Nomzamo Mbatha Praised For Playing Queen Nandi And Producing Shaka ILembe
The star-studded Shaka Ilembe movie is set to brace our TV screen in 2023 and SAns are already excited.
Lemogang Tsipa, who has appeared in Isithembiso and The Republic, has been cast as the titular hero in the upcoming drama series Shaka Ilembe, which is based on the Zulu nation’s founder.
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The River’s Thembinkosi Mthembu will play King Dingiswayo, while Isibaya’s Nomzamo Mbatha will play Queen Nandi and Uzalo’s Wiseman Mncube will play King Zwide. Nthando Zondi, a newcomer, will play the younger Shaka, while Muvhango and Isono actor Senzo Radebe will play Chief Senzangakhona.
Mbatha will also serve as executive producer for the show, which will be produced by Bomb Productions in collaboration with MultiChoice.
“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,” said Yolisa Phahle, CEO of general entertainment & connected video at MultiChoice.
“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,” Yolisa continued.
The show is currently being filmed in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. The series, set in the 1700s, will depict the rise of the iconic African king.
“I am honoured 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,” said Mbatha.
“I am fortunate to be part of a project that is much bigger than ourselves and to tell this story in our own language. Impi iyeza!”
Angus Gibson, creative director at Bomb Productions, added: “It is a cast with deep talent. 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 is said to have taken six years to develop. Consultants included historians, academics, and family descendants, including the late King Goodwill Zwelithini and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
