Friday, 27 May 2016

Shuga Naija Review


  
MTV Shuga Naija or Shuga Naija for short is a television soap opera that first aired in December 2013 and since then it has received amazing feed from the viewers and also critics. Shuga Naija is a multimedia campaign that educates young people on HIV, safe sex and pregnancy. The show also touches upon maternal and child health, family planning, gender-based violence and also women empowerment. The television sequel which includes eight episodes was shot and set in Nigeria and produced in partnership with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS. Set against the bars, clubs and student hangouts of Lagos, Shuga relates a bitter-sweet tale of love, betrayal, and heartbreak among a group of friends in the city of Lagos. Shuga is a drama with a message. It aims to draw awareness to difficult issues that our society refuses to talk about.

Characters: 
   Emmanuel Ikubese (Femi) - Promoter of all things musical from shows to parties and artists as well. A lack of caution in Kenya left him with HIV+ and because of that he had a hard time revealing his status to his close friends when he returned back to Nigeria. Since then he has neglected his ‘bad boy’ image and has settled into his work routine and even his HIV support group meetings. With a new composer signed and the habitual parties at Badoo and the new woman in his life.
   Adesua Etomi (Sheila) - A 28-year-old young lady who is financially and mentally stable. Sheila lives on her own in her apartment away from her parents’ house but visits regularly and sustains a close relationship with the entire family. She knows what desires, can make her own choices and stands by steadily by what she has faith in. Sheila also has a new man in her life with whom she cherishes with all her heart. The only thing remaining is for him to meet her family.

   Nick Mutuma (Leo) - ‘’Friendly guy’’ Leo was a radio DJ back in Nairobi where he became fast friends with Femi. Leo and Femi’s friendship has had some of its own emotional roll coasters that included a girl and HIV panic back in Nairobi, but Leo elevated to Nigeria to revamp with Femi and they are now work partners; publicizing events, parties and shows.

   Dorcas Shola Fapson (Sophie) - Sophie used to be one of the sharpest girls on campus with a style of living that was exclusively paid for by ‘’Aristos’’. When one would walk away, he would be recouped in a heartbeat. Sophie’s major ‘’Aristo’’ put her at jeopardy of contracting HIV and she return put another guy at risk. She tested negative but it was alarming trial. Sophie now works at the 6222 call centre for HIV and HIV-related issues by day, helping people deal with some of their issues. She also manages the night club Badoo by night and takes responsibility of her younger sister Princess, full-time. Sophie ‘’so fresh so fly’’ has switched to ‘’Superb Sophie’’ as all she takes is responsibilities in stride.

   Timini Egbuson(Tobi)-Tobi is the man to go to for IT and internet quick fixes but on the other hand he’s also a damaged man. Previous to his relationship with Princess, Tobi was virtuous, never had time for girls and was only absorbed in his computer. He enduringly opened up and found love but unfortunately Princess deceived him 6 months ago and her disloyalty left him feeling in a wreck. Tobi is now a callous player; a different girl every time. He has picked up to always practice safe sex.

   Sharon Ezeamaka (Princess)-Princess had every motive of joining the drifting crowd on campus when she first came to Lagos and saw how her big sister Sophie was ‘’running things’’. She took over Sophie’s ‘‘Aristo’’ and for a while she enjoyed a droplet of life with a modelling job and a little boyfriend on the side. Nonetheless, things eventually became slanted and left her HIV+ but still ignorant.  Princess lives with Sophie and is still also coming to terms with the solidity of taking antiretroviral drugs for the rest of her life- she has difficult time remembering to take them when she should but that is only one of her issues. Princess has immense decisions to make that will affect others.

   Olumide Oworu (Weki) - A secondary school teenager, Weki was born with HIV and has done a great deal of handling it by taking his drugs and attending support groups.  Weki’s mum is away on a business trip but checks up on him regularly and the housemaid looks after him at home. Weki is completely overjoyed by his new love interest for many reasons including the fact that they are both in love with each other and are ready to take adult steps. Weki also takes counsel from the more experienced Femi.

   Zoe Favour (Mary) - Mary is 15 and is also a secondary school student with the mind of a 25-year-old. Recently her dad lost his job and therefore put the family in a subdued situation. She has managed a small inner circle which is made up of one best friend but on the other hand she has huge aspirations; wants to be rich and travel the world. A very chatty and bubbly girl, very forward and is eager to grow up. 

   Mohau Mokoatle (Bongi)- Bongi is a girl from south Africa who relocated to Nigeria after her dad got transferred to Nigeria for work. Despite the fact that she now attends secondary school in Nigeria, Bongi has left a boy back home in her native land that she can’t wait to get back to. Yet, she is bold that while in Nigeria nothing is going to get in the way of her studies. Bongi is very intelligent and she takes her studies very serious. Besides being an amazing student, she has other talents; she has a beautiful singing voice and is very eager about her music but on the other hand she is dubious about how well she balances school and music.

   Peace Hyde (Eniola) - Eniola is a young single mother. A few years back took a turn for the worse as she was gang-raped by mysterious assailants and this heart breaking experience forced her to make numerous changes in her life. Now Eniola dedicates much of her time to volunteering with single mums or soon-to-be mums who have the important task of having their babies while preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission.

Personally I’d recommend this show to younger people as they will understand the terms of people living with the disease and how they are overcoming it. It also sends out a powerful message as well.

Mark:10/10

(Hillary Christelle)

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