Shaka iLembe

*Shaka iLembe*
Shaka iLembe
Genre	Drama
Created by	Angus Gibson; Desiree Markgraaff; Teboho Mahlatsi; Catherine Stewart; Nhlanhla Mtaka;
Based on	King Shaka
Written by	Daneil Zimbler; Andy Petersen; Jacob Ntshangase; Desiree Markgraaff; Mpumelelo Paul Grootboom; Steven Pillemar; Benedict Carton; Angus Gibson; ;
Directed by	Angus Gibson, Zeno Petersen, Adze Ugah
Creative director	Angus Gibson
Starring	Nomzamo Mbatha; Senzo Radebe; Thembinkosi Mthembu; Dawn Thandeka King; Ntando Zondi; Lemogang Tsipa; Ayanda Borotho; Vusi Kunene; Mondli Makhoba; Ntando Mncube; Wiseman Mncube; Ntando Duma; Khabonina Qubeka; Hope Mbele; Abdul Khoza; Mduduzi Mabaso; Sphamandla Dhludlu; Sjava; Ziya Xulu; Mimi Mahlasela; Baby Maloka; Deli Malinga; Nompilo Maphumulo; Wanda Zuma; Tshepo Zulu; Thandie Msomi-Kgoroge; Siyabonga Shibe; Siboniso Ngubane; Kenneth Stab; Luyanda Zwane; Zamani Mbatha; Khayelethu Xaba; Fanele Zulu; Sivenathi Bukani; Linda Nxumalo; Velile Makhoba; Luyanda Zuma; Amanda Seome; Nkanyiso Mzimela; Ntokozo Mthembu Sibiya; Chris Q. Radebe; Tembinkosi Litha Ngcukana;
Country of origin	South Africa
Original language	Zulu
No. of seasons	2
No. of episodes	24(As season 2 full)
Production
Executive producer	Desiree Markgraaff/Nomzamo Mbatha/Angus Gibson
Producer	Desiree Markgraaff/Maqubool Mahomed
Cinematography	Zeno Petersen
Editor	LJ Rice
Camera setup	Multi-cameras
Running time	55-58minutes
Production company	The Bomb Shelter
Original release
Network	Mzansi Magic
Release	18 June 2023 –; Present

Shaka iLembe is a South African series produced by Bomb! A production for M-Net's channel Mzansi Magic, a Multichoice company. The series, South Africa's most expensive show to date, retells the story of King Shaka of the Zulu Kingdom and his quest to fight for his throne. It stars Nomzamo Mbatha as Queen Nandi KaBhebhe and Senzo Radebe, as King Senzangakhona kaJama.

The series premiered on 18, June 2023, recording 3.6 million viewers in its first week, the best ratings ever for a Multichoice-produced drama series.

In September 2024, Shaka Ilembe became the most nominated drama series in SAFTA history, with 17 nominations. At the 18th SAFTA ceremony held in October 2024, the series won 12 awards, including Best TV drama, the most of any nominee, and garnering Multichoice a total of 46 awards.

Season 2 of the series premiered on June 15th, 2025 and picks up with Shaka and Nandi arriving at KwaNobamba, where he begins his reign as the new Zulu king.