The South African hit series, “Shaka iLembe” is on a roll as it has a staggering 17 nominations at the 18th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs).
“Shaka iLembe” is a South African produced television series that retells a story about Zulu King, Shaka, from childhood and adulthood as he fights for his throne.
The series stars South African actress, Nomzamo Mbatha who also scored a nomination of Best Actress for her role as Queen Nandi.
Other stars include Wiseman Mncube, who played the part of King Zwide ka Langa, Thembinkosi Mthembu as King Dingiswayo and Senzo Radebe as King Senzangakhona.
Mthembu has been nominated for Best Actor, while Mncube and Radebe have been nominated for Best Supporting Actor.
The nominations include Best TV Drama, Best Achievement in directing, Best Achievement in Scriptwriting, Best Achievement in Wardrobe, Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Visual Effects, Best Achievement in Editing, Best Achievement in an Original Song.
Additionally other nominations are Best Achievement in Original Music Score, Best Achievement in Sound, Best Achievement in Special Effects (SFX) in Hair and Make-Up, Best Achievement in Art Direction, Best Achievement in Make-Up and Hair Styling, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, etc.
In June last year, the series attracted over 7.5 million DSTV viewers in South Africa when the first season aired.
It has reached number one on the DStv App across Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and other African countries.
"Shaka iLembe’s” executive producer Desiree Markgraaff said of the nomination: “We are thrilled that the incredible team behind ‘Shaka iLembe’ has been recognised with so many nominations for their beautiful work.
“This project has truly been created with great love, passion and respect for the subject material.
“We wanted to celebrate culture and bring to screen a pre-colonial world that has never been explored from an African perspective on screen.
“We wanted to create a show that was respectful to how we told this important story. The incredible cast brought magic to every scene. We are so proud of this team and grateful to the SAFTA’s for recognising their efforts,” Markgraaff said.
The show needed a massive budget to execute, with MultiChoice and M-Net backing the project to “tell authentic South African stories contributing to the cultural richness of our country and promoting SA worldwide should be celebrated,” said Markgraaff.
Mbatha, who was one of the stars of the show, said she was excited to be nominated for her work on the show.
“I’m incredibly excited to have this nomination for a character that has meant so much to me, and also so many people.
“To have also been one of the executive producers on the show and enjoy 17 nominations is the stuff dreams are made of,” she said.
Also nominated on a supporting cast role, Mncube said he was delighted.
“I am delighted to have been nominated for this specific role on this special show that highlights our history.”
In August 2024, “Shaka ILembe” received recognition globally at the Septimius Awards in Amsterdam as it won an award for Best Costume Design, while Mbatha bagged the Best African Actress award for her role as Queen Nandi.
IOL