The journey to putting this epic story on the screen begins with an incredible cast bringing the legendary story to life, The epic historical drama series, Shaka Ilembe, is set for release in 2023. Bomb Production and Multichoice have commenced filming in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, the making of this series is set to create 8000 new job opportunities.
The bomb is a seasoned award-winning film and television production company that is rooted in the South African experience and energized by local talent. Since 1997 Bomb has created groundbreaking television dramas, since their inception of production they have produced award-winning television dramas Yizo Yizo, Zone 14, Isibaya, Ayeye, Heartlines, and Isithembiso to name a few.
Multichoice is one of the fastest-growing video entertainment providers globally, delivering entertainment products and services to 21.1million households across 50 countries on the African continent. Its track record of more than 35 years is reflective of a commitment to providing audiences with only the best local, sports, and international content.
Shaka Ilembe tells a pre-colonial South African kingdom of the Zulu King with iterations from his early childhood through to adulthood.
The role of Shaka is going to be played by the incredibly talented Lemongang Tsipa(adult king) and the rising star Ntando Zondi (boy-king). The drama will also be blessed by the ever so talented head of Amazon’s Coming 2 America’s breakout star, actress, television personality, businesswoman, and human rights activist Nomzamo Mbatha who plays Queen Nandi, the revered mother of Shaka, with Thembinkosi Mthembu starring as King Dingiswayo and Wiseman Mncube in the role of King Zwide. Mbatha will also executive produce the series.
“Being able to bring this important story to the screen with such stellar talent speaks to the heart of MultiChoice’s ongoing commitment and investment in our local entertainment industry. We are committed to telling great African stories and this is a proudly African series told through the lens of Africans for the very first time,” said Yolisa Phahle, CEO of General Entertainment & Connected Video at MultiChoice.
“I am honored to bring the giant that is Queen Nandi to life. History will remember those who informed its people of where we come from, to better understand who we are. I am fortunate to be part of a project that is much bigger than ourselves and to tell this story in our language. Impi iyeza!” expressed Mbatha.
“It is a cast with deep talent,” added Angus Gibson, Creative Director at Bomb Productions. “It is magical witnessing these performers bring life to characters we only know from the history books. When the cast arrive on set, fully dressed in wardrobe and hair from the period, I am blown away.”
The production has been working on data analysis for more than half a decade consulting historians, academics, and family descendants, including the late King Goodwill Zwelithini and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
A gripping tale of the rise of the Nguni Kingdom is coming to nature the natural habitat, this is one of the greatest stories to be told in Southern Africa, and the series is expected to brace our screens in the coming year (2023). This is our appointment with history to capture the authenticity and deepen the understanding of this era.
