Multichoice and Bomb Productions dropped the official trailer for the majestic 12-part series Shaka iLembe last Sunday and had the Twitter streets buzzing. The trailer opens with a breathtaking shot of King Dingiswayo (Thembinkosi Mthembu) riding a beautiful horse. A teaser so majestic, it demanded repeat viewings.
The much anticipated prime-time drama series Shaka iLembe will premiere on Sunday, June 18 at 20:00. Set in the 1700s, Shaka iLembe tells the story of the making of the iconic African king, with iterations from his early childhood through to adulthood. The production has been six years in the making, consulting historians, academics, and family descendants, including the incumbent King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, as well as the late King Goodwill Zwelithini.
Shaka iLembe represents the best of African storytelling.
– DStv Media Sales CEO Fahmeeda Cassim-Surtee
“It was created for a local market, but it is also, most certainly, a global television property. This is an epic series [and is] told on an epic scale and it is destined to keep audiences tuned in with strong plotlines, stunning visuals, an evocative soundtrack, and a range of powerhouse performances.”, Cassim-Surtee adds.
We are so excited for our audiences to see Shaka iLembe, and embrace this world of Kings, Queens, prophets, warriors, strategists, and lovers.
– MultiChoice General Entertainment CEO Nomsa Philiso
“The cast and crew have done an outstanding job in telling this majestic, larger-than-life story. As a result, it is a polished and compelling drama series filled with conflict, action, romance, betrayal, sacrifice, struggle, triumph, and loss.”, adds Philiso.
Here’s all there is to know before taking a trip into the epic story of precolonial kingdoms and the heroes and villains who shaped and influenced one of Africa’s greatest Kings – Shaka ka Senzangakhona.
It’s produced by Bomb Productions
Bomb is known for creating some of South Africa’s most iconic television, such as Yizo Yizo, Zone 14, Jacob’s Cross, Isibaya, Isithembiso and many more. The team collectively boasts hundreds of awards including 22 SAFTAs, two Sundance awards, an Emmy award, The Venice Silver Lion, the Pare Lorentz award as well as a Bafta and Oscar nomination.
With a creative team helmed by Oscar-nominated director Angus Gibson, executive producers Nomzamo Mbatha, Nhlanhla Mtaka, and Desiree Markgraaff, working with Professor Hlonipha Mokoena (cultural and historical advisor), Shaka iLembe is the biggest production ever undertaken by Mzansi Magic and was fully funded by the MultiChoice Group as part of their expansive local content slate.
An A-list cast for the win
The cast is the who’s who of South Africa’s top actors. The series features a stellar cast, including Coming 2 America star Nomzamo Mbatha, who plays Queen Nandi, the revered mother of Shaka.
Shaka iLembe also brings together the talents such as the incredibly talented Lemogang Tsipa, Senzo Radebe, Thembinkosi Mthembu, Wiseman Mncube, Khabonina Qubeka, Dawn Thandeka King, Hope Mbhele, Mondli Makhoba, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, and introduces Ntando Zondi.
Starring alongside them will be Abdul Khoza, Ziya Xulu, Calvin Ratladi, Phumlani Mndebele, Don Mlangeni, Vusi Kunene, Mduduzi Mabaso, Sibonile Ngubane, Ayanda Borotho, and Wanda Zuma among many others, making Shaka iLembe a powerful ensemble drama.
A symbol of beauty
We are treated to a vibrant display of beautifully-designed traditional garments. We can’t help but be in awe of the level of detail. The magnificent headdresses in particular take centre stage, especially during gatherings. It’s not just the costumes that caught our eye. We saw more of the locations – which include rural KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. These locations are guaranteed to provide dramatic backdrops to an even more dramatic story.
Fittingly, Shaka iLembe was filmed in 4K, with state-of-the-art visual effects, ensuring the best screen treatment for the sweeping dynastic saga that encompasses the Zulu, Elangeni, Hlubi, Mthethwa, and Ndwandwe clans.
More of Lemogang Tsipa
We get to feast our eyes on more of Lemogang Tsipa and witness some of what he brings to the production as Shaka. In a captivating scene, we watch him hone his fighting skills, clearly in preparation for battles to come. And what battles they will be.
Isithembiso and The Republic actor Lemogang Tsipa plays the titular role of Shaka.
Lots of romance and a love story at the helm
The attraction between Nandi and Senzangakhona is strong. Flirtatious moments escalate into unbridled passion. The chemistry between Nomzamo Mbatha and Senzo Radebe, who play the pair, ignites the screen and we can’t wait to see more of them. An act of love. A child out of wedlock. A forbidden inter-clan marriage.
United we stand, divided we fall
We were captivated by powerful dialogue as Mkabayi stressed the importance of unity amongst family and what could happen should there be division. “If we don’t unite,” she says, “the Ndwandwe will slaughter all of us.” This is sure to be one of many rousing speeches.
Watch the trailer for Shaka iLembe
The 12-part series tells the story of the famous Zulu King and the events that shaped his remarkable life. While the series is an entertainment title and a fictional interpretation of historical events, producers Bomb Productions have taken care to ensure that Nguni culture is authentically portrayed and respected.
From a night of passion to a brutal war that shook the nation, Shaka iLembe tells the majestic story of a great king. Embrace the world of kings and queens on Mzansi Magic from Sunday 18 June at 20:00
