MTV is taking in HIV/AIDS with a new project called Ignite.  Ignite, falling under MTV’s award winning Staying Alive campaign, addresses sexual networks, multiple partners, drug use and living with HIV, within the context of national cultures and norms.  The campaign is being held simultaneously in Kenya, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Ukraine and will kick off with television dramas. The Ignite Kenya campaign is the biggest of the three.

Kenya’s cast has already been picked and Jamati is delighted to introduce them to you.

Lupita Nyong’o is  Ayira.  Born in Mexico and raised in Kenya, her acting portfolio includes being on the production team of  ‘The Constant Gardener‘, and ‘The Namesake‘, and has had lead roles in ‘Venus’, ‘Marat/Sade‘, and ‘After Mrs. Rocheste‘.  A budding producer and director, she won ‘Best Documentary’ and ‘Best Film of 2008’ for her movie, ‘In My Jeans’.

Pepe Haze is Ty. This spoken word artist has found his calling in socially responsible media.  After having tried his hand at acting, he realizes that it is what he wants to do.  The founder of Trill Click,  and co-founder of The Paramedikz, a non-profit band, he is definitely in his element, performing to help influence positive behavior in youth.

Antony Mwangi Ndungu is Kenneth. This multi-talented young man is an actor, copywriter, neo-soul artist, event mc, social entrepreneur, and journalism student.  He toured the United Kingdom with the award winning play, Cut off My Tongue and is passionate about issues that empower women, children, and the poor.

Valerie Kimani is Sindi. This winner of the Tusker Project Fame competition, is already taking large strides towards fame and possibly fortune.  She has been in the movie, ‘Behind Closed Doors‘, and has starred in the television series, ‘Better Days’.

David Omwange is Schola. Born in Kenya but raised in the United States, David is a well-traveled man with a penchant for acting.  He has lived in several countries and is actively involved in several artistic projects.

Eva Kanyang’onda is Virginia. Eva has been the face seen on Nokia and toothpaste commercials who has a keen interest in foraying into the acting scene.  Her talent is undeniable, and she should make a mark with her newly discovered acting abilities.

Nicholas Munene Mutuma is Leo. Nicholas loves to write scripts and act.  He can be seen in the television series, ‘Changes’ on M-Net, and ‘Tabasamu’ on Citizen TV.

Read more about the Ignite campaign at the website.