It’s been a whirlwind of emotions being on this side of history.
Though the historical epic series Shaka iLembe's first season came to an end, fans will be happy to know season 2 is coming.
The successful season one of Shaka iLembe showcases the origin story of the legendary African King and the figures who influenced his journey, culminating with a victorious Shaka returning to take the Zulu throne. Season 2 will pick up the story as he begins his long-prophesied reign, writing himself into history.
The new season will unveil a new chapter of the series, starring new stars to join the immaculate cast of Nomzamo Mbatha, Thembinkosi Mthembu, Wiseman Mncube, Lemogang Tsipa just to mention a few.
@truelovemagazine Lemogang Tsipa on playing Shaka Zulu in Shaka iLembe, "I didn’t want to bring a performance that’s similar to what we all know and love from the great Henry Cele." #shakailembe #shakailembemzansi #henrycele ? original sound - TRUELOVE
Not only did the show explore the story of the making of Shaka from his childhood through to adulthood during the 1700s, but also how other Kingdoms played a role in who he became.
READ MORE | Get to know young Shaka Zulu, Ntando Zondi – ‘This is a life changing experience’
Let’s recap the most prominent scenes of the first season of Shaka iLembe.
1. Passionate love
The love story between Nandi (played by Nomzamo Mbatha) and Senzangakhona (played by Senzo Radebe) was beautiful in the beginning. Crossing paths while preparations for Nandi to be betrothed were underway, the two were smitten with each other.
One other beautiful love story that withstood many obstacles was that of healer Baleka (played by Hope Mbhele) and Godongwana (played by Thembinkosi Mthembu). We saw their relationship stand the test of time. Though keeping it a secret from everyone else, the couple yearned for each other when trouble arose among the Mthethwa clan. With the injured Godongwana fleeing home, he was found by the Qwabe clan where Baleka was in search of him.
2. The birth of a warrior
The birth of Shaka was a prophecy linked to the future of the Zulu kingdom. Though his father, Senzangakhona, shared disappointments of his son, Shaka grew up to be a warrior. Not being accepted by his father was hard for Shaka and his mother, Nandi.
3. Alliances and war
During times of war, building alliances is important. In the past, this could be done by uniting families through marriage. When the war cloud was looming over the Zulu family, Princess Mkabayi (played by Dawn Thandeka King) had to seek alliances from the Mthethwas, who were known for their military prowess.
Though the Mthethwa king at the time was reluctant, it was through his estranged son Dingiswayo that the Zulu family were able to defeat the Ndwandwe clan.
4. Mentorship
Though his childhood struggles shaped him to be the man that he was, Shaka was able to be the man that he was through the mentorship of Dingiswayo. King Dingiswayo helped shape him into a great warrior and lauded leader.
After the war between the Mthethwa and Qwabe clans, King Dingiswayo called upon Shaka to move into his Kingdom after his strength was recognised.
5. Jealousy
Episode six marks trouble in paradise as King Senzangakhona and Queen Nandi’s love is compromised by the arrival of Bhibhi (played by Ntando Duma), who stirred up division among King Senzangakhona’s wives, forcing Queen Nandi and young Shaka (played by Ntando Zondi) to leave the Zulu kingdom.
6. Betrayal
King Dingiswayo, formerly known as Godongwana, fled into exile and against great odds returned under a new name. This comes after one of his brothers Mawewe (played by Wanda Zuma) fell under the spell of Queen Ntombazi Ndwandwe (played by Khabonina Qubeka) and turned his back on his brothers when rumours of a coup spread.
Dingiswayo and Mawewe's father, King Jobe (played by Hamilton Dlamini) ordered for all his sons to be killed, except for Mawewe. Seeing Godongwana flee for his life.
7. Slavery
Ngomane (played by Mondli Makhoba) was loyal to the Jobe throne and was sent to search for Dingiswayo when he was on the run. While in exile, Dingiswayo remained on the run because his whereabouts were tracked by the Mthethwa military. He was later found by Ngomane.
Unfortunately, neither of them could not return home because they were found by slave traders and had to face the grim prospect of being sold as slaves to the Portuguese.
8. Witchcraft
Queen Ntombazi Ndwandwe is known to practice witchcraft in the series. This was seen in the first episode where she would visit a cave in the mountains where two ‘creatures’ cohabitated, one being her hidden child with the Ndwandwe king, and hyenas.
