Catch the show on Mzansi Magic every Sunday at 20:00 as it unfolds the incredible story of an African king. The talented Lemogang Tsipa takes on the role of the adult king Shaka, while newcomer Ntando Zondi portrays the young Shaka.
Nomzamo Mbatha shines as Queen Nandi, Shaka’s revered mother, with Thembinkosi Mthembu as King Dingiswayo and Wiseman Mncube as King Zwide. Don’t miss this captivating tale brought to life by an amazing cast.
Read Also:Shaka iLembe 2023-2024 | Show, Audition, Cast & Dates
Shaka iLembe Mzansi Magic Plot Summary
Set in the 1700s, Shaka ilembe tells the story of the making of the iconic African king, with iterations from his early childhood through to adulthood. The production has been six years in the making, consulting historians, academics, and family descendants, including the incumbent King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, as well as the late King Goodwill Zwelithini.
Shaka iLembe Mzansi Magic Full Story
Shaka iLembe is a TV series from South Africa that takes place in the 1700s. It’s about the life of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona, starting from his childhood and continuing into adulthood.
The series is filmed in isiZulu and focuses on the origin story of the famous Zulu King and the events that shaped his life.
Although the series is fictional, the producers have made sure to accurately depict and respect Nguni culture.
The production took six years to complete and involved consultations with historians, academics, and family descendants, including the late King Goodwill Zwelithini and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
The series aims to find a balance between historical authenticity and dramatic storytelling.
The main actors portraying Shaka are Lemogang Tsipa as the adult king and newcomer Ntando Zondi as the young king.
Other cast members include Nomzamo Mbatha as Queen Nandi, the revered mother of Shaka, Thembinkosi Mthembu as King Dingiswayo, and Wiseman Mncube as King Zwide.
Shaka iLembe is an Mzansi Magic Original Production, produced by Bomb.
The series was created by Angus Gibson, Mpumelelo Grootboom, Desireé Markgraaff, Jacob Ntshangase, and Catherine Stewart.
Angus Gibson, Desireé Markgraaff, Nomzamo Mbatha, and Nhlanhla Mtaka are the executive producers, with Gibson also serving as the director.
The co-producers of the series are Maqubool Mahomed, Shelli Miller, Suzanna Ward, and Bongumusa Zungu.
The story was developed by Daniel Zimbler, Mpumelelo Grootboom, Andrew Petersen, Jacob Ntshangase, Steve Pillemer, Benedict Carton, Thishiwe Ziqubu, and Angus Gibson.
The music for the series was composed by Philip Miller.
Shaka iLembe Mzansi Magic Cast
| Actor/Actress | Character |
|---|---|
| Nomzamo Mbatha | Nandi |
| Ntando Zondi | Young Shaka |
| Senzo Radebe | Senzangakhona |
| Dawn Thandeka King | Mkabayi |
| S’Thandiwe Kgoroge | Mthaniya |
| Sibonile Ngubane | Mudli |
| Khabonina Qubeka | Ntombazi |
| Calvin Ratladi | Goloza |
| Phumlani Mndebele | Nyengelezi |
| Abdul Khoza | Cija |
| Wiseman Mncube | Zwide |
| Thembinkosi Mthembu | Dingiswayo |
| Ziya Xulu | Piklile |
| Terrence Ndumiso Maphumulo | Luhleko |
| Buhle Tsepo Doncube | Soshangane |
| Ernest Ndlovu | Jama |
| Sfundo Maphumulo | Mahole |
| Gabriel Miya | Zikode |
| Hope Mbhele | Baleka |
| Wanda Zuma | Mawewe |
| Hamilton Dlamini | Jobe |
| Mondli Makhoba | Ngomane |
| Lemogang Tsipa | Shaka |
| Ayanda Borotho | Mfunda |
| Siyabonga Melongisi Shibe | Mgabhi |
| Magic Hlatshwayo | Mbhengi |
| Sphamandla Dhludhu | Tana |
| Ntando Menzi Ncube | Ndabezimbi |
| Linda Nxumalo | Dlabehlezi |
| Ncibijani Madlala | Mbhobho |
| Nompilo Maphumulo | Iqhikiza |
| Austin Shandu | Ngqondo |
| Sibusio Shozi | Zulu War Sangoma |
| Don Mlangeni Langa | Baby Cele |
| Deli Malinga | Bajwayele |
| Richard Lukunku | Domingo |
| Carla Fonseca | Carlotte |
| Thembikile Komani | Qinisani |
| Ntokozo Aphiwe Mthembu | Young Makhedama |
| Mthokozisi Reginald Gabela | Nkanizababili |
| Ntando Zuma | Nkankane |
| Laquino Fonseca | Aloisio |
| Lucia Mthiyane | Thiyabezile |
| Sphamandla Mkhize | Ndwandwe War Sangoma |
| Mimi Mahlasela | Langeni Elder Aunt |
| Bheki Vilakazi | Sanusi Mhlolo |
| Dumisani Nkabinde | Mandulo’s Father |
| Ntando Hesewu | Bully 2 |
| Kennedy Stab | Gwedla |
| Khayalethu Xaba | Bully 1 |
| Sibusiso Madondo | Nxazonke |
| Zusiphe Garane | Mthethwa |
| Mtsheleni Mkhize | Zulu Royal Inyanga |
| Martin Edward Ziqubu | Inkosi Mzimela |
| Mduduzi Nyanga | Mthethwa Brother |
| Titus Langa | Mthethwa Brother |
| Bheki Mkwanazi | Jobe’s Insila |
| Bukokwakhwe Goqozile Masango | Mthethwa Praise Singer |
| Thulane Kubheka | Mzimela Messenger |
| Isaac Mdletshe | Old Trader |
Ntando Zondi as Young Shaka
Shaka kaSenzangakhona
Ntando Zondi (10-years)
UNodumehlezi kaMenzi,
USishaka kasishayeki kanjengamanzi,
Ilemb’eleq’ amany’amalembe ngokukhalipha,
UShaka ngiyesab’ ukuthi nguShaka.
He who is famous without effort, son of Menzi.
He who beats but is not beaten, unlike water.
The axe that surpasses other axes in sharpness …
Shaka, I fear to say he is Shaka
Son of Queen Nandi and Zulu King Senzangakhona kaJama. Shaka and his mother were outcasts who endured hardships which shaped him to become a legendary leader and warrior. His story of unwavering determination and unbreakable will is a testament to the power of the human spirit. He went on to conquer and unify many kingdoms to build the Zulu nation and left an indelible mark on African history that continues to fascinate people around the world.
Lemogang Tsipa as Shaka
Lemogang Tsipa is a South African actor best known for his role as Dini Masilela in the eKasi+ and e.tv detective drama series Traffic!
Shaka kaSenzangakhona
Lemogang Tsipa (adult)
UNodumehlezi kaMenzi,
USishaka kasishayeki kanjengamanzi,
Ilemb’eleq’ amany’amalembe ngokukhalipha,
UShaka ngiyesab’ ukuthi nguShaka.
He who is famous without effort, son of Menzi.
He who beats but is not beaten, unlike water.
The axe that surpasses other axes in sharpness …
Shaka, I fear to say he is Shaka
Son of Queen Nandi and Zulu King Senzangakhona kaJama. Shaka and his mother were outcasts who endured hardships which shaped him to become a legendary leader and warrior. His story of unwavering determination and unbreakable will is a testament to the power of the human spirit. He went on to conquer and unify many kingdoms to build the Zulu nation and left an indelible mark on African history that continues to fascinate people around the world.
Nomzamo Mbatha as Queen Nandi
Nomzamo Mbatha is a South African accountant, actress and television personality best known as one of the three finalists in the 2012 MTV Base VJ Search.
Queen Nandi kaMbengi
Nomzamo Mbatha
UXebe woMhlathuze
Sweetheart of the Mhlathuze valley
Daughter of King Mbengi of the Langeni and Queen Mfunda, Nandi was a woman ahead of her time. Beautiful and bold, she defied societal norms and chose to chart her own path. Mother of Shaka kaSenzangakhona, who despite enduring many hardships nurtured and guided him to become a legendary leader, instilling in him the strength, love, and bravery that defined his reign. Queen Nandi remains a revered African icon.
Senzo Radebe as Senzangakhona
Senzo Radebe is a South African actor best known for his supporting role as Sthembiso “Sthe” Gumede on the SABC2 soap opera Muvhango.
King Senzangakhona kaJama
Senzo Radebe
Owaphoth’ intamb’ ende umntakaJama, Wayiphotha yafik’
ezulwini, Lapho nezithutha zakoMageba zingeyukufinyelela,
Ziyawuthi ziyakhwela zaphuk’ amazwanyana.’
He who plaited a long rope, son of Jama, He plaited it until it reached the sky,
Where even the ancestral spirits of Mageba could not reach,
If they tried to climb they would break their little toes.
Son of King Jama and Queen Mthaniya. Senzangakhona kaJama, became king of the Zulus and father to Shaka. He was a charismatic leader who was also known for his dashing looks. Despite his disappointment at not being the great leader the Sanusi’s foretold, from his seed came the greatest Zulu king and many thereafter that continued to unite and lead the Zulu Nation long after his reign.
Dawn Thandeka King as Mkabayi
Dawn Thandeka King (also known as Dawn Msomi) is a South African actress best known for her role as Lindiwe Xulu in the SABC1 telenovela Uzalo.
Princess Mkabayi kaJama
Dawn Thandeka King
USoqili!
Iqili lakwaHoshoza
Elidl’umuntu limyenga ngendaba,
‘Father of guile’!
Cunning one of the Hoshoza people,
Who devours a person tempting him with a story.
Princess Mkabayi kaJama, daughter of King Jama and sister to King Senzangakhona kaJama. Mkabayi was a kingmaker and visionary who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Zulu Nation. Her commitment to her people and the vision of her ancestors and her unparalleled strategic thinking make her a true icon in Zulu history.
Thembinkosi Mthembu as Dingiswayo
Thembinkosi Mthembu is a South African actor who rose to fame with a starring role as Junior in the Mzansi Magic drama series The Republic.
King Dingiswayo
(formerly Godongwana kaJobe)
Thembinkosi Mthembu
Ugodo alushi ngokubaselwa.
Unyawoth’omnyama.
The firewood that doesn’t burn when put in fire.
The black nyawothi.
Son of King Jobe of the Mthethwa. Formerly known as Godongwana, who fled into exile and against great odds returned as Dingiswayo and ascended to the throne of the mighty Mthethwa. King Dingiswayo was an inspirational leader, gifted strategist and skilled warrior known for his military prowess, wise counsel, and ability for diplomacy. He became a key mentor to Shaka and helped shape him into a great warrior and lauded leader.
Hope Mbhele as Baleka
Baleka
Hope Mbhele
Baleka (fictional) was a healer for the Mthethwa King Jobe and later King Makhasana of the Mabhudu. A passionate healer, she was a young scientist. Filled with determination and fierce independence, she dedicated her life to healing and the direction of the ancestors, bringing comfort to those in need. She believed in the importance of pursuing her own dreams and aspirations, regardless of societal expectations.
Wiseman Mncube as Zwide
Wiseman Mncube is a South African actor, playwright and director best known for his role as Mfanufikile in the e.tv drama series The Kingdom – uKhakhayi.
King Zwide kaLanga
Wiseman Mncube
Uzwide kaLanga
Unonkenkel’ abantu bahlatshwe
Kuhlatsgw’iminyango enesisila
Yena bangamhlabi
Zwide, son of Langa
The one who stings and people feel the sting
It’s the tail-ends that get stung
And he doesn’t get stung
Zwide, son of the feared Queen Ntombazi and King Langa. He was a shrewd and dangerous warrior who out-maneuvered his adversaries with deft strategy and ruthlessness. He shared his mother’s ambitions to build an empire and was fiercely committed to protecting and providing for his people.
Khabonina Qubeka as Queen Ntombazi
Khabonina Qubeka is a South African actress, dancer, choreographer, singer and businesswoman best known for her role as the third Doobsie (after Lindiwe Chibi and Khanyisile Mbau) on the SABC2 soapie Muvhango, from 2006-2007
Queen Ntombazi
Khabonina Qubeka
Nizobezwa abaningi bethi uNtombazi wayengumthakathi.
Ngeke sikuvumenoma sikuphike lokho.
Esingakusho ukuthi yonke into eyenziwa yithi sifazane inobulumbi phakathi.
You will hear many who will tell you that Ntombazi was a witch.
We cannot affirm or deny that.
What we can say is that everything that we womenfolk do has a bit of sorcery in it.
Queen Ntombazi, mother of the great Ndwandwe King Zwide kaLanga, was a powerful and enigmatic force in her own right. Revered by some as a mystical and wise leader, and feared by others as a witch, she had dreams of building an empire and utilised her formidable intellect and cunning to fight for the prosperity of her people.
Sthandiwe Kgoroge as Queen Mthaniya
S’thandiwe Kgoroge is a South African actress and fashion designer best known for her soapie roles as twins Zinzi and Zoleka Mudau on Generations.
Queen Mthaniya
Sthandiwe Kgoroge
Wife to King Jama, mother to King Senzangakhona. Queen Mthaniya is strong, dignified, and strategic. She becomes regent for some time after her husband dies and before her son becomes king. Mthaniya is a nurturer to both her son Senzangakhona and later her grandson Shaka.
| Name | Shaka iLembe |
| Broadcast Channel | Mzansi Magic |
| Country | South Africa |
| Category | Drama |
| Genre | Drama |
| Language | ZULU |
| Subtitle | English |
| Seasons | 1 |
| Episodes | 12 |
| Year of Release | 2023 |
| Duration | 60 min |
| Format | Ultra HD |
Shaka iLembe Mzansi Magic Series Details
Don’t miss the captivating tale of Shaka iLembe on Mzansi Magic. With an incredible cast and a riveting plot, this show unfolds the story of an African king. Tune in every Sunday at 20:00 to witness the talents of Lemogang Tsipa, Ntando Zondi, Nomzamo Mbatha, Thembinkosi Mthembu, and Wiseman Mncube as they bring this tale to life.
