Before She Was Famous: Lupita Nyong’o Starred In Super-Sexy Kenyan Soap Opera

Before Lupita Nyong’o won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, she got her freak on in a raunchy Kenyan soap opera called “Shuga.”

MUST READ: Lupita Nyong’o Wins ‘Best Supporting Actress’ Oscar For ’12 Years A Slave’ Role

The MTV series, created to promote HIV awareness in November 2009, aired in over 40 African countries and our beloved Lupita was a leading star. She received her first break as Ayira, an opportunist who fooled around with multiple men, including her boss, to get ahead in life. The show’s climax came when Ayira feared she had contracted the disease.

“Shuga” won an public relations award in the health category at the 2010 World Media Festival in Hamburg, Germany.

MUST READ: Lupita Nyong’o Talks Breakout Role In ’12 Years A Slave’ & Adjusting To Fame

Check out the trailer and a few of the 12 Years A Slave star’s steamiest scenes below. Click here to watch full episodes.