When you think MTV what comes to mind? Probably the latest Justin Beiber video, a Sizwe Dlomo skit, or another Ashton Kutcher prank. Oh, and there is that breakdancing dude with the cool animations flowing with his body. But the last thing you will think of, let alone associate the brand with, is a drama series that tells the truth about the challenges the African youth face.

Shuga is just that. The drama, shot in Kenya and featuring Tumisho Masha in season one, looks at the usual challenges young African minds have to deal with - love, sex, money and so forth.

In what is called the “authentic” view of life, the drama looks at the impact of HIV and how the youth in Kenya are dealing with it.

“The first thing to note is that this is a drama series that finds itself on MTV and that is unusual,” said Angus Gibson, who produced and directed the series.

“MTV has been doing these sort of things in different African locations, but we pitched for the one in Kenya and got it. We shot the first season and there was a lot of positive feedback from the continent,” he said.

This led to the crew being asked to do yet another season, which we are about to see on our screens.

“We feel this show is what shows such as Yizo Yizo, Zone 14 and Jacob’s Cross were like to South Africa.

“It is a breakthrough concept that has left many Kenyans aware of the talent among them and the issues they need to deal with. We have also got a lot of positive response from Nigeria as we have a cast member from there.

“Don’t be surprised to hear that the next season will be shot in Lagos,” joked Gibson.

Apart from giving the Kenyan actors employment, the film enthu-siasts in the country were also given time of day by the crew as they outsourced for extra helping hands on the different sets.

“We did a mentoring project where the young filmmakers from Kenya could come and be part of the crew so they could learn certain things about film-making,” he said.

The drive towards an HIV-free generation keeps Gibson and his partners busy on and off the set throughout the shooting season.

“As a company we strive to push the envelope and dare go where no one else has yet. When we approach the subject, we assume that we don’t know much so when the young people talk to us about their issues, it gives us guidelines on what to include in the series.”

• Shuga premieres on February 14 at 9.30pm on MTV Base (DSTV Channel 322).