The producers of King Shaka reportedly face great threats from several families from KwaZulu-Natal, who do not wish to see the film getting screened. According to Sunday World , the Mhlongo, Mthethwa and Mbatha clans are accusing the producers of theft regarding the intellectual property.
Shaka Ilembe will be released in 2023 and stars an array of Mzansi talent dominating both small and big screens.
Produced by Nomzamo Mbatha, the series looks to tell the story of King Shaka.
The Mhlongo family told the publication that they played a role in the film and are looking to get compensated for that.
“We were picked up from our homes and taken to Ballito where we stayed for about three days. During those days, we were filmed and we were narrating each and every detail about King Shaka and Queen Nandi. We even took them to all the locations where Shaka lived as a teenager," said Mhlathuze Mhlongo,
“We also showed them the river where Nandi bathed every morning and all the places she liked. We know this information because both King Shaka and his mother, Queen Nandi, were from the Mhlongo clan,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the Mthethwa family, Phila Mthethwa said, “We phoned and we texted them [drama series producers] but they ignored us, they actually excluded us from the production,” he said. “Therefore, we regard this as theft of intellectual property, and we will not let them use it anywhere until this issue is resolved. We will interdict them if need be.”
The series is produced by Nomzamo Mbatha and the headed by the production company Bomb Productions.
Speaking about this, she said, “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 Mbathaplays Queen Nandi the revered mother of Shaka, Thembinkosi Mthembu starring as King Dingiswayo, and Wiseman Mncube in the role of King Zwide. Playing the young and old Shaka are Lemogang Tsipa (adult king) and new kid on the block Ntando Zondi (boy king).
Dawn Thandeka King is the newest addition and will play the role of Shaka Zulu’s aunt Mkabayi kaJama. “She helped kings sit on the throne and she wanted to be hands-on. So, playing this role is big for me as an artist,” she told Daily Sun.
“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,” commented Yolisa Phahle, CEO of General Entertainment & Connected Video at MultiChoice.
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