'Shaka iLembe' Season 2: Cast reflects on filming and the impactful soundtrack

The much-awaited second season of Mzansi Magic's hit show Shaka iLembe is back on Sunday.
The cast lit up the gold carpet on Thursday night at Montecasino for the premiere of the first episode.
TimesLIVE caught up with them to hear what it was like filming season two and why the soundtrack plays such a powerful role in telling the story of Shaka Zulu.
TimesLIVE

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IOL News

15 hours ago

• IOL News

5 reasons to watch Shaka iLembe season 2

Image: Supplied The story of a king and the birth of an empire continues. Shaka iLembe returned to Mzansi Magic on DStv channel 161 on Sunday 15 June at 8pm, moving beyond the ascent of a warrior to the complex reign of a monarch. Season 2 finds Shaka (played by Lemogang Tsipa) at the threshold of power, where the fight for the throne becomes a perilous struggle to keep it, and the vision for a unified nation is threatened by enemies both seen and unseen. This new season expands upon the foundational conflicts and character arcs, offering a portrait of a leader and his kingdom at a turning point. Here are 5 key reasons that make the return of Shaka iLembe essential viewing. 1. The rise of a legend reaches new heights Season 2 brings us back to the moment Shaka returns to the Zulu to claim his rightful place as king, only to step into a snake pit of danger. Hidden between the smiling faces are rivals plotting his death. He has to turn his people around to support him, but how? Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 2. Love, loyalty and ruthless betrayal Meet the woman who captures Shaka's heart, but will he let her in? Watch as alliances are tested. From Queen Nandi's (played by Nomzamo Mbatha) brilliant strategies to Mkabayi's (played by Dawn Thandeka King) secret spy network that watches everything from the shadows. Image: Supplied 3. Shaka's inner world unfolds Season 2 dives into his spiritual journey to become king. The journey is accompanied by his dreams, visions, and sacrifices, including the bold decision not to marry. We explore the mind and soul of a man driven by destiny but haunted by loss. 4. Power plays and crumbling alliances Return to King Dingiswayo's (played by Thembinkosi Mthembu) isigodlo as he faces betrayal from those closest to him. See him cross paths with Zwide (played by Wiseman Mncube) and his sons, as the brutal power struggle between kingdoms explodes into war, culminating in the battle that brings the mighty Ndwandwe tribe to their knees. 5. Epic cinematic storytelling like never before Watch the sweeping landscapes, large-scale battles, and a cast of unforgettable characters make this season the most cinematic yet. Shaka iLembe Season 2 is not just a historical drama, it's a full-scale, emotionally charged epic. Image: Supplied The season ahead is not just about the making of a legend, but the weight of it. It explores the sacrifices required for unity, the personal cost of power, and the enduring spirit of a people forging their legacy. It is a profound South African story, told with the scale and depth it has always deserved. Don't miss the next chapter of Shaka iLembe every Sunday at 8pm only on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) and DStv Stream. Season 2 is also available for viewing on Catch Up. Shaka iLembe season 2 is proudly sponsored by headline partner Telkom, associate partners Knorrox, Diageo and tactical partners Santam, Amka, Toyota, Spur, and Gordon's Gin. For more information, visit the Shaka iLembe show page or join in the conversation by using #ShakaiLembeS2 on our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, X, and Tik Tok.

TimesLIVE

18 hours ago

• TimesLIVE

Power plays and peril: here's why ‘Shaka iLembe' S2 is essential viewing

The gripping story of Shaka Zulu and the birth of this iconic king's great empire continues as the second season of the award-winning drama Shaka iLembe returns to Mzansi Magic. Inspired by history, season 2 sees Shaka (Lemogang Tsipa) moving beyond the ascent of a warrior to the complex reign of a monarch. He's at the threshold of power, where the fight for the throne becomes a perilous struggle to keep it, and the vision for a unified nation is threatened by enemies both seen and unseen. This new season expands on the foundational conflicts and character arcs, offering a portrait of a leader and his kingdom at a turning point. Here are five reasons Shaka iLembe season 2 is essential viewing: 1. The rise of a legend reaches new heights Season 2 brings us back to the moment Shaka returns to the Zulu to claim his rightful place as king, only to step into a snake pit of danger. Hidden between the smiling faces are rivals plotting his death. He has to turn his people around to support him, but how? 2. Love, loyalty and ruthless betrayal Meet the woman who captures Shaka's heart, but will he let her in? Watch as alliances are tested. From Queen Nandi's (Nomzamo Mbatha) brilliant strategies to Mkabayi's (Dawn Thandeka King) secret spy network that watches everything from the shadows. 3. Shaka's inner world unfolds Season 2 dives into Shaka's spiritual journey to become king. The journey is accompanied by his dreams, visions and sacrifices, including the bold decision not to marry. We explore the mind and soul of a man driven by destiny but haunted by loss. 4. Power plays and crumbling alliances Return to King Dingiswayo's (Thembinkosi Mthembu) isigodlo as he faces betrayal from those closest to him. See him cross paths with Zwide (Wiseman Mncube) and his sons, as the brutal power struggle between kingdoms explodes into war, culminating in the battle that brings the mighty Ndwandwe tribe to their knees. 5. Epic cinematic storytelling like never before Sweeping landscapes, large-scale battles, and a cast of unforgettable characters make this season even more cinematic than the last. Shaka iLembe season 2 is not just a historical drama, it's a full-scale, emotionally charged epic. The season ahead is not just about the making of a legend, but the weight of it. It explores the sacrifices required for unity, the personal cost of power, and the enduring spirit of a people forging their legacy. It is a profound South African story, told with the scale and depth it has always deserved. Don't miss the next chapter of Shaka iLembe Catch fresh episodes of the second season of Shaka iLembe on Sundays at 8pm only on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) and DStv Stream. Missed an episode? Catch the repeat on Fridays at 9.30pm or view it on Catch Up.

Mail & Guardian

a day ago

• Mail & Guardian

A dress worthy of a gallery

Mother of all garments: Nomzamo Mbatha (right) in the dress designed by Gert-Johan Coetzee (left) for season 2 of Shaka iLembe. The moment Nomzamo Mbatha stepped onto the red carpet at the Shaka iLembe season 2 premiere, time paused. Cameras clicked, audiences gasped and fashion lovers across the country leaned in closer. What she wore wasn't just a dress, it was a declaration. Bold, regal and layered in symbolism, the creation by South African designer Gert-Johan Coetzee was history retold in stitches, shells and silhouette. 'I was very excited to make this dress,' Coetzee says, his voice alive with passion. 'I love doing work that carries meaning, and the story of Shaka Zulu is not just important, it's empowering, especially for South Africans.' Mbatha, who portrays the Queen Mother in the epic historical drama, gave Coetzee full creative freedom to bring his vision to life. What emerged from his studio was an exquisite piece rooted in traditional Zulu culture, adorned with African symbology and elevated by futuristic craftsmanship. Coetzee calls his signature style 'African baroque with a modern twist' — a fusion of ornate drama and indigenous storytelling. The term 'baroque' conjures images of 16th-century grandeur: voluminous skirts, rich embroidery, lace collars and opulence. At first glance, pairing this with Zulu heritage might seem contradictory. But that's exactly where Coetzee thrives. 'That is who I am as a designer,' he explains. 'My style is African baroque. The dress is quite traditional, and very Zulu. It has a lot of beadwork, but it also has a lot of meaning.' At the heart of the dress is the cowrie shell, a symbol embedded in African cosmology. 'The beading is full of cowrie shells,' Coetzee says. 'Being African, we know that cowries signify abundance, wealth and spiritual protection. So, the whole dress is literally raining with cowries.' It's not just embellishment for visual effect, it's cultural code, woven into fabric. Portraying the Queen Mother, a critical figure in the lineage of power, required more than beauty. It demanded reverence, strength and presence. 'Nomzamo is playing the Queen Mother. She needed to look queen-like, yes, but also powerful. Intentional,' Coetzee says. 'She's not just a figure in history; she's the woman who birthed the king. Without her, there would be no Shaka.' This maternal, yet commanding, role shaped the garment's design. Structured shoulders inspired by Zulu shields evoke protection and leadership. The voluminous silhouette offers majesty, while intricate beadwork, hand-sewn over weeks by a team of nine artisans, brings spiritual richness. Yet the designer didn't rely solely on the past. A major component of the dress's armour-like construction is 3D-printed: 'It's one of my favourite things,' he says, pointing out the technological touch. 'This is fabric manipulation with modern tools but the essence is traditional. This is what I love — fusing Africa with innovation.' While Coetzee is known for his luxury couture, worn by global icons such as Cardi B and Lizzo, he remains firmly rooted in African soil. 'If anyone else had tried to make this dress, it would've ended up being a rip-off of my work anyway,' he says, half-joking. 'So I'm glad Nomzamo came straight to the source.' The dress draws inspiration from Coetzee's past beaded creations but elevates the aesthetic: 'It's similar in technique to the skirt I did for Cardi B but it's something different. This one is rooted in narrative. It's not just a showstopper, it tells a story.' That commitment to storytelling is what defines Coetzee's brand. While fashion trends change, his core remains. 'People come to me for a specific aesthetic and that's what I deliver,' he says. 'I always tell young designers, 'Create a signature the world hasn't seen, then stick to it.' That's how your work becomes recognisable globally even when others try to imitate it.' Coetzee's designs have found resonance internationally, with features in the US and UK. 'We sometimes feel small here in Africa. But the world is watching. They want what we have — our stories, our symbols, our spirit,' he says. Indeed, Coetzee's work is cultural diplomacy. He brings indigenous African aesthetics into global high fashion — on his own terms. 'The cowries, the shields, the armour, the structure … none of it is borrowed,' he emphasises. 'It's owned. It's African. And it's powerful.' Beyond the historical Queen Mother, Coetzee drew inspiration from a lineage of powerful women — both fictional and real. 'I was channelling the energy of Joan of Arc, of Princess Diana and of modern heroines like Princess Shuri,' he says. 'Not their style but their spirit. Women who shaped worlds.' Mbatha fits into that lineage: 'She's strong. Everything she plays is strong. She empowers power,' Coetzee says. 'This dress needed to reflect that inner strength, not just beauty.' Crafting the dress was no small feat. Each cowrie shell was hand-sewn. Each bead was placed with precision. 'It's incredibly labour intensive,' Coetzee admits. 'We had nine women working on it for almost three weeks. It's couture at its highest level.' Even the materials were hand-selected to honour tradition and artistry. The beads resemble ostrich egg shells but are made of a unique clay composite. Their earthy tones — black, cream, ivory and hints of gold — give the garment a regal, yet grounded, look. The final result? A dress that could walk a red carpet or sit behind glass at a museum. For Coetzee, design is not just about aesthetics, it's about meaning. 'Fashion should honour where we come from,' he says. 'This dress pays homage to Zulu culture, to African tradition, to maternal power, to modern innovation. It's all of those things in one.' Even accessories hold significance. Coetzee shared a prototype for a clutch bag inspired by a calabash, used for carrying water. 'We hollow it out and drink from it,' he says. 'That's part of who we are. So we took that and turned it into fashion. That's the future of African luxury.' Despite the grandeur of his work, Coetzee remains modest. 'I don't go to many red carpets,' he says with a smile. 'I prefer to stay behind the scenes. Let the stars shine. My job is to make them shine brighter.' But shine he does. Through his intricate designs, cultural reverence and unapologetic authenticity, Coetzee is reshaping how the world sees African fashion, not as a trend, but as timeless art. And the dress? It's not just a garment. It's a story stitched in beads and power. A love letter to Africa. And a reminder that royalty isn't just born, it can be made.