Shaka iLembe – the South African series produced by Bomb Productions for M-Net’s channel Mzansi Magic – has swept the board with 17 South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) nominations, including Best Lead Actor and Actress, Best Achievement in Direction and Script Writing.
This sweeping epic tells the story of the young Shaka growing up, and his struggles to claim the throne. It is also about the powerful woman who contributed to his journey, including his mother Queen Nandi. It was the best-ever performance for a MultiChoice drama series in its history when Season 1 aired in June 2023, attracting over 7.5 million DSTV viewers in South Africa.
It also reached number one on the DStv App across Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and other African countries and had the unique honour of being South Africa’s most Googled TV show in 2023, with over 10 billion impressions on social media.
“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,” says executive producer Desiree Markgraaff
She added that producers Bomb set out to make South Africans proud about their rich history: “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.”
SAFTA nominee for Best Actress in a TV drama, Durban-born Nomzamo Mbatha – who plays Shaka’s mother, Queen Nandi – recently won Best African Actress at the Septimius Awards held in Amsterdam last month. She said: “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.”
Actor Thembinkosi Mthembu has been nominated in the Best Actor in a Drama category for his portrayal of King Dingiswayo on Shaka iLembe. Nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama are both Wiseman Mncube, who plays King Zwide ka Langa, and Senzokuhle Radebe in the role of King Senzangakhona.
Mncube said: “I am delighted to have been nominated for this specific role on this special show that highlights our history.” Radebe echoed this sentiment saying he was honoured to have been nominated.
The SAFTAs honour outstanding quality, talent and excellence within South Africa’s dynamic film and television industry, under the custodianship of The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
This year 347 entries were received, showcasing the rich diversity and creativity of local talent, with 197 industry experts serving as jury members.
Five new categories were introduced to recognise the evolving landscape of the industry, of which Shaka iLembe was nominated for three:
- Best Visual Effects (VFX) – TV or Film (LUMA & AlphaVFX)
- Best Special Effects (SFX) Hair and Make-Up – TV or Film (Queen Motlatle)
- Original Song – TV Drama (Mbuso Khoza)
The Multichoice Group’s local content shows earned 176 SAFTA nominations, reflecting the group’s financial and educational investment in telling African stories.
“We commend MultiChoice and M-Net for having the bravery to mount a project of this scale and budget. Their commitment to telling authentic South African stories, to contributing to the cultural richness of our country and promoting SA worldwide should be celebrated,” adds Markgraaff. “Bomb fiercely believes this is an important legacy project; inspiring future generations on how great we can be, and once were – and giving dignity to history.”
SAFTA’s 2024 – Shaka iLembe Nominations
CRAFT
Best TV Drama – Shaka iLembe
Best Achievement in Directing – Angus Gibson, Adze Ugah, Zeno Petersen, Catherine Stewart, MQ Ngubane
Best Achievement in Script Writing – Paul Grootboom, Catherine Stewart, Andrew Peterson, Daniel Zimbler, Thishiwe Ziqubu
Best Achievement in Cinematography – Zeno Petersen
Best Achievement in Visual Effects (VFX) – LUMA & AlphaVFX
Best Achievement in Editing – Sibongeleni Mabuyakhulu, Llewellyn James Rice, Megan Gill
Best Achievement in an Original Song – Mbuso Khoza
Best Achievement in Original Music Score – Philip Miller
Best Achievement in Sound – Athanasios Koundouris, Vaughan Phillips, Andries Scholtz, Janno Muller
Best Achievement in Special Effects (SFX) in Hair and Make-Up – Queen Motlatle
Best Achievement in Wardrobe – Sheli Masondo
Best Achievement in Art Direction – Dylan Lloyd
Best Achievement in Make-Up and Hair Styling – Queen Motlatle
CAST
Best Actor in a TV Drama – Thembinkosi Mthembu (King Dingiswayo)
Best Actress in a TV Drama – Nomzamo Mbatha (Queen Nandi)
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama – Wiseman Mncube (King Zwide)
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama – Senzokuhle Radebe (King Senzangakhona)
INFO SUPPLIED.
