Series synopsis
Shaka iLembe is a drama action & adventure television series that premiered on Mzanzi Magic on June 18, 2023. It was created by Teboho Mahlatsi, Angus Gibson, Mpumelelo Paul Grootboom, Desireé Markgraaff, Andy Petersen, Catherine Stewart, Daniel Zimbler, Jacob Ntshangase. It stars Lemogang Tsipa, Nomzamo Mbatha, Senzo Radebe and Dawn Thandeka King.
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.
Premise
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.
Premise: Indodana yami iyeza.
Cast and characters
Leading 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
Guest cast
- Dumisani Dlamini as Mayinga
Episodes
This series spans 2 seasons with 24 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 12 | June 18, 2023 | September 3, 2023 |
| Season 2 | 12 | June 15, 2025 | August 31, 2025 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Flower of eLangeni 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. |
June 18, 2023 |
| 2 |
An Eye For An Eye 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. |
June 25, 2023 |
| 3 |
King Jobe's Wrath 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. |
July 2, 2023 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Return of a King Shaka returns to KwaNobamba to claim his throne. While many celebrate, others plot his downfall. Meanwhile, the Ndwandwe prepare a traitor to betray Dingiswayo. |
June 15, 2025 |
| 2 |
To Bend Iron, You Must Heat It First Phungashe declares war. Can Shaka unite an untrained, divided Zulu army to save his people? In the north, the Ndwandwe deliver a bride to the Ngwane King, Somhlolo. |
June 22, 2025 |
| 3 |
A King Rises Nandi suspects sabotage ahead of Shaka's coronation. Ntombazana targets Dingiswayo, setting the Ndwandwe's plan into motion. |
June 29, 2025 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Mzanzi Magic |
|---|---|
| First aired | June 18, 2023 |
| Last aired | August 31, 2025 |
| Status | continue |