Shaka iLembe is a rating sensation with over 3.6-million viewers across DStv in South Africa - the best-ever performance for a MultiChoice drama series in its history.  The show also reached number 1 on the DStv App across Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and other African countries.

With the powerhouse series trending number 1 on Twitter and dominating TikTok, fans were quick with their accolades, including for stars Nomzamo Mbatha (Nandi), Wiseman Mncube (Zwide), Khabonina Qubeka (Queen Ntombazi) Ntando Zondi (Young Shaka), Senzo Radebe (Senzangakhona) and Dawn Thandeka King (Princess Mkabayi). Also featured in episode one was Calvin Ratladi, Xiya Zulu, Don Mlangeni, Ayanda Borotho, Abdul Khoza, and Sibonile Ngubane.  

Also drawing praise was the elaborate costumes, sweeping cinematography, standout soundtrack, stellar CGI, and the resonant portrayal of Zulu culture and tradition. Created by Bomb Productions, Shaka iLembe is the biggest single investment that MultiChoice has made into a local production in its history, and the show’s success is speaking directly to the ambitions of its creators.

The A to Z of Shaka iLembe

Commenting on the massive response to episode 1, MultiChoice CEO for General Entertainment Nomsa Philiso extended her gratitude to audiences for watching and interacting with show in droves. 

“In Shaka iLembe, our vision was to tell an epic African story, on a grand scale, and with the depth and finesse that can only come from a substantial investment. That audiences have bought into this storytelling universe is deeply affirming because it aligns to our understanding of the market appetite for this type of content.”

The Shaka iLembe legacy fact file

She adds: “This is a story that builds frame by frame, scene by scene, episode by episode.  Stars like Thembinkosi Mthembu, Hope Mbhele, Mondli Makhoba, and Lemogang Tsipa are still to be seen. So, in each episode going forward, fans can expect another layer of this remarkable story to be revealed. We want to keep viewers absolutely entertained and do justice to the incredible support Shaka iLembe is enjoying – from our audiences across South and Southern Africa to a wide array of media across the country.”

With the series profiled by a wide and diverse cross-section of radio, TV and digital media, Shaka iLembe has clearly made its mark in South African TV history, heralding a new chapter in the story of the legendary Zulu monarch.  Among positive reactions that the series has drawn was from News24 entertainment journalist Thinus Ferreira who called the series “premium tour-de-force television” in a review that was headlined, ‘An incredible warrior journey showcased in prestige TV perfection’.” 

Academics are also paying close attention to the series, which was created using extensive historical reference material, as the conversation around the legacy of the great King continues to grow. 

Speaking to Dr Anna-Marie Jansen van Vuuren (Tshwane University of Technology) writing for the Mail & Guardian, Dr Mpho Maripane-Manaka from the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology at UNISA concluded, “In academic terms, we can say Shaka iLembe is one way of Africanising and decolonising the historical narratives of the past on screen.” 

Shaka iLembe episode 1

The second episode of Shaka iLembe is airing on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) on Sunday, 25 June at 20:00. Episode 1 is available on DStv Catch-Up and via the DStv app. 

Find us on social media: Facebook (Mzansi Magic), Twitter (@Mzansimagic), Instagram (MzansiMagic), and TikTok (@mzansimagictv). Use the hashtag #ShakaiLembeMzansi. Watch it on Sundays on Mzansi Magic, DStv channel 161, and the repeat on Fridays at 21:30.

Shaka iLembe’s headline sponsor is Telkom. Associate sponsors are Grant’s Whisky and LottoStar, while tactical sponsors are Santam and Toyota SA.