Ipeleng’s story
Ipeleng is a bright young lady determined not to allow desperation to cause her to stray from her morals. Bills, food, money, school. When her mum passed away, she became the sole guardian for her little brother and balances looking after him with going to school and working at Club Surge. When she finds herself in a tight financial situation she is offered an ‘easy’ way out of her money troubles, will she take it?
Actor: Thuso Mbedu
Thuso Mbedu, who plays our very own ‘Ipeleng’ in MTV Shuga: Down South, should be a familiar face for many South Africans. Her training as an actress has taken her to the University of Witwatersrand and the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York, but playing a lead role in ‘Is’thunzi’, as well as other prominent performances, has introduced her to the acting world.
Arabeng’s story
Khensani’s cousin from Lesotho, Arabeng, is 13 going on 30. She comes to stay with Khensani and her family after her mother dies. She is happy to be living with her aunt and cousin Khensani, whom she looks up to. She is bubbly, joyous and quite innocent – despite the fact that she looks older than her years. She is in Grade 9 at Luthuli High. Arabeng is physically mature for her age, which attracts attention (often inappropriate) from adult men. Arabeng is still quite naïve sexually and has not yet become interested in sex.
Actor: Mamodibe Ramodibe
“When the characters are true and when they are reflective, the environment becomes true as well. I think that is what MTV Shuga has been, it’s a reflective piece of work, it’s showing society what exists in society, it’s a mirror image of what goes on. So, I think if we stay true to how reflective the narrative is then everything else falls into place.”
Arabeng’s story
Khensani’s cousin from Lesotho, Arabeng, is 13 going on 30. She comes to stay with Khensani and her family after her mother dies. She is happy to be living with her aunt and cousin Khensani, whom she looks up to. She is bubbly, joyous and quite innocent – despite the fact that she looks older than her years. She is in Grade 9 at Luthuli High. Arabeng is physically mature for her age, which attracts attention (often inappropriate) from adult men. Arabeng is still quite naïve sexually and has not yet become interested in sex.
Actor: Mamodibe Ramodibe
“When the characters are true and when they are reflective, the environment becomes true as well. I think that is what MTV Shuga has been, it’s a reflective piece of work, it’s showing society what exists in society, it’s a mirror image of what goes on. So, I think if we stay true to how reflective the narrative is then everything else falls into place.”
Bongi’s story
Bongi moves back to Zenzele from Lagos to stay with her Aunt Nomalanga; let’s just say she’s not exactly thrilled to be home! The one person that she is glad to see is her childhood best friend, Reggie. The two share a special friendship of support and mutual respect that blossoms throughout the season. She’s got a fiery spirit with a rebellious streak and a longing for adventure; when Bongi meets DJ Coalstove, they bond over their shared love of music and quickly become an item. Bongi has to learn some hard lessons, but will she find her silver lining? Will Bongi settle in her new surroundings? Will her longing for Lagos hold her back? Can she take her singing career to new heights in Jozi?
Actor: Mohau Cele
“MTV Shuga Down South season 1 was great, the feedback we got from the fans, the storylines the emails we received from people and how it changed their lives. I believe that Down South 2 will do the same. It will be better, it will be more impactful with the new characters. It’s a South Africa story told by South Africans.”
Returning for another season of MTV Shuga, Mohau Cele is returning to your screens once more as ‘Bongi’. Mohau studied at the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, where she refined her skills as an actress, and is set to take your TVs by storm as she brings ‘Bongi’ Down South.
Dineo’s story
Smart and athletic tomboy, Dineo, is the first in her family to go to college. Her family’s financial circumstances push her to make some tough choices. She is determined to better her and her family’s lives and she sends whatever money she makes, home to Rustenburg where her mother and two younger siblings live. Dineo is pragmatic. She does not expect life to do her any favours nor does she allow anyone to tell her how to live! She is determined to use her education to better her and her family’s circumstances. She takes informed risks, makes difficult choices and won’t jeopardise her opportunity for an education and career.
Actor: Mamarumo Marokane
“First things first: taking care of yourself, your health, HIV, gender roles, self-love. It’s crazy how there’s some people who really go through the stuff that she goes through on the show.”
Dineo’s story
Smart and athletic tomboy, Dineo, is the first in her family to go to college. Her family’s financial circumstances push her to make some tough choices. She is determined to better her and her family’s lives and she sends whatever money she makes, home to Rustenburg where her mother and two younger siblings live. Dineo is pragmatic. She does not expect life to do her any favours nor does she allow anyone to tell her how to live! She is determined to use her education to better her and her family’s circumstances. She takes informed risks, makes difficult choices and won’t jeopardise her opportunity for an education and career.
Actor: Mamarumo Marokane
“First things first: taking care of yourself, your health, HIV, gender roles, self-love. It’s crazy how there’s some people who really go through the stuff that she goes through on the show.”
Andile’s story
Andile is a smooth, externally calm, and collected businessman. He makes a big impression on a certain young lady in Zenzele when he offers to help her out with a business arrangement. He’s charm doesn’t go unnoticed and soon their business arrangement takes on a different course.
Actor: Anelisa Phewa
Khensani’s story
Khensani like many 15-year-old girls, wants to be older than she is. Her parent’s protectiveness, has caused her to have a desire for adventure, as she is tired of being treated like a child. Khensani and Tsholo are best friends, they share a special bond and stand by each other through some tough times. Khensani is involved with a teacher at her school, she believes that he is in love with her and that he will eventually leave his family to be with her. When she is confronted with an unexpected situation and has some difficult choices to make, she realizes that she still has a lot to learn. Will Khensani be able to navigate these troubled waters?
Actor: Samkelisiwe Makhoba
Samkelisiwe Makhoba, who plays ‘Khensani’ in MTV Shuga: Down South, made it into the Shugacrew through our public auditions in Jo’burg. Having studied Film and Television Studies at the University of Witswatersrand in 2014, Samke is constantly perfecting her craft. MTV Shuga is Samke’s first lead role, and presents her as a force to be reckoned with in the acting industry.
Kwanele’s story
Kwanele is a sweet, open minded and hardworking guy who lives with Reggie in digs. He is always so busy – working two jobs (one at the call centre with Reggie and the other at Fishy Tings in Braamfontein) to make ends meet and to save up some cash. Kwanele loves to kick and unwind with a drink but sometimes he gets reckless and sleeps around, but how long can he keep up this lifestyle without facing some really nail-bitting choices to make.
Actor: Malibongwe Mdwaba
Lemo’s story
Little Lemo is not so little anymore. Lemo has started high school now and is trying to fend of the bullies but his small stature and smart tongue aren’t helping his situation. After a few failed attempts to boost his rep and and earn some respect, Lemo turns to other devices. But Lemo must learn that all actions have consequences and he must pay a big price for his.
Actor: Tshiamo Molobi
Odirile’s story
Odirile is a 25 year old Sotho-speaking man, who has not spoken, nor seen his parents in five years as a result of being gay. It is precisely this similarity to Reggie that ignites a spark. Odirile, despite his physical attractiveness, is the source of Reggie’s attraction because of his sexual confidence. Odirile helps Reggie to navigate a new phase in life, while rediscovering the mechanics of a new relationship and the challenges of being black, gay and African
Actor: Mohale Motaung
Quinton’s story
There’s always that one dude in school who seems to have it all: good looks, athletic ability and a cool girlfriend. For MTV Shuga Down South ‘that dude’ is Q. Assuming the role of the prince of Zenzele comes with responsibilities. Or at least that’s how Q sees it. Maintaining a ‘macho’ rep amongst his friends is one of the requirements Q holds dear. Q and Reggie have been best friends since childhood; however, when Reggie makes a personal revelation to Q about his sexuality, Q is very unsupportive and turns his back on Reggie. Will Q see the errors in his ways and be able to make it up to Reggie?
Actor: Jezriel Skei
Jezriel Skei has been reaching international audiences since a young age. Playing ‘Q’ in MTV Shuga: Down South is sure to spread his reach even further. Jezriel’s role in the critically-acclaimed ‘Four Corners’ landed him the SAFTA award for Best Actor in a Feature Film, making him the youngest South African actor to collect the prize. Attending the National School of Arts has allowed Jezirel to finesse his acting skills even further.
Reggies’s story
Reggie is a talented soccer player and graffiti artist who is trying to get to grips with his sexual identity, and map out his own way in life. Reggie’s father is a teacher at his school and wants him to follow an academic route and be ‘more serious’; through the season he struggles to get his dad’s respect and acceptance. Reggie deals with coming out to his two closest friend Bongi and Q; Bongi is very supportive and accepting however Q turns his back on him. Will Reggie decide to ignore what people think about him and be the most authentic version of himself?
Actor: Given Stuurman
South African star Given Stuurman has featured in a variety of different roles. Playing ‘Reggie’ in the brand new season of MTV Shuga: Down South, Given is adding to an already impressive career that includes acting roles in films such as: ‘Straight outta Benoni’, ‘Invictus’ and TV productions, including: ‘Jozi Street’, ‘Walala’ and ‘Tshisha’.
Sol’s story
Sol is the son of a rich taxi company owner in Zenzele, he is always on the hunt for a new girl and he woos them using his dad’s money. Sol gets into a relationship with Tsholo; at first he seems very sweet and loving, buying her new clothes, a new mobile and other gifts but it quickly becomes clear that he is very jealous and possessive and the relationship is of a transactional nature: he always expects something in return for these gifts and when he doesn’t get it, he shows his dark side.
Actor: Ayanda Makayi
Ayanda Makayi, MTV Shuga: Down South’s ‘Sol’, studied acting at the South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance (AFDA). He’s featured on ‘Ashes to Ashes’ and is also a keen musician.
Thuli’s story
Thuli is Sol’s 13-year old younger sister. Like her friend Arabeng, she is innocent and playful but she can also be cheeky when her back is up against the wall. Thuli has to deal with a difficult domestic home situation. Dealing with her home life has given her hardened exterior, but it has also made her little fearful. Thuli is more adventurous than Arabeng when it comes to the latest fashion, trends, music and imitating her favourite celebrities.
Actor: Dee Rasedile
Zamo’s story
Zamo is a self-proclaimed turn up queen, desperate for social media stardom. Zamo is flirtatious, sassy and knows what she wants: she is not one to be messed with. She avoids the responsibility of looking after her son Spoonkie, often out partying, leaving him unattended or trying to push him on to others. Although Mam Phumzile helps her with looking after Spoonkie, she makes it very clears that he is Zamo’s responsibility and that she must grow up and be a good mother. Will she be able to keep up the party girl lifestyle or will something have to give?
Actor: Lerato Walaza
Lerato Walaza, who plays ‘Zamo’, studied drama at Tshwane University of Technology. Her previous experiences include films, TV presenting and theatre, helping her prepare for her big role on MTV Shuga: Down South.
