Shaka iLembe

*Shaka iLembe*
Shaka iLembe
Genre	Historical Drama
Created by	Angus Gibson; Desiree Markgraaff; Teboho Mahlatsi; Catherine Stewart; Nhlanhla Mtaka; Andy Petersen; Benedict Carton;
Based on	King Shaka
Written by	Daniel 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; Lemogang Tsipa; Senzo Radebe; Thembinkosi Mthembu; Dawn Thandeka King; Wiseman Mncube; Khabonina Qubeka; Sthandiwe Kgoroge; Luyanda Zuma; Wanda Zuma; Ayanda Borotho; Ntando Duma; Baby Cele; Zamani Mbatha; Mduduzi Mabaso; Sive Mabuya; Sjava; Mondli Makhoba; Amanda Seome; Nkanyiso Mzimela; Thandolwethu Zondi; Anele Nene; Sikhanyiso Sithole; Melusi Mbele; Vuyolwethu Biyela; Khanyisani Kheswa; Fanele Zulu;
Theme music composer	Philip Miller
Country of origin	South Africa
Original language	Zulu
No. of seasons	2
No. of episodes	24
Production
Executive producers	Desiree Markgraaff; Nomzamo Mbatha; Angus Gibson;
Producers	Desiree Markgraaff; Maqubool Mahomed;
Cinematography	Zeno Petersen
Editor	LJ Rice
Camera setup	Multi-cameras
Running time	55 - 58 minutes
Production company	The Bomb Shelter
Original release
Network	Mzansi Magic
Release	18 June 2023 –; present
	Infobox instructions (only shown in preview)

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

The series premiered on 18, June 2023, recording 3.6 million viewers in its first week, which are the highest 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 became the most-awarded series with 12 awards, including Best TV Drama. Multichoice's SAFTA accolades increased to 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.