SHAKA ILEMBE is a rating sensation with over 3.6
million viewers across DStv in South Africa – the best-ever performance for a
MultiChoice drama series in its history.
The show also reached number 1
on the DStv App across Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and other African
countries.
With
the powerhouse series trending number 1 on Twitter and dominating TikTok, fans
were quick with their accolades, including for stars Nomzamo Mbatha (Nandi),
Wiseman Mncube (Zwide), Khabonina Qubeka (Queen Ntombazi), Ntando Zondi (Young
Shaka), Senzo Radebe (Senzangakhona) and Dawn Thandeka King (Princess Mkabayi).
Also featured in episode one was Calvin Ratladi, Xiya Zulu, Don Mlangeni,
Ayanda Borotho, Abdul Khoza and Sibonile Ngubane.
Also
drawing praise was the elaborate costumes, sweeping cinematography, standout
soundtrack, stellar CGI, and the resonant portrayal of Zulu culture and
tradition.
Created by Bomb Productions, SHAKA ILEMBE is the biggest single
investment that MultiChoice has made into a local production in its history,
and the show’s success is speaking directly to the ambitions of its creators.
Commenting
on the massive response to episode 1, MultiChoice CEO for General Entertainment
Nomsa Philiso extended her gratitude to audiences for watching and interacting
with show in droves.
“In
SHAKA ILEMBE, our vision was to tell an epic African story, on a grand scale,
and with the depth and finesse that can only come from a substantial
investment. That audiences have bought into this storytelling universe is
deeply affirming because it aligns to our understanding of the market appetite
for this type of content.”
She
goes on to say, “This is a story that builds frame by frame, scene by scene,
episode by episode. Stars like Thembinkosi Mthembu, Hope Mbhele, Mondli
Makhoba and Lemogang Tsipa are still to be seen. So, in each episode going
forward, fans can expect another layer of this remarkable story to be revealed.
We want to keep viewers absolutely entertained and do justice to the incredible
support SHAKA ILEMBE is enjoying – from our audiences across South and Southern
Africa to a wide array of media across the country.”
With
the series profiled by a wide and diverse cross-section of radio, TV and
digital media, SHAKA ILEMBE has clearly made its mark in South African
TV history, heralding a new chapter in the story of the legendary Zulu
monarch.
Among positive reactions that the series has drawn was from
News24 entertainment journalist Thinus Ferreira who called the series “premium
tour-de-force television” in a review that was headlined, ‘An incredible
warrior journey showcased in prestige TV perfection.”
The
second episode of SHAKA ILEMBE is set to launch on Mzansi Magic (DStv
channel 161) on Sunday, June 25 at 20:00. Episode 1 is available on DStv
Catch-Up and via the DStv App.
For more info, visit
www.mzansimagic.tv and follow #ShakaiLembeMzansi on
social media.
ISSUED BY MULTICHOICE
