PH
Shaka iLembe lead actor Nomzamo Mbatha has reflected on the support the epic historical series has received from the public following its Sunday premiere. Mbatha plays the character of iconic Zulu king Shaka’s mother, Queen Nandi.
The 12-part series tells the origins of the iconic king and the events that shaped his life.
“The love for episode one of #ShakaiLembeMzansi has been overwhelmingly beautiful,” Mbatha wrote on social media. “I know I may give the illusion of confidence without the fragments of self-doubt, but this has been a brave and hard journey.”
SIYABONGA
The love for episode one of #ShakaiLembeMzansi has been overwhelmingly beautiful. I know I may give the elusion of confidence without the fragments of self doubt, but this has been a brave and hard journey. We won’t celebrate just yet… 1 down… 11 to go. 8PM, Sunday…— Nomzamo Mbatha (@NomzamoMbatha) June 21, 2023
Though well-received, the show’s first episode caused a stir due to the cast’s wardrobe. In the episode, Mbatha and her female co-stars appeared in maiden Zulu attire, which consists of only a short skirt.
Academic Hlonipha Mokoena, who was part of consultations during the production of Shaka iLembe, set the record straight with News24.
She explained that the actors were dressed according to the period depicted in the show – the 1700s.
“Historically and culturally, none of the actors and actresses are nude; they are wearing the attire that reflects the culture we are portraying on screen,” the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research associate professor said.
