SHUGA ACTRESS CHOSEN TO CHAMPION AIDS PREVENTION

Sharon Mina Olago the actress who played the reckless party girl, Violet in the popular MTV series Shuga, has been commissioned for two years to be a champion of women’s HIV prevention.
She was crowned the Prevention Champion at the two-day first Kenya Women’s HIV Prevention and Sexuality Symposium at the Panari Sky Centre that ended on September 1.
Sharon will be tasked with the responsibility of identifying ways of ensuring women in Kenya are better protected against HIV.
“It marks an important milestone in Kenya’s response to the HIV pandemic. It recognizes that women bear the greatest burden when it comes to HIV,” Yasmin Halima Director Global Campaign for Microbicides said.



A stunned Sharon told Hot Secrets, “I’m humbled by this, being an artiste, researcher and a woman, rarely did I think I could have the responsibility to champion this nobel cause. It is very humbling.” Adding, she will need guidance and mentorship from other professionals in the field of HIV prevention to succeed.
Asked how she landed the chance to champion women’s issues, she said, “I have no idea how they picked me for the role but I believe it is something to do with Shuga.”
The modest 28-year-old activist and model failed to mention that her diverse education background also played a big role. She is currently in Kisii doing research for her Masters in Entrepreneurship Development in University of Nairobi, failed to mention that she also has a degree in Law under a belt and a Postgraduate in Management Marketing.

Shuga Rules Kenyan and Zambian Streets

Street Teamer Mo and Peterson pose with Nicholas Mutuma, (Leo) at the Zambian Premiere
Sharon, Lupita and Valerie
Teboho take a moment to chill, amidst a hectic day of shooting
Jimmy Gait on set
P Unit's Bon eye and Nonini on set

Shuga has been released in Nairobi, Kenya and Lusaka, Zambia and has since been taking these countries by storm.

If you have missed an episode of Shuga - don't worry, because all three of the episodes and some exclusive Behind The Scenes content is here.

Also take a look at the profiles and read the characters' deepest thoughts and comment by clicking here.


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MTV SERIES ACTRESS IS EU AFRICAN SCHOLAR

Sharon Olago plays a reckless party girl, Violet in the forth-coming MTV series Shuga which has just finished filming. Sharon is one of the 120 young upcoming African scholars chosen to be part of the European Union mentorship and leadership-training project.
“I did not apply,” said the excited actress, “It is actually meant for junior lecturers, I’m not yet through with my Masters in Entrepreneurship Development in Nairobi University yet.”
The programme offers opportunities to young Africans upcoming scholars to equip themselves with the skills and knowledge to become leading analysts and policymakers on peace, security and development in Africa. “The programme will educate us on finding solutions to the problems that ail the country. We will be able to speak to various people and come up with policies that will can be used to aid the development in society.”
Sharon plans to undertake research that will help the youth in entrepreneurship and income generation in the Nairobi suburb of Eastleigh.
The MTV Staying Alive Ignite TV series will premiere on MTVbase, NTV and Citizen in November.

More on the MTV series
:: Valerie Kimani and Lupita get starring roles in new MTV series
:: The newbies talent that got a break in the MTV series

VALERIE KIMANI AND LUPITA NYONGO IN MTV SERIES

The MTV Staying Alive Ignite drama series started shooting in various locations in Nairobi this week. One of the sets of the educational show was at the Zen Gardens on Wednesday 19.



One of the notable cast members is Lupita Nyong'o who is playing the lead role – Ayira, a beautiful and vivacious college student who is using her body to give her family a better life.



Ayira is friends with Sindi an exac opposite played by TPF1 winner Valerie Kimani.



The TV drama is directed by South African Teboho Mahlatsi famed for producing Yizo Yizo a hard hitting TV drama which pushed the envelope in very way possible and challenged societal attitudes towards taboo subjects as HIV/AIDS and homosexuality. He has also directed Jacob's Cross which currently airs on KTN.

HERE IS EVE AND SLICK MTV DRAMA SERIES’ LEAD STARS

Taj

The lead roles in the forthcoming MTV drama series have been awarded to little known actors Tabitha ‘Taj’ Methu and JTabitha ‘Taj’ Methu.
Taj will play bubbly girl about town “Eve” while Joseph Wachu will play fast-talking matatu tout “Slick” in the MTV Staying Alive Ignite TV series.
Taj, 25, currently works for Jitu Films – you know, the film company that had one of it’s movies banned – as a producer and editor. Taj also playes Liza on KBC’s drama Hila.


Joe Wachu

Joseph is a rookie in the acting arena. Until now he was just another 24-year old college graduate looking for a job in Sales and Marketing.

MTV STAYING ALIVE IGNITES AUDITIONS FOR KENYAN ACTING TALENT

Ignite a flame under your acting ambitions by trying out for a role in the upcoming MTV Staying Alive Ignite TV series! Music TV channel MTV base is holding open auditions to cast two roles (one male, one female) in a hard-hitting drama that lifts the lid on the lives and loves of a group of Kenyan students.

The uncompromising new TV series, which addresses the topics of HIV and AIDS head-on, will be directed by Teboho Mahlatsi - the award-winning South African born director known for his work on hit South African township drama - Yizo Yizo, and will be filmed in Nairobi from August to September. The series will premiere in Africa on MTV base in December 2009.

Castings will be held at the French Culture Centre, Utalii Lane, Nairobi Central, Nairobi on Saturday 25 July between 10h:00 and 17h:00, where judges Tim Horwood (MTV base), Desiree Markgraaff (Series Producer), Alison Ngibuini (Kenyan Producer), Teboho Mahlatsi (Director) and G-Money (Homeboyz Radio) will be putting the audition ‘wannabes’ through their paces. Dazzle the judges and you could be among the shortlist of 10 candidates who will go forward to the final stage - with the ultimate winners decided by the public voting online and via SMS. Registration begins at the French Culture Centre at 08h:30 and places are limited so turn up early if you want a chance to audition.

Homeboyz DJs will be on hand to keep the music pumping and the crowds entertained, while slick MTV base VJ Kule Ekirapa will be holding it all together, ably assisted by Homeboyz Radio’s Kui.

Come along if you think that you have what it takes to be “Eve” - a fun loving college student who loves good music, hanging out with friends and getting down to party. “Eve” always manages to get people smiling and in the mood for fun. She is charming, intelligent and has her own little quirks that make her special and unique. She loves watching MTV, knows who’s hot and who’s not and will join in on a karaoke night if the vibe is right!

Or perhaps you see yourself as a potential “Slick” - a smooth talking, well dressed matatu tout and a bit of a ladies man, who knows just what to say to whom and knows all the little traits of his regular customers. “Slick” may have a way with words, but his cheerful exterior hides a brooding underside. You never know whether you can trust “Slick” or not…