Location scouting begins for ‘Game of Thrones’-style Shaka Zulu TV series

After almost five years of planning, production has begun on the Bomb Productions re-telling of Shaka Zulu’s life story in a series called Shaka Ilembe. 

Bomb Productions (who will be producing the series in partnership with M-Net and Mzansi Magic) has already sent location scouts across the country in search of iconic locations which will be used to recreate the world in which Shaka lived and reigned.

According to M-Net, the Game of Thrones-style historical drama will tell the story of pre-colonial kingdoms and paramountcies; and the heroes and villains who shaped and influenced one of Africa’s greatest Kings – Shaka kaSenzangakhona – in a 12-part series, created for global distribution.

CEO of general entertainment for MultiChoice Yolisa Phahle said in a statement: “We have seen how global audiences are ready to enjoy universal stories from multiple geographies. Now it is time for the incredible tradition of African storytelling to travel beyond our continent.

“We are committed to building a film and television industry that will deliver benefits to our industry and are increasing our investment in local productions,” added Phahle.

Executive producer and co-creator Teboho Mahlatsi said: “With ambitions of making a series as epic and vast as Game of Thrones, we want to tell the story of the Nguni peoples who migrated to below the Pongola river and ruled over this verdant land. With three action-packed seasons mapped out, we hope to breathe life into the kings and queens, warriors and witches, spies, slavers, marauders and traders who lived, loved and fought for this land.”

Mahlatsi will be working alongside his long-time colleague Angus Gibson whom he worked with on bringing South Africans the now-iconic series Yizo Yizo 21 years ago.

“This is a legacy project and has deep meaning to the team who have been telling stories of every day South African heroes and heroines for the past 21 years,” said Mahlatsi.

In addition to Yizo Yizo, Bomb is known for creating other popular classics like Zone 14, Jacob’s Cross, Isibaya and many more.

The team collectively boasts hundreds of awards including 22 SAFTA’s, two Sundance awards, an Emmy award, The Venice Silver Lion, the Pare Lorentz award as well as a Bafta and Oscar nomination.

“Scale will not be compromised – whether that be in battles with 20,000 warriors, the visualisation of a kingdom or the capturing of an elephant,” emphasised Gibson and Mahlatsi.

According to M-Net, Shaka Ilembe will tell the story of the powers that influenced and shaped Shaka – the drama unfolding from the time of his conception, his unmatched bravery as a young man, the early attempts on his life – and the subsequent years of exile with his mother.

Viewers will meet the great chiefdoms of the AmaThethwa, the AmaNdwandwe, AmaQwabe, AmaHlubi and more. And out of this epic canvas, we will see the heroic rise of Shaka.

Historians, traditional leaders, oral custodians, royal advisors, intellectuals and filmmakers have also been brought on board to ensure authenticity in the many versions of the stories slated for the series.

Among these experts are names like acclaimed playwright Mpumulelo Grootboom, Catherine Stewart, Nhlanhla Mtaka, Jacob Ntshangase, Hlonipa Mokoena, Benedict Carton and Thishiwe Ziqubu to name a few.

“We are at a pivotal time in history, a time where South Africa is reclaiming its own story, where history has been re-examined – what we once were told (or believed) is being shattered – not with new truths, but truths that were suppressed. To tell the story of Shaka is a huge honour, and a huge responsibility” said Ntshangase.

While Henry Cele remains the only Shaka Zulu that South Africans know, casting for a new Shaka will begin later this year.

The production team will soon send casting agents across the country in search of abashaya indlamu (traditional dancers), izimbongi and izinyosi (praise singers) and amaqhawe enduku (stick fighters) and the same nation-wide process will be repeated to find actors for the series.

“We are looking for real deep skills, no pretenders,” said Mahlatsi.

“Previous film experience is not necessary. We are looking to unearth new talent who will perform alongside our great, experienced actors,” added Gibson.

“The search for Shaka will be at the heart of the casting – we will be looking for him as a baby, at seven, twelve and eighteen years – as well as the man. Then there is Nandi, Mkabayi, Dingiswayo, Zwide, Ntombase and many other riveting characters whom we see at different stages of their lives,” said Gibson.

(Compiled by Kaunda Selisho)

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