The first season of Shaka iLembe was the biggest local drama ever to hit screens, reaching a record-breaking of millions of homes across the continent. At the 2024 SAFTAs, it won 12 awards – including Best Drama Series.
From Zambia to Nigeria, the show transcended language and geography, connecting generations through the story of a boy who would become a king. But who was Shaka Zulu – beyond the war cry and the spear?
Season 2 – starting Sunday 15 June on Mzansi Magic Channel 161 – expands the world introduced in Season 1. Alongside Elangeni, Ndwandwe, Mabhudu, Mthethwa, Hlubi, and Qwabe clans, we now see Shaka begin uniting the Nguni kingdoms and building a nation. The new season also introduces key historical figures: King Phungashe of the Buthelezi, Queen Lojiba, and Ngwane King Somhlolo of the Swati. The looming arrival of the British and Boers in the south signals a changing frontier. But it’s not just about the battlefield. This is also the story of the powerful women who raised and shaped him, challenged him – and changed history in the process.
To get you ready for the new season, here are 10 facts you should know about the man at the centre of it all.
1. His military tactics were revolutionary Shaka was a charismatic leader and a brilliant military strategist who restructured the art of warfare through intense close-combat drills and the introduction of the iklwa, a short stabbing spear, which replaced the traditional long throwing spear. His regiments were faster, more disciplined, and devastatingly effective. 2. He was mentored by the Mthethwa After living among the Zulu, Elangeni and Qwabe, Prince Shaka and his mother, Queen Nandi found refuge under King Dingiswayo of the Mthethwa. This is where Shaka received early military training and strategic mentorship, forming alliances that would later help him ascend to power.
3. He built a kingdom where none had existed before Through diplomacy, assimilation, and military force, Shaka unified multiple chiefdoms, families, and polities under the Zulu Kingdom – establishing a nation, an identity, and a power base that had never existed before him. 4. Women shaped his rule and legacy Queen Nandi, Princess Mkabayi, and Queen Mthaniya were some of Shaka’s most trusted advisors. Season 2 of Shaka iLembe will also spotlight key female leaders like Queen Lojiba and Princess Ntombazana, reflecting the power and influence of women in his world. 5. He vanquished the Ndwandwe in two major battles The Battles of Ngqokli Hill and the Mhlathuze River marked decisive victories for Shaka against Zwide and the Ndwandwe forces, setting the stage for Zulu dominance in southern Africa. 6. He chose nation-building Rejecting tradition, Shaka never married or had children. He considered the Zulu nation his legacy, dedicating his life fully to its expansion and defence. 7. He abolished traditional initiation rites Shaka ended the long-standing initiation ceremonies for young men, seeing them as a loss of valuable manpower. Instead, he redirected focus towards military training and state-building. 8. He revered his grandmother, Queen Mthaniya Shaka personally cared for his grandmother, Queen Mthaniya, especially in her final days. After her death, he buried her in the Valley of Kings – an honour no other woman received. 9. He believed in merit over lineage Shaka broke away from hereditary appointments, introducing a merit-based system where loyalty, skill, and performance determined one’s rise in both military and political structures.
10. His name was celebrated through powerful praises Across the Zulu nation, Shaka was known by many praise names, including: • UNodumehlezi kaMenzi (The one who’s news of his conquests travelled through the lands, son of Menzi) • Inyoni edl’ ezinye Yadl’ ezinye (The bird that devours other birds) • Ilemb’ eleq’ amany’amalembe ngokukhalipha (An axe that surpasses other axes with sharpness) • UShaka ngiyesaba ukuthi nguShaka (Shaka, I am afraid to call you Shaka) • UShaka Kwakuyinkosi yasemaShobeni (Shaka, was the king of Mashobeni) • Umlilo wothathe kaMjokwana (The raging fire of Mjokwan) • Umlilo wothath’ oshe ubuhanguhangu (The raging fire that ravaged with high flames) • UDlungwana kaNdaba (The Raging bull of Ndaba) • UDlungwana woMbelebele (The Raging bull of Mbelebele)
This Africa Month, relive the rise of a king, the forging of a nation and the legend that shaped a continent by watching the first season of the show on Mzansi Wethu Channel 163 Sundays at 21:30 CAT or binge watch on DStv Stream or Showmax while you wait for the anticipated second season coming of Shaka iLembe starting on Sunday, 15 June at 20:00 CAT on DStv or stream it live on DStv Stream.
Manage your DStv your way – anytime, anywhere on MyDStv App and reconnect with the story that redefined African storytelling.
