‘Shaka iLembe’ Trailer: Africa’s Most Ambitious TV Project Yet

MultiChoice’s Mzansi Magic has released a new trailer for Shaka iLembe, the highly-anticipated epic historical drama that tells the origin story of Shaka Zulu.

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.

Produced by Bomb Productions (House of Zwide, Isibaya), Shaka iLembe has been has been six years in the making with consultation of historians, academics, and family descendants, including the incumbent King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, as well as the late King Goodwill Zwelithini, before commencing production in 2022.

Shaka iLembe stars Lemogang Tsipa (Troy: Fall of a City) and Ntando Zondi as adult Shaka and young Shaka respectively, Nomzamo Mbatha (Coming 2 America) who also the series’ executive producer, Wiceman Mncube (The Wife), Senzo Radebe (Isono), Thembinkosi Mthembu (Adulting), Khabonina Qubeka (Generations: The Legacy), Dawn Thandeka King (DiepCity), Hope Mbhele (Umkhokha), 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.

“Shaka iLembe represents the best of African storytelling. It was created for a local market, but it is also, most certainly, a global television property,” said Fahmeeda Cassim-Surtee, CEO of DStv Media Sales. “This is an epic series (and is) told on an epic scale and it is destined to keep audiences tuned in with strong plotlines, stunning visuals, an evocative soundtrack, and a range of powerhouse performances.”

CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice, Nomsa Philiso said, “We are so excited for our audiences to see Shaka iLembe, and embrace this world of kings, queens, prophets, warriors, strategists, and lovers. The cast and crew have done an outstanding job in telling this majestic, larger than life story. As a result, it is a polished and compelling drama series filled with  conflict, action, romance, betrayal, sacrifice, struggle, triumph, and loss.”

Watch the new trailer below.

Shaka iLembe will premiere on 18 June on Mzansi Magic. Details still unclear if it will be available for streaming on MultiChoice’s owned VOD platform Showmax.

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