC Ukeje, Alex Ekubo, Uru Eke, Tee A, IK Osakioduwa, while Wazobia FM’s Lolo, star of the upcoming Shuga radio drama also made an appearance.

Laurie Lee and Dr. Mairo Mandara attended the premiere on behalf of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, alongside key representatives from UNFPA and PEPFAR .

The world premiere of Shuga was warmly received by the attendees, who were wowed by their sneak peek at the first four episodes of the 8-part series, which took the audience on an emotional roller-coaster ride through the bars, clubs, unis, dorm rooms and hangouts of contemporary Lagos, giving an insight into the lives and loves of characters Foye (a club and radio DJ), her music promoter boyfriend Ekene, their old friend Femi, club owner Sade and her rebellious son Weki, mercenary student Sophieand her precocious younger sister, Princess, medical student David and his studious room-mate Tobi, young marrieds Nii and Malaika, and ruthless businessman Solomon and his sleazy associate, Osaro.

Shuga is written by Kemi Adesoye, Tunde Aladese, Omotunde Akiode,Ayoade Adeyanju, Victor Sanchez and Biyi Bandele, and directed by Biyi Bandele.

Shuga premieres to 52 territories in sub-Saharan African on MTV Base(DStv Channel 322) on Sunday 1 December 2013 at 20:00 WAT/21:00 CAT.