Ntando Zondi is on Shaka Ilembe as the young Shaka Zulu

Meet Ntando Zondi, the rising star portraying Prince Shaka Zulu in Shaka iLembe

Prepare to witness the talent of the child star, Ntando Zondi as the young Shaka in Mzansi Magic hit drama series, Shaka iLembe. There isn’t much known about the young actor, but that’s about to change, now! 

The 15-year-old actor, who hails from KwaMashu in KwaZulu-Natal was chosen out of hundreds of teens to portray the role of the young Prince Shaka. The grade 8 student has no formal training in acting but has loved it for years always dreaming of becoming an actor. When casting directors called him back for a second audition, he almost did not answer as it was an unknown number, little did he know it was a call that would change his life. The assignment for the Bomb Production casting team was to cast a young teen who had talent and a similar looks to Lemogang Tsipa who plays the adult Shaka.

Watch the trailer for Shaka iLembe S1

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The character – Young Shaka

Son of King Senzangakhona kaJama (Senzo Radebe) of the Zulu and Queen Nandi kaMbengi (Nomzamo Mbatha) of eLangeni. Born out of wedlock. Later as an outcast, he was subjected to humiliation and adversities.

Ntando Zondi is on Shaka Ilembe as the young Shaka Zulu

Mentored by the best in the game

Nomzamo Mbatha who plays his mother Nandi in the series: she calls him her boy. She was always by his side when filming Shaka iLembe. Bongumusa Zungu – Casting Director Shaka iLembe and Manager: Ntando calls him big brother from another mother.  

Young Shaka and Indlovukazi Nandi played by Ntando Zondi and Nomzamo Mbatha
Ntando Zondi as Young Shaka and Nomzamo Mbatha as Indlovukazi Nandi in Shaka iLembe

His future is bright

Ntando takes his studies seriously, 2023 is his first year in high school.  Ntando was awarded certificates in drama (2), Arts and Culture (1) and Academics(1) in his final year of primary school. His wish is to become an Entrepreneur and international actor.

Parting shot

“Being part of this production is an honor and very special to me and my family. I cannot believe that I am part of a series that is so epic and telling an important story.  I am so grateful for the opportunity and taking on the big role of young Shaka Zulu who grows to become a formidable King in the future. For me, this is a life-changing experience. Tune in this Sunday, 16 July at 8pm for episode 5 only on Mzansi Magic channel 161. I am very excited and hope you will enjoy this episode.”

Join in the conversation #ShakaiLembeMzansi on Twitter: @Mzansimagic, Facebook: Mzansi Magic, Instagram: MzansiMagic or on DStv social media platforms: Twitter: @DStv, Facebook: DStv and Instagram: dstvza

Missed an episode of Shaka iLembe? Episode 1-5 is available on DStv Catch Up

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