Announced last year by MultiChoice and Bomb Productions, finally, we got to see the debut episode of the drama series “Shaka Ilembe” and you can look forward to 11 more.
The series brings local stars including Nomzamo Mbatha, Thembinkosi Mthembu, Wiseman Mncube, Lemongang Tsipa and Ntando Zondi.
Set in the 1700s, Shaka Ilembe tells the story of the making of the iconic Zulu king aka King Shaka, from his early childhood through to adulthood. The two key actors playing Shaka are the incredibly talented Lemongang Tsipa (adult king) and newcomer Ntando Zondi (boy king).
The star-studded cast is headlined by Amazon’s Coming 2 America’s breakout star, Nomzamo Mbatha, who plays Queen Nandi, the revered mother of Shaka, with Thembinkosi Mthembu starring as King Dingiswayo and Wiseman Mncube in the role of King Zwide. Mbatha also executive produces the series.
The series takes viewers on a journey through the making of the iconic African king. With the solid attention to detail, this historical drama offers a perilous tale of a ruler’s rise to power. The creators of Shaka iLembe, billed as the biggest and most expensive South African TV show in prime time, have poured six years of dedication into crafting this homegrown 12-episode masterpiece.
Shaka iLembe production features over 9,000 contributors, 900 crew members, and 250 main and background actors.
The rich cinematography of Shaka iLembe captivates the audience from the first frame. With an overview of the debut episode aired on Sunday evening on Mzansi Magic, every shot is carefully composed, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of the Zulu culture. The costumes, hairstyles, and set designs transport us to the 1700s, bringing authenticity and depth to the storytelling.
As the first season sets the stage for Shaka’s rise to power, viewers are eagerly anticipating the upcoming seasons that will delve deeper into his unification of the Zulu nation and his eventual downfall.
Shaka iLembe is a testament to the growing prowess of South African filmmaking. This ambitious production showcases the country’s ability to deliver high-quality content that can rival international standards. From its grand scale to its rich storytelling, this series aims to captivate audiences both locally and globally.
This 12-episode series is another stellar delivery by Bomb Productions.
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