The excitement for South African series Shaka iLembe has been building across the continent since it was first announced in 2018, and understandably so. What has been released so far about the series – from images to trailers to set details – promises a story like nothing that has ever been told this side of the world. Perhaps Africa’s most ambitious TV project yet, the South African epic looks like finally fits the label of Africa’s Game of Thrones – a very high comparison that the epic fantasy series Blood Psalms failed to live up to.
Excited yet? Here’s everything you need to know about Shaka iLembe as we gear up for its premiere.
The plot
Set in the 1700s, this South African 12-part series tells the story of the making of the iconic African King with iterations from his early childhood through to adulthood. The series will look at the powers that influenced and shaped Shaka – the drama unfolding from the time of his conception, his unmatched bravery as a young man, the early attempts on his life – and the subsequent years of exile with his mother.
The production company
Shaka iLembe is produced by Bomb Productions, the production company behind House of Zwide, Isibaya, Yizo Yizo, Jacob’s Cross and Ayeye.
How long did it take to make the series
Even though filming kicked off in 2022, Shaka iLembe has been six years in the making, a process that involved careful and thorough research, with production has worked alongside historians, academics, and family descendants to bring history alive.
The budget
It is reported that the show is a multi-million rand production, and we can’t wait to see how the big bucks translate to the screen.
The cast is star-studded
Lemogang Tsipa (Troy: Fall of a City) is Shaka and Ntando Zondi is young Shaka.
Nomzamo Mbatha (Coming 2 America) is Queen Nandi, the revered mother of Shaka
Wiceman Mncube (The Wife) is King Zwide
Thembinkosi Mthembu (Adulting) is King Dingiswayo
Senzo Radebe (Isono) is King Senzangakhona, Shaka’s father
Dawn Thandeka King (DiepCity) is Princess Mkabayi, King Jama’s daughter and sister to King Senzangakhona
Khabonina Qubeka (Generations: The Legacy) is Queen Ntombazi, mother of King Zwide
Hope Mbhele (Umkhokha) is the passionate healer Baleka
More cast include Mondli Makhoba (The Wife), and Sthandiwe Kgoroge (Yizo Yizo), with Abdul Khoza (The Wife), Don Mlangeni (The Estate), Vusi Kunene (House of Zwide), Mduduzi Mabaso (Five Fingers for Marseilles), Sibonile Ngubane (Isibaya), Ayanda Borotho (Isibaya) and Wanda Zuma (House of Zwide), Ziya Xulu, Calvin Ratladi, and Phumlani Mndebele also featuring.
Expect incredible costume design and attention to detail
The wardrobe and make-up departments spent 12 months researching and learning about pre-colonial fashion, beauty, and hair. They travelled all the way up to the Himba in Namibia to learn how they work leather. Over 2 000 outfits were made for the production, 8 000 strings of beads and over 420 hairstyles and wigs created for cast and extras.
Filming locations
Shaka iLembe was filmed in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng. According to crew, the sets in Johannesburg took over nine months to build.
Watch the trailer
Release date
Shaka iLembe will premiere on 18 June 2023, with new episodes releasing weekly.
Where to watch
The series will be available on M-Net’s Mzansi Magic. Details are still unclear if it will be available for streaming on MultiChoice’s owned VOD platform Showmax, but outside of South Africa, Shaka iLembe will also be available on Maisha Magic Plus in Kenya, Akwaaba Magic in Ghana, Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Urban in Nigeria, Pearl Magic Prime in Uganda, and Zambezi Magic in Zambia.
