Shaka Ilembe

Last updated
Shaka Ilembe
Genre Drama
Created by
  • Angus Gibson
  • Desiree Markgraaff
  • Teboho Mahlatsi
  • Catherine Stewart
  • Nhlanhla Mtaka
Based onKing Shaka
Written by
  • Daneil Zimbler
  • Andy Petersen
  • Jacob Ntshangase
  • Desiree Markgraaff
  • Mpumelelo Paul Grootboom
  • Steven Pillemar
  • Angus Gibson


Directed byAngus Gibson, Zeno Petersen, Adze Ugah
Creative directorAngus Gibson
Starring
Country of originSouth Africa
Original languageZulu
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes12
Production
Executive producerDesiree Markgraaff/Nomzamo Mbatha/Angus Gibson
ProducerDesiree Markgraaff/Maqubool Mahomed
CinematographyZeno Petersen
EditorLJ Rice
Camera setupMulti-cameras
Running time55-58minutes
Production companyThe Bomb Shelter
Original release
Network Mzansi Magic
Release18 June 2023 (2023-06-18)

Shaka Ilembe is a South African series produced by Bomb! A production for M-Net's channel Mzansi Magic., [3] a Multichoice company. The series, South Africa's most expensive show to date, [4] retells the story of King Shaka of the Zulu Kingdom and his quest to fight for his throne. It stars Nomzamo Mbatha [5] as Queen Nandi KaBhebhe and Senzo Radebe, [6] as King Senzangakhona kaJama.

Contents

The series premiered on 18, June 2023, recording 3.6 million viewers in its first week, the best ratings ever for a Multichoice-produced drama series. [7]

In September 2024, Shaka Ilembe became the most nominated drama series in SAFTA history, with 17 nominations. [8] [9] At the 18th SAFTA ceremony held in October 2024, the series won 12 awards, including Best TV drama, the most of any nominee, and garnering Multichoice a total of 46 awards. [10] [11]

Multichoice announced in September 2023 that the series was renewed for a second season [12] with Nomzamo Mbatha returning as lead actress and producer of the series. Lebogang Tsipa will reprise his role as the title character " Shaka" and Dawn Thandeka King in her role as "Mkabayi". Thembinkosi Mthembu, Ntando Duma and Mduduzi Mabaso are expected to reprise their roles as King Dingiswayo, Queen Bhibhi and Gendeyana respectively.

Cast

ActorRoleNotes
Nomzamo Mbatha Nandi Main
Senzo Radebe Senzangakhona kaJama Main
Thembinkosi Mthembu Dingiswayo Main
Dawn Thandeka King Mkabayi kaJama Main
Lemohang Tsipa Shaka Kasenzangakhona Main
Ntando Zondi Young Shaka Main
Sthandiwe Kgoroge Queen Mthaniya KaSibiya Main
Ernest Ndlovu King Jama kaNdaba Main
Wiseman Mncube Zwide kaLanga Main
Khabonina Qubeka Queen Ntombazi Starring Guest
Hope Mbele Baleka Supporting Cast
Mondli Makhoba Ngomane Supporting Cast
Abdul Khoza CijaSupporting Cast
Wanda BLAQ Zuma Mawewe Main
Hamilton Dhlamini King Jobe ka Nyambose Main
Zonke Mnchunu Queen Zenzile KaMthethwaSupporting Cast
Jabulani Hadebe Bhungane KaNtseleSupporting Cast
Sivenathi Bukani Mkabi Ka NzunzaSupporting Cast
Ntando Duma-Mthombeni BhibhiSupporting Cast
Ziya Xulu PikileSupporting Cast

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, [4] [13] 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, [14] [15] suddenly scraped their production which was towards completion. [16]

Filming

Location scouting for the series commenced in 2019, [17] [18] [19] 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, [20] with more than 120 builders and thatchers from KwaZulu-Natal engaged in building the sets. [21] 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. [22] [23]

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. [24]

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, [25] Akwaaba Magic in Ghana, Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Urban in Nigeria and the rest of Africa, [26] Pearl Magic Prime in Uganda, [27] and Zambezi Magic in Zambia. The series was later added on the relaunched streaming service Showmax. [28]

The series is also shown in French-speaking territories, through Canal+. [29]

Related Research Articles

iLembe District Municipality District municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

iLembe is one of the 11 district municipalities of KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa. The seat of iLembe is KwaDukuza. The majority (82%) of its 606,809 people speak isiZulu as their first language. The district code is DC29. It was formerly named the King Shaka District Municipality.

Sindiswa Dlathu is a South African actress and musician. She is well known for portraying Thandaza Mokoena on Muvhango, a role she played from the show's inception in 1997 until her departure in 2017.

Vusi Kunene is a South African actor, best known for his role as Jack Mabaso in Generations and its continuation, Generations: The Legacy, Funani Zwide in House of Zwide, Bhekifa in Isibaya (2014–2016), Jefferson Sibeko in Isidingo (2009–2014). He is also known for his way he speaks Zulu (IsiZulu). He has appeared in 25 films and television shows since 1993. In 2011, he received the Golden Horn Award for Best Actor for the drama Soul City.

Nomzamo Mbatha, is a South African actress, accountant, television personality, businesswoman, human rights activist.

Mzansi Magic is a South African digital satellite and general entertainment channel created by Multichoice and run by M-Net's local interest division, and is broadcast on DStv.

Zikhona Sodlaka is a South African actress best known for her starring roles in television series such as Shooting Stars, Rhythm City, Soul City, Intsika and Montana. Sodlaka once got nominated for the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA).

<i>eHostela</i> South African television series

eHostela is a television drama series in South Africa. The series was renewed for season 3 but leading actor Thobani Nzuza did not return but instead added Siyabonga Thwala, Tony Kgoroge and Gcina Nkosi as new lead actor for the new season. The show did not receive positive rating for its 3rd season.

<i>Isibaya</i> South African Television Drama Series

Isibaya is a South African television drama series that started production in 2013, premiering on Mzansi Magic and created by Angus Gibson, Desiree Markgraaff, Teboho Mahlatsi, Catherine Stewart and Benedict Carton. Siyabonga Thwala leads the male cast as Mpiyakhe Zungu and Thembi Nyandeni leads the female cast as Mkabayi "MaNcwane" Zungu.

Dawn Thandeka King is a multi-award-winning South African actress, musician, motivational speaker and social media influencer from Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal. Dawn Thandeka King is best known for her former role as MaNgcobo on the South African soap opera Uzalo. King portrayed the role of MaNgcobo for almost 7 years.

Ayanda Ngubane who goes by Ayanda Borotho was born on 13 January 1981 is a South African actress and former model best known for playing the title role in the SABC 1 sitcom Nomzamo, from 2007–2010, of which she replaced Zinzile Zungu as well as Phumelele Zungu on Mzansi Magic’s telenovela Isibaya.

Siyabonga Thwala is a South African television and stage actor, television host, producer and businessman. He is most well known for his role of Mpiyakhe Zungu on Mzansi Magic's Isibaya. Siyabonga Thwala has starred and appeared in a number of high profile television shows in South Africa winning multiple awards for his acting.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bokang Phelane</span> South African actress

Bokang Phelane is a Lesotho born actress, producer and director.

Senzokuhle Radebe is a South African actor best known for his supporting role as Sthembiso “Sthe” Gumede on the SABC2 soap opera Muvhango, Abednego on Isono, as well as his role as Zibuko on Gomora.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lorcia Cooper</span> South African actress and dancer

Lorcia Khumalo , is a South African actress and dancer. She is best known for her roles in the popular television serials Backstage, Scandal!, Lockdown (2017-2020) and RedInk (2024), and in films Hey Boy (2003) and Zulu Wedding (2017).

Thembinkosi Brian Mthembu, is a South African actor. He is best known for his roles in the popular serials Shaka iLembe,The River, The Gamechangers, Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu and a short film called Ngeculo.

Wiseman Mncube, is a South African actor, playwright, singer and director. He is best known for the roles in television serials, such as Gold Diggers, EHostela, Uzalo and Shaka Ilembe. In June 2024 he was nominated twice for Best Actor for his roles in Uzalo and Shaka llembe by the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards.

Ntando Menzi Mncube, is a South African actor, singer and dancer. He is best known for the roles in the television serials such as; Umlilo, Lockdown, Side Dish and Ifalakhe Durban Gen, Shaka Ilembe, Isifiso .Uzalo season 10

Gqeberha: The Empire is a South African television series that replaced the telenovela series The Queen on Mzansi Magic. The show is set in Gqeberha and follows the lives of a powerful family, the Mxenges, as they navigate love, power and betrayal. It first aired on the 16 January 2023 and 260 episodes per season are broadcast. The show is produced by multi-award winning production house, Tshedza Pictures. Tshedza Pictures has produced shows like The River Season 1 to 6, Outlawz Season 1, Champions, Adulting Season 1 and 2 and Youngins on Showmax. The series is directed by Zolani Phakade and the show's producer is Khobi Ledwaba.

<i>Lockdown</i> (South African TV series) 2017 South African TV series or programme

Lockdown is a South African crime drama television series created and directed by Mandla Ngcongwane that premiered on 9 January 2017 on Mzansi Magic (televised) and Showmax (streaming) then later moved to 1Magic.

References

  1. ↑ "Thembinkosi Brian Mthembu". 2020-11-20.
  2. ↑ "Uzalo Actress Dawn Thandeka King Background". briefly.co.za. Retrieved 2020-01-31.[ permanent dead link ]
  3. ↑ "Mzansi Magic | TVSA". www.tvsa.co.za.
  4. 1 2 Ferreira, Thinus. "Shaka iLembe: The insider story and kingmaker start of SA TV's biggest show yet". Life. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  5. ↑ CUT FM Radio (10 November 2018). "Nomzamo Mbatha Biography". Bloemfontein: 105.8 CUT FM Radio Station. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
  6. ↑ TVSA (9 November 2020). "Senzo Radebe".
  7. ↑ Tiwane, Bonginkosi (2023-06-26). "'Shaka iLembe' becomes best drama series in DStv history after only one episode". The Citizen. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
  8. ↑ Roman-Cassiem, Mishkah (2024-09-19). "Shaka iLembe: A South African Epic Series with 17 SAFTA Nominations". Mzansi Life & Style by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  9. ↑ "All the winners from the Craft Awards at SAFTAs18". All the winners from the Craft Awards at SAFTAs18. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  10. ↑ Ferreira, Thinus (26 October 2024). "18 SAFTAs full winners list: Shaka iLembe crowned king with 12 wins". news24.com. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  11. ↑ "The MultiChoice Group". MultiChoice. 2024-10-28. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  12. ↑ Mazibuko, Nozibusiso (2023-09-07). "Shaka iLembe season 2 will have 'new faces'". The South African. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  13. ↑ Writer, Staff (2023-05-27). "'Shaka iLembe': Everything You Need To Know". Sinema Focus. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  14. ↑ "Shaka Ilembe: South Africa's epic production". Scrolla.Africa. 2023-06-22. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  15. ↑ "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'". TV with Thinus. 2021-03-17. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  16. ↑ Otterson, Joe (2023-04-03). "'King Shaka' Series Not Moving Forward at Showtime". Variety. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  17. ↑ "Location search begins for Shaka Ilembe". Actor Spaces. 2019-06-19. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  18. ↑ Ferreira, Thinus. "Location scouting, casting starting soon for M-Net's new 'Shaka' series". Life. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  19. ↑ "Location search begins for SHAKA – ILEMBE". Location search begins for SHAKA – ILEMBE. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  20. ↑ "SHAKA ILEMBE IS READY TO HIT GLOBAL SCREENS! | GlobeNewswire by notified". kommunikasjon.ntb.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2024-08-23.
  21. ↑ Cele, Zamokuhle (2023-06-15). "'Shaka iLembe' series filmed at Greater Cradle Nature Reserve". IOL News. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
  22. ↑ Seemela, Masego (2023-06-14). "Shaka iLembe: Senzo Radebe says there's nothing like this production". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
  23. ↑ apofeed (2023-06-22). "Introducing "Shaka iLembe": A Captivating Journey of History, Courage, and Legacy". African Business. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  24. ↑ Ngqabe, Xabiso (2023-11-22). "Where to see the cast of Shaka iLembe on Showmax". Showmax Stories. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  25. ↑ "Introducing "Shaka iLembe": A Captivating Journey of History, Courage, and Legacy". Voxafrica. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  26. ↑ ShockNG (2023-09-06). "MultiChoice Greenlights Season 2 of Shaka iLembe". ShockNG. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  27. ↑ Atukunda, Rogers (2023-06-24). "Shaka Ilembe: New Drama Revives Memory of Legendary Zulu King". SoftPower News. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  28. ↑ Writer, Staff (2023-12-04). "Shaka iLembe S1". Showmax Stories. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  29. ↑ "Shaka ilembe - Canal+". myCANAL.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.