{{Short description|South African television series}} {{Infobox television | image = | image_alt = | caption = | alt_name = | genre = Historical Drama | creator = {{plainlist| * Angus Gibson * Desiree Markgraaff * Teboho Mahlatsi * Catherine Stewart * Nhlanhla Mtaka * Andy Petersen * Benedict Carton }} | based_on = King Shaka | developer = | writer = {{Plainlist|
* Daniel Zimbler * Andy Petersen * Jacob Ntshangase * Desiree Markgraaff * Mpumelelo Paul Grootboom * Steven Pillemar * Benedict Carton * Angus Gibson }} | creative_director = Angus Gibson | director = {{Plainlist| * Angus Gibson * Zeno Petersen * Adze Ugah }} | starring = {{Plainlist|*Nomzamo Mbatha *Lemogang Tsipa *Senzo Radebe *Thembinkosi Mthembu<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-20 |title=Thembinkosi Brian Mthembu |url=https://www.tvsa.co.za/actors/viewactor.aspx?actorid=17934}}</ref> *Dawn Thandeka King<ref>{{cite web|url=https://briefly.co.za/25893-thandeka-dawn-king-biography-children-husband-age-uzalo-mangcobo-2019.html&grqid=yzp81rMp&s=1&hl=en-ZA|title=Uzalo Actress Dawn Thandeka King Background|publisher=briefly.co.za|accessdate=2020-01-31}}{{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> *Wiseman Mncube *Khabonina Qubeka *Sthandiwe Kgoroge *Luyanda Zuma *Wanda Zuma *Ayanda Borotho *Ntando Duma *Baby Cele *Zamani Mbatha *Mduduzi Mabaso *Sive Mabuya *Sjava * Mondli Makhoba * Amanda Seome * Nkanyiso Mzimela * Thandolwethu Zondi * Anele Nene * Sikhanyiso Sithole * Melusi Mbele * Vuyolwethu Biyela * Khanyisani Kheswa * Fanele Zulu }} | voices = <!--Organized by broadcast credit order, with new main cast added to the bottom of the list--> | theme_music_composer = Philip Miller | open_theme = | end_theme = | composer = | country = South Africa | language = Zulu | num_seasons = 2 | num_episodes = 24 | executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
* Desiree Markgraaff * Nomzamo Mbatha * Angus Gibson }} | producer = {{Plainlist| * Desiree Markgraaff * Maqubool Mahomed }} | editor = LJ Rice | cinematography = Zeno Petersen | camera = Multi-cameras | runtime = 55 - 58 minutes | company = The Bomb Shelter | network = Mzansi Magic | first_aired = {{Start date|2023|06|18|df=y}} | last_aired = present }} '''''Shaka iLembe''''' is a South African television drama series produced by The Bomb Shelter for M-Net's channel, Mzansi Magic,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvsa.co.za/channels/viewchannel.aspx?channelid=165|title=Mzansi Magic | TVSA|website=www.tvsa.co.za}}</ref> a Multichoice company. The series <ref name=":0" /> retells the story of King Shaka of the Zulu Kingdom and his quest to fight for his throne, and it's the most expensive show in South Africa to date. It stars Lemogang Tsipa as Shaka kaSenzangakhona, Nomzamo Mbatha<ref name="1R">{{cite web |title=Nomzamo Mbatha Biography |url=https://www.cutfm.co.za/uncategorized/nomzamo-mbatha-biography-house-pictures-age-maps-maponyane-sister-siblings-boyfriend/234/ |date=10 November 2018 |access-date=13 January 2019 |publisher=105.8 CUT FM Radio Station |author=CUT FM Radio |location=Bloemfontein |archive-date=19 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419130455/https://www.cutfm.co.za/uncategorized/nomzamo-mbatha-biography-house-pictures-age-maps-maponyane-sister-siblings-boyfriend/234/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> as Queen Nandi and Senzo Radebe,<ref>{{Cite web|last=TVSA|date=9 November 2020|title=Senzo Radebe|url=https://www.tvsa.co.za/actors/viewactor.aspx?actorid=17673|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=}}</ref> as King Senzangakhona kaJama.
The series premiered on 18, June 2023, recording 3.6 million viewers in its first week, which are the highest ratings ever for a Multichoice-produced drama series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tiwane |first=Bonginkosi |date=2023-06-26 |title='Shaka iLembe' becomes best drama series in DStv history after only one episode |url=https://www.citizen.co.za/entertainment/tv/shaka-ilembe-best-drama-series-dstv-history/ |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=The Citizen |language=en}}</ref>
In September 2024, ''Shaka Ilembe'' became the most nominated drama series in SAFTA history, with 17 nominations.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roman-Cassiem |first=Mishkah |date=2024-09-19 |title=Shaka iLembe: A South African Epic Series with 17 SAFTA Nominations |url=https://mzansilifeandstyle.com/2024/09/19/shaka-ilembe-a-south-african-epic-series-with-17-safta-nominations/ |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=Mzansi Life & Style by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=All the winners from the Craft Awards at SAFTAs18 |url=https://www.dstv.com/mzansimagic/en-za/news/all-the-winners-from-the-craft-awards-at-saftas18 |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=All the winners from the Craft Awards at SAFTAs18 |language=en}}</ref>'' At the 18th SAFTA ceremony held in October 2024, the series became the most-awarded series with 12 awards, including Best TV Drama. Multichoice's SAFTA accolades increased to a total of 46 awards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ferreira |first=Thinus |date=26 October 2024 |title=18 SAFTAs full winners list: Shaka iLembe crowned king with 12 wins |url=https://www.news24.com/life/arts-and-entertainment/tv/18-saftas-full-winners-list-shaka-ilembe-crowned-king-with-13-wins-20241026 |access-date=28 October 2024 |website=news24.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-28 |title=The MultiChoice Group |url=https://www.multichoice.com/news-article.php?articleID=15080 |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=MultiChoice}}</ref>
Season 2 of the series premiered on June 15, 2025<ref>{{Cite news |title=Mzansi Magic excites viewers with 'Shaka iLembe' season 2 |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2025-04-03-mzansi-magic-excites-viewers-with-shaka-ilembe-season-2/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404202154/https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2025-04-03-mzansi-magic-excites-viewers-with-shaka-ilembe-season-2/ |archive-date=2025-04-04 |access-date=2025-06-17 |work=TimesLIVE |language=en-ZA}}</ref> and picks up with Shaka and Nandi arriving at KwaNobamba, where he begins his reign as the new Zulu king.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ochieng' |first=Jennifer |date=2025-03-03 |title=The Highly-Anticipated ‘Shaka iLembe S2’ Set For June |url=https://www.sinemafocus.com/the-highly-anticipated-shaka-ilembe-s2-set-for-june/ |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=Sinema Focus |language=en-GB}}</ref>
== Cast ==
=== Main ===
* Nomzamo Mbatha as Nandi (Season 1 - present) * Lemogang Tsipa as Shaka kaSenzangakhona (Season 1 - present) ** Ntando Zondi as Young Shaka (Season 1) * Thembinkosi Mthembu as Dingiswayo (Season 1 - 2) * Dawn Thandeka King as Mkabayi kaJama / Narrator (Season 1 - present) * Wiseman Mncube as Zwide kaLanga (Season 1 - present) * Khabonina Qubeka as Queen Ntombazi (Season 1 - 2) * Amanda Seome as Ntombazana KaZwide (Season 2 - present) * Zamani Mbatha as Nomhlanjana KaZwide (Season 2) * Anele Nene as Sikhunyana KaZwide (Season 2 - present) * Nkanyiso Mzimela as Somveli kaDingiswayo (Season 1 - 2) * Calvin Ratladi as Goloza (Season 1 - 2) * Luyanda Zuma as Liyana (Season 2) * Wanda Zuma as Mawewe (Season 1 - 2) * Melusi Mbele as Nongila kaMabaso (Season 2 - present) * Senzo Radebe as Senzangakhona kaJama (Season 1 - 2;guest) * Sthandiwe Kgoroge as Queen Mthaniya KaSibiya (Season 1 - present) * Baby Cele as Queen Mbhamba (Season 1 - present) * Ernest Ndlovu as Jama kaNdaba (Season 1) * Hamilton Dhlamini as King Jobe ka Nyambose (Season 1) * Ntando Duma as Bhibhi KaSompisi (Season 1 - 2;guest) * Hope Mbhele as Baleka (Season 1) * Abdul Khoza as Cija (Season 1 - 2) * Ziya Xulu as Pikile (Season 1 - 2;guest)
=== Recurring ===
* Fanele Zulu as Mgobhozi (Season 1 - present) * Lungani Mabaso as Ngcoboka (Season 1 - present) * Sydney Ndhlovu as Mondisa kaJobe (Season 2) * Jabulani Mthembu as Soshangane (Season 2 - present) * Mpilo Mbatha as Mzilikazi (Season 2 - present) * Kwanele Mkhize as Mbopha kaSithayi (Season 2 - present) * Phumlani Mndebele as Nyengelezi (Season 1 - 2) * Sikhanyiso Sithole as Hletjiwe (Season 2 - present) * Nkosana Samane as Noluju (Season 2) * Mondli Makhoba as Ngomane (Season 1 - present) * Andile Mxakaza as Mdlaka (Season 2 - present) * Zazi Kunene as Nomcoba (Season 1 - present) * Vuyolwethu Biyela as Dingane (Season 2 - present) * Wonder Ndlovu as Mpande (Season 2 - present) * Akhona Ndlovu as King Phakathwayo (Season 1 - 2) * Khanyisani Kheswa as Nomo (Season 1 - 2) * Kwanda Manyathi as Mhlangana (Season 2 - present) *Sive Mabuya as Queen Mkabi kaNzuza (Season 1 - present) * Thandolwethu Zondi as Nyembezi (Season 2) * Zonke Mchunu as Queen Zenzile KaMthethwa (Season 1 - present) * Sjava as Bhungane KaNtsele (Season 1) * Ayanda Borotho as Queen Mafunda KaQwabe (Season 1) * Mduduzi Mabaso as Gendeyane (Season 1)
==Production==
===Development=== M-Net and Multichoice had officially announced the series in May 2018, with four years of planning prior to the announcement. Production took six years to complete,<ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine |last=Ferreira |first=Thinus |title=Shaka iLembe: The insider story and kingmaker start of SA TV's biggest show yet |url=https://www.news24.com/life/arts-and-entertainment/tv/shaka-ilembe-the-insider-story-and-kingmaker-start-of-sa-tvs-biggest-show-yet-20230617-4 |access-date=2024-08-22 |magazine=Life |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Staff Writer |date=2023-05-27 |title='Shaka iLembe': Everything You Need To Know |url=https://www.sinemafocus.com/shaka-ilembe-everything-you-need-to-know/ |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=Sinema Focus |language=en-GB}}</ref> with the consultation of historians, academics and family descendants, including the late King Goodwill Zwelithini and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. During this time American network Showtime, which had planned to film their version with a backing of $90 million,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-22 |title=Shaka Ilembe: South Africa's epic production |url=https://scrolla.africa/shaka-ilembe-south-africas-epic-production/ |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=Scrolla.Africa |language=en-ZA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-17 |title=TV with Thinus: America's Showtime commissions rival Shaka Zulu drama series to MultiChoice and M-Net's long-gestating Shaka Ilembe; says its show is 'going to rock the world'. |url=https://teeveetee.blogspot.com/2021/03/americas-showtime-commissions-rival.html |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=TV with Thinus}}</ref> suddenly scrapped their production which was towards completion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=2023-04-03 |title='King Shaka' Series Not Moving Forward at Showtime |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/king-shaka-series-axed-showtime-1235572034/ |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Filming=== Location scouting for the series commenced in 2019,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-19 |title=Location search begins for Shaka Ilembe |url=https://www.actorspaces.co.za/location-search-begins-for-shaka-ilembe/ |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=Actor Spaces |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Ferreira |first=Thinus |title=Location scouting, casting starting soon for M-Net's new 'Shaka' series |url=https://www.news24.com/life/location-scouting-casting-starting-soon-for-m-nets-new-shaka-series-20190620 |access-date=2024-08-22 |magazine=Life |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Location search begins for SHAKA – ILEMBE |url=https://www.dstv.com/m-net/en-za/news/location-search-begins-for-shaka-ilembe |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=Location search begins for SHAKA – ILEMBE |language=en}}</ref> with principal filming of the series taking place in 2022 at the Greater Cradle Nature Reserve, and in the towns of Eshowe, Nkandla Forest, Port Edward, Drakensburg, Mooi River and Zulu Falls in KwaZulu-Natal,<ref>{{Cite web |title=SHAKA ILEMBE IS READY TO HIT GLOBAL SCREENS! {{!}} GlobeNewswire by notified |url=https://kommunikasjon.ntb.no/pressemelding/17971348/shaka-ilembe-is-ready-to-hit-global-screens?publisherId=4954260 |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=kommunikasjon.ntb.no |language=no}}</ref> with more than 120 builders and thatchers from KwaZulu-Natal engaged in building the sets.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cele |first=Zamokuhle |date=2023-06-15 |title='Shaka iLembe' series filmed at Greater Cradle Nature Reserve |url=https://www.iol.co.za/travel/south-africa/gauteng/shaka-ilembe-series-filmed-at-greater-cradle-nature-reserve-ec2c0c30-3311-4e36-a944-eee5795e8636 |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=IOL News}}</ref> Filmmakers had to stick to a rigid building schedule to abide by the prescribed on-site protocols in keeping with the strict rules of the nature reserve. According to crew, the sets in Johannesburg took over nine months to build.
== Broadcast == Before its television debut, the series had a private screening at Montecasino, Johannesburg.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seemela |first=Masego |date=2023-06-14 |title=Shaka iLembe: Senzo Radebe says there's nothing like this production |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/s-mag/culture/2023-06-14-shaka-ilembe-senzo-radebe-says-theres-nothing-like-this-production/ |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=SowetanLIVE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=apofeed |date=2023-06-22 |title=Introducing "Shaka iLembe": A Captivating Journey of History, Courage, and Legacy |url=https://african.business/2023/06/apo-newsfeed/introducing-shaka-ilembe-a-captivating-journey-of-history-courage-and-legacy |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=African Business |language=en-GB}}</ref>
The series premiered on 18 June 2023, airing weekly on Mzansi Magic. While the series was filmed in 4K, the series was aired in HD quality.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ngqabe |first=Xabiso |date=2023-11-22 |title=Where to see the cast of Shaka iLembe on Showmax |url=https://stories.showmax.com/za/where-to-see-the-cast-of-shaka-ilembe-on-showmax#:~:text=After%20years%20in%20the%20making,to%20binge-watch%20on%20Showmax! |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=Showmax Stories |language=en}}</ref>
===International broadcast===
Episodes of the series were immediately aired after their Mzansi Magic debut across the African continent through M-Net's other local interest channels. The series was shown on Maisha Magic Plus in Kenya,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Introducing "Shaka iLembe": A Captivating Journey of History, Courage, and Legacy |url=https://voxafrica.com/press/introducing-shaka-ilembe-a-captivating-journey-of-history-courage-and-legacy/ |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=Voxafrica |language=en-GB}}</ref> Akwaaba Magic in Ghana, Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Urban in Nigeria and the rest of Africa,<ref>{{Cite web |last=ShockNG |date=2023-09-06 |title=MultiChoice Greenlights Season 2 of Shaka iLembe |url=https://shockng.com/multichoice-greenlights-season-2-of-shaka-ilembe/ |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=ShockNG |language=en-US}}</ref> Pearl Magic Prime in Uganda,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Atukunda |first=Rogers |date=2023-06-24 |title=Shaka Ilembe: New Drama Revives Memory of Legendary Zulu King |url=https://softpower.ug/shaka-ilembe-new-drama-revives-memory-of-legendary-zulu-king/ |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=SoftPower News |language=en-US}}</ref> and Zambezi Magic in Zambia. The series was later added on the relaunched streaming service Showmax.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Staff Writer |date=2023-12-04 |title=Shaka iLembe S1 |url=https://stories.showmax.com/za/shaka-ilembe-s1 |access-date=2024-08-22 |website=Showmax Stories |language=en}}</ref>
The series is also shown in French-speaking territories, through Canal+.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shaka ilembe - Canal+ |url=https://www.canalplus.com/ci/series/shaka-ilembe/h/25625858_50001 |website=myCANAL}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *{{IMDb title|id=tt18747550}} *{{TVSA title|5731}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Shaka, ILembe}} Category:2020s South African television series Category:Cultural depictions of Shaka Category:M-Net original programming Category:South African drama television series Category:Television shows set in South Africa Category:Television series set in the 19th century Category:South African historical television series Category:Zulu-language television shows Category:2023 South African television series debuts