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After successfully bringing Bomb! Production’s interpretation of the history of the Zulu kingdom’s history in the form of a series called Shaka Ilembe, Mzansi Magic is proud to reveal that the highly anticipated season 2 is well on its way.
Shaka Ilembe proved to be way more than just a series to the South African audience. This story embodies an important part of South Africa’s pre-colonial history, told from the perspective of the natives, rather than the Eurocentric accounts that we have gotten used to seeing and hearing.
The series stands as South Africa’s most expensive show to date, securing an extensively star-studded cast including heavy hitters such as Nomzamo Mbatha, Thandeka Dawn King, Khabonina Qubeka, Baby Cele, Vusi Kunene, Sjava as well as some ‘newcomers’ who have began making a name for themselves such as Thembinkosi Mthembu, Hope Mbele, Wiseman Mncube and Lemogang Tsipa.
Season 1 proved to be extremely successful as it recorded 3,6 million viewers in the first week, garnering the best ratings for any MultiChoice produced drama series to date. It has also reached significant milestones such as boasting being the most South African Film & Television Awards (SAFTA) nominated series, with a total of 17 nominations.
Taking to social media, Mzansi Magic and DSTV have revealed that they will be giving the masses exactly what they want, which is a second season of their most popular local series. They have announced their return with a thrilling trailer that has had us all wishing the first episode could drip today.
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According to Mzansi Magic’s website, this season will begin when Shaka, who is portrayed by Lemogang Tsipa, along with his mother Nandi, played by Nomzamo Mbatha, arrive KwaNobamba, where Shaka begins his infamous reign as the Zulu king.
“Season 2 is a journey into the very soul of Shaka’s world…We get to explore Shaka the king, the strategist, the visionary, as he builds an empire,” says Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice.
With the majority of the main actors and actresses reprising their previous roles, as well as an addition of some formidable characters, this season is set to keep viewers glued to their seats, as they look on to see what will be of Mlilwana, who is more commonly known as Shaka. Although this tale is history, and mzansi was taught how it plays out in the end, the intensity and suspense remain indescribable.
Also see: From presenter to nominee: Anele Mdoda’s Oscars journey