Release Date Of ‘Shaka Ilembe’ Has Been Made Official. Since its official trailer release back in 2022, the biopic of the famous King, Shaka Zulu has been highly anticipated with fans looking forward to it hitting the screens.
In an Instagram post, Ayanda Borotho dressed in AmaZulu traditional clothes, recently broke the news to her followers that the historical biopic drama will premiere in the second half of the year.
“In Mtaka’s words. ‘This is the story of the Queens, who were the real kings before the Kings’ Phakama Zulu! Hlanga lomhlanathi! iLembe elega amanye amalembe selifikiled. Shaka iLembe on your screens 18 June on Mzansi Magic,” she captioned the picture.
Shaka iLembe produced by Bomb Productions is set in the 1700s and tells the story of the making of the iconic African King, from his early childhood through adulthood. The historical drama will retell the life of the infamous and legendary King Shaka KaSenzakhakhona. The production had been in the works for the past six years, with producers of the drama making thorough research and consulting with his descendants, namely the late Goodwill Zwelithini and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi to make sure that they have accurate information.
In a press release by MultiChoice’s Media Sales CEO, Fahmeeda Cassim—Surtee, said Shaka iLembe, “was created for a local market, but it is also, most certainly, a global television property. 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.”
The production’s stellar cast includes Nomzamo Mbatha, Lemogang Tsipa, Senzo Radebe, Thembinkosi Mthembu, Wiseman Mncube, Khabonina Qubeka, Dawn Thandeka King, Hope Mbhele, Mondli Makhoba, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, Ayanda Borotho just to mention a few.
Nomzamo Mbatha who is one of the lead actresses of the production, with her portrayal of Queen Nandi, Shaka’s mother also got to wear the hat of the executive producer for the historical drama biopic. A few individuals who also played a vital part in the production of ‘Shaka iLembe’ are Angus Gibson, who was once nominated for an Oscar award, and an academician, Professor Hlonipha Mokoena who served as an advisor for historical and cultural purposes.
