The lights were scathingly bright, cameras were in countless and the action was ready and set to take place at the first MTV event in Nairobi since the MAMAs and the MTV Base Launch a couple of years back.
The venue was the Nairobi National Museum and the event was the exclusive red carpet premiere of Shuga; Love, Sex and Money on the 10th of February 2012. Scores of local and international celebrities, media personalities, government and NGO officials graced the launch of what is set to be a phenomenal sequel to the first Shuga series that hit television screens across the globe in 2009.
It is then no wonder that attendees were resigned to an evening chic dress code, to match all the stops that MTV had pulled out to bring the event. The organizers ensured the red carpet was sweepingly long, giving a chance to all the invites to strut their bib and tucker to the delight of paparazzi and the media.
A photobooth with the ‘Shuga’ backdrop ushered guests into the conjoined cocktail area and Premiere Tent. About 350 chairs lined the ca brio space where a giant LCD screen had been laid up to show the world the efforts of MTV, HFG Kenya, USAID and the GOK.
The cocktail area featured complimentary cocktails and delightful snacks, a bar area, a LIVE DJ mix and stylized lamps and lights that gave the elegant design of the inside Museum arena an invigorating ambiance.
I could spot Kalyeke Mumo, resplendent in a flattering cocktail dress with sleeveless black hemming catching up with exquisitely dressed Shuga cast member Brenda Wairimu. She was looking sassy and stunning as ever with her with her pearly accessories and the shiny bangles on her wrist.
Nick Ndeda and MTV VJ Kule Ekirapa were clad in semi-matching crisp clean customed tailored suits, Nick bearing a red tie as Kule’s slim black pencil one rhymed with his pointed Italian footwear. Ifeco Ikubese (Femi in Shuga) didn’t fail to impress the ladies with his red authentic pants and matching tie, along with the cream coat and designer sunglasses that added a hint of mystery.
Other MTV VJ Vanessa looked spectacular in her full black torso skirt, with netted sleeves and old school shoes that definitely set her apart from the crowd. Its clear that people put out all the stops for this classy affair.
When the film was aired, it was evident from audience reactions that the producers had got it right, as everyone was highly animated and emotional throughout the screening.
There will be loads of surprises for fans of the series as it airs on MTV Base on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.30, KBC on Tuesdays at 10.30pm, Citizen TV on Mondays at 10.00pm, KISS TV on Sundays at 10.00pm and on Shuga.TV
Have a look at some gallery pics of the event here >>
