Following a successful series of seasons since its premiere in 2013 in Nigeria, featuring former child star, Sharon Ezeamaka, Timini Egbuson and more, MTV Shuga is set to return for its fourth season.Thousands of young talents filled the audition venue – Classique Events Centre Oregun, Ikeja – on Thursday, April 4, for a shot at making the series, which will air from September 2019.
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By the time the casting doors opened, Adesewa, who traveled six hours from Edo State to get a chance at the auditions and many like her who travelled from within and outside Lagos, had formed queues that stretched for nearly two kilometers.“I left my job as an engineer to make it to this audition because acting is my passion, and I made a promise to myself that I’ll keep knocking on the door of fame till it opens for me,’ Adesewa said.
For Oscar Madueke, who had high hopes for a call back after the audition, “getting picked would change everything.”Another enthusiastic audition hopeful, Promise Okpala said: “It’s awesome…really awesome. I have followed all the six auditions of MTV Shuga and coming for the auditions has always been on my bucket list. So when I found out they were having it here, I was like this is the chance to become the next big thing!”
The wannabe celebs eccentric fashion choices, catchy hair statements and colorful costumes were complemented and nervous chatter, while some hopefuls rehearsed their monologue, and all made small talk, as they waited to impress the panel of judges, which included Nigerian Television & Film Director, Tope Oshin; Head Writer, MTV Shuga Nigeria, Kemi Adesoye; TV Producer and Filmmaker, Tolulope Ajayi and Senior Producer, MTV Staying Alive Foundation, Wyn Baptiste.
On hand to give encouragement to the auditionees were Shuga stars and MTV talents such as Timini Egbuson, Jemima Osunde, Bukola Oladipupo, VJs Ehiz, Sammy Walsh and Nenny B among others, who were in their shoes not too long ago. They turned up to lend their support.
Audition hopefuls who prove successful would have the golden opportunity to star with returning cast members of MTV Shuga, and launch a high profile career on the back of the series which has launched several stars, including Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o.
MTV Shuga Naija is a multi-sectorial partnership involving the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, with supports from MTV Base Africa, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This year’s MTV Shuga Naija TV and radio campaign welcomes award-winning director Tope Oshin as producer. Known for setting the pace for female directors in the Nigerian movie industry, she has earned accolades for her amazing portfolio, featuring movies including, Fifty, Wedding Party 2 and most recently, Up North.
