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15 Jun

Nomzamo Mbatha’s Shaka Ilembe Is Finally Here!

We attended the premiere of the much anticipated Shaka Ilembe at Monte Casino, Johannesburg where stars adhered to the African royalty  theme. Six years in the making, Shaka Ilembe had a whirlwind ride to the top and it will finally land on our screens on Sunday 18th June on Mzansi Magic. We spoke to the show’s producers Angus Gibson and Nomzamo Mbatha; who also stars on the show,about uprooting the iconic and historical story of Shaka and how they hope to leave an eternal footprint in the film industry.

Shaka Ilembe captures the true essence of the Zulu culture told in different angles. At the heart of it all, the whole cast spoke at length about how significant and incredible it was for them to be a part of this project. Nomzamo   plays the lead role of Queen Nandi, mentioned how they are hoping this series will be one for the books on an international landscape. The world has long been curious about  how Shaka Zulu ruled and his life has been a subject of numerous colourful and exaggerated stories and now Shaka Ilembe will give us a closer look at his life.. 

Speaking to us about her experience of shooting the show, Nomzamo said, “The greatest pleasures of making Shaka Ilembe is that we wanted to create something that will live on for decades. The story of Shaka has been a part of us since growing up and now we get to tell our African stories the best way we know how. It’s about time we celebrate African icons and control the narrative while honouring the legacies of Queen Nandi, King Shaka, Senzangakhona, Zwide Ka Langa and all the historical figures at a greater length. While this is a fictional story, it’s inspired by real places and real people and with that said, it resonates with a wider audience.” 

Angus Gibson, who is best known for Isibaya, Zone 14 and other Bomb Productions, spoke to us about what this project means for the South African heritage and why it took so long to finally bring it to our screens. Angus Gibson said, “I feel very proud of being part of this project. It didn’t even feel like a job but rather a passionate involvement. There are films and journals and stories told about the great King Shaka so we spent a vast amount of time doing research, consulting historians, visiting historical places, journals and finding ways to give the story a fresh perspective while also offering the audience the core essence and value of the Nguni people decades ago.”

In addition, Angus Gibson noted that from the first episode of the series, they unearthed the story about Shaka’s parents and what builds after that is a long journey of who Shaka was from adolescence to him being a King. 

The whole cast and crew was so dedicated to bringing this to life and some days it was hard to shoot some scenes. Set in the 1700’s, Shaka Ilembe offers audiences worldwide the opportunity to immerse into a rich dynastic African story. Notably, King Misizulu kaZwelithini gave his blessings and insights about the Zulu culture and painted a canvas of men and women who shaped King Shaka ka Senzangakhona. 

One of the actors on the series, Dawn Thandeka King said, “I’m emotional because what we’ve been working on for so long is finally here. I know this will give the audience a chance to learn more about where we come from and pass on to the upcoming generations.” She also echoed praises for the cast that gave their best performances, passion and dedication throughout the whole project. As much as the series is star studded, it also unearthed new talents such as Ntando Zondi who plays the role Shaka who mentioned that it was a privilege to learn more about his history and heritage and mostly playing alongside the talented cast.

The stellar cast is made up of Nomzamo Mbatha, Lemogang Tsipa, Senzo Radebe, Thembinkosi Mthembu, Wiseman Mncube, Abdul Khoza, Khabonina Qubeka, Dawn Thandeka King, Hope Mbhele, Mondli Makhoba, Wanda Zuma, Ntando Zondi and so many more.

Spotted on the royalty carpet: Zolisa Xaluva, Lasizwe Dambuza, Natasha Thahane, Khanyi Mbau, Nelisiwe Sibiya, Thembinkosi Mthembu, Ntando Duma, Phupho Gumede K, Sivenathi Mabuya, Nonkanyiso Conco, Baby Cele, Robot Boii, Thembi Seete, Sello Maake kaNcube, Thabang Mazibuko, Letta Mbulu, Ringo Madlingozi, Khaya Dladla, Blxckie, Winnie Ntshaba, Ihhashi Elimhlophe, and many more.

The 12-part series of Shaka iLembe premieres on Mzansi Magic on Sunday, 18 June, at 20:00.

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