Actress and producer Nomzamo Mbatha turned heads at the Shaka iLembe premiere with a stunning gown that was more than just fashion — it was a celebration of culture, history, and power. Dressed in a custom piece by designer Gert-Johan Coetzee, Nomzamo made a bold and beautiful statement that honoured the strength of African women, especially the legendary Queen Nandi, whom she portrays in the series.
The gown, covered in cowrie shells and shield patterns, quickly became one of South Africa’s most talked-about red-carpet looks. “It wasn’t just about looking beautiful,” Nomzamo explained in an interview with The Citizen. “It was about embodying a woman stepping into power. A kingmaker.”
Nomzamo worked closely with Coetzee to design the gown. She came prepared with a Pinterest board full of inspiration and ideas that captured the feeling of a woman stepping confidently into her power. “I wanted the dress to be a tribute to Queen Nandi in the best way possible,” she said.
The dress was full of meaning. It wasn’t just something to wear — it told a story. Designed with heavy beadwork and handcrafted details, the gown took over 260 hours to create. It featured more than 10,000 hand-sewn beads and over 1,000 cowrie shells, each stitched by hand. “Yes, the dress is weighty,” Nomzamo joked. “But what’s that saying? Heavy is the head that… well, in this case, heavy is the hem that wears the shells.”
For Nomzamo, the cowrie shells were a must. These shells have been used as currency and spiritual symbols across Africa, representing wealth, divine energy, and womanhood. “I wanted something that felt like true strength and power,” she said. “They had to be part of the dress.”
Coetzee’s team of bead workers — all women, many of them fans of Shaka iLembe — brought the design to life with care and passion. “Gert has incredible women bead workers who are meticulous and enthusiastic,” Nomzamo shared. “They wanted to make something different.”
Getting dressed wasn’t easy either. “Putting it on wasn’t too tough, although it’s a two-man job!” she said with a laugh. “Walking in it was another story. I had to make sure I didn’t step on the shells or crush them!”
Despite the challenges, Nomzamo says the moment was worth every second. “On that red carpet, I wasn’t just an actress at a premiere — I was a queen among mortals,” she said. “Wrapped in a story stitched by history, culture, and excellence.”
She praised designer Gert-Johan Coetzee for his commitment to quality. “Gert is one of the most iconic South African brands. He leads with excellence and doesn’t compromise. I needed that for this moment.”
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