Shaka iLembe

Synopsis

Set in the 1700s, Shaka iLembe tells the story of the making of the iconic African king, with iterations from his early childhood through to adulthood.

First Air Date: 2023-06-18

Last Air Date: 2023-09-03

Number of Seasons: 2

Number of Episodes: 12

Created By: Teboho Mahlatsi, Angus Gibson

Networks: Mzanzi Magic

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

Lemogang Tsipa as Shaka
Nomzamo Mbatha as Queen Nandi
Senzo Radebe as Senzangakhona
Dawn Thandeka King as Mkabayi
Khabonina Qubeka as Ntombazi
Thembinkosi Mthembu as Dingiswayo
Hope Mbhele as Baleka
Abdul Khoza as Cija
Dumisani Dlamini as Mayinga

Seasons

Season 1 (2023)

Explores the story of the making of the iconic African king, from his childhood through to adulthood, during the 1700s.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: The Flower of eLangeni (2023-06-18)

Princess Nandi of the Langeni meets and captures the heart of Prince Senzangakhona of the Zulu, however, their romance is cut short by a clash with Prince Zwide of the Ndwandwe. Zwide declares war on the Zulus, placing the blame on Senzangakhona's shoulders.
Ep. 2: An Eye For An Eye (2023-06-25)

A Sangoma investigates Queen Ntombazi for King Langa's murder, but not all is as it seems. The Zulu, fearing their survival against the powerful Ndwandwe, receive a prophecy of a future great king.
Ep. 3: King Jobe's Wrath (2023-07-02)

As the Zulus face the Ndwandwe army, an ally emerges to support them. Queen Ntombazi, fearing for her son's safety, embarks on a journey to the Mthethwa capital.
Ep. 4: Welcome Mlilwane (2023-07-09)

Prince Godongwana and Baleka escape but their freedom is short-lived when Mthethwa warriors trap them. Princess Nandi faces the shock of her pregnancy and heartache follows.
Ep. 5: A Zulu Wedding (2023-07-16)

King Senzangakhona proposes to Nandi, who becomes his third wife, while a crisis unfolds in kwaNdwandwe as Zwide and Goloza confront each other.
Ep. 6: Things Fall Apart... (2023-07-23)

Shaka and Nandi's lives change when Bhibhi arrives and poisons Senzangakhona against them. Godongwana finds refuge with the Hlubi and changes his name to Dingiswayo.
Ep. 7: A Mother's Love (2023-07-30)

Dingiswayo and Ngomane face the grim reality of being sold as slaves. Nandi and her children return to eLangeni.
Ep. 8: Shaka Ilembe, Senzangakhona Ka Jama Is My Father (2023-08-06)

Shaka is determined to return to his father but he faces disappointment when he meets with King Senzangakhona.
Ep. 9: A Hero Falls (2023-08-13)

Shaka embraces Gendeyana's offer and joins the camp. Dingiswayo's attempt to avoid bloodshed is met with betrayal.
Ep. 10: Ilembe (2023-08-20)

Nandi and her children leave Quabae and move to kwaMthethwa. Shaka strives to prove himself by facing a terrifying opponent.
Ep. 11: Reap What You Sow (2023-08-27)

Shaka rises to recruit his own Amabutho in the Mthethwa army. Shaka faces a betrayal while displaying his negotiation skills and launches an attack on Makhedama's forces.
Ep. 12: Seize Your Destiny (2023-09-03)

Ngomane begins to observe Shaka's darker side. Amid power struggles, Shaka outsmarts those plotting against him and returns to the Zulu, determined to take the seat of King.