- Actress Nomzamo Mbatha is set to make her comeback to South African TV screens in 2023.
- She will play the character of Queen Nandi in Bomb Production's new drama series Shaka Ilembe.
- The Coming 2 America star will also make her debut as an executive producer on the show.
After leaving her character of Thandeka Ndlovu in Mzansi Magic’s canned telenovela Isibaya to pursue an international acting career, Nomzamo Mbatha is set to make a return to South African television screens in 2023.
The Coming 2 America star will make her debut as an executive producer on Bomb Production’s new drama series Shaka Ilembe, which is currently in production and will air in 2023.
Nomzamo will also play the lead role of Queen Nandi, the revered mother of Shaka, with Thembinkosi Mthembu starring as King Dingiswayo and Wiseman Mncube in the role of King Zwide.
“I am honoured to bring the giant that is Queen Nandi to life. History will remember those who informed its people of where we come from, to better understand who we are. I am fortunate to be part of a project that is much bigger than ourselves and to tell this story in our own language. Impi iyeza!,” Nomzamo says about the series.
According to a statement, Shaka Ilembe, which has been in the making for six years, is set in the 1700s and tells the story of the making of the iconic king, Shaka Zulu, with iterations from his early childhood through to adulthood. Lemogang Tsipa and newcomer Ntando Zondi will play the adult king and young king respectively.
“Being able to bring this important story to the screen with such stellar talent speaks to the heart of MultiChoice’s ongoing commitment and investment in our local entertainment industry. We are committed to telling great African stories and this is a proudly African series told through the lens of Africans for the very first time,” says Yolisa Phahle, CEO of general entertainment and connected video at MultiChoice.
“We want people to learn about our history and culture, but we also want to keep viewers glued in anticipation. This drama seeks to uncover nuggets of history, but creates narrative in the gaps by putting known characters alongside fictional characters in order to keep the story moving,” Yolisa adds.
Here's a first look into the series:
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