The countdown to the launch of Mzansi Magic’s epic drama series SHAKA ILEMBE has begun. With the show scheduled to make its highly anticipated debut on the DStv channel in mid-2023, this weekend’s Heritage Day festivities marked the official start of an exciting campaign to launch the historical title.
Billboards featuring superstar Nomzamo Mbatha as the revered Queen Nandi, mother of the great King Shaka, have been fittingly unveiled on Queen Nandi Drive in Durban. Similar promotional installations also now grace the entrance and halls of King Shaka International Airport.
Speaking about the marketing campaign, MultiChoice Director for Local Entertainment Channels Shirley Adonisi says, “SHAKA ILEMBE explores the world that shaped the famed African King and his journey to the throne. Pivotal to his story from young boy to globally recognized icon was his mother, Queen Nandi. We felt it was therefore fitting this Heritage Day to honour her role with a campaign that bears the evocative words ‘My Son is Coming’.”
Meanwhile, also amplifying the SHAKA ILEMBE celebrations this weekend was a special 15-minute live performance by chart-topping hitmaker Sjava, alongside a superb group of Zulu dancers. Echoing a similar surprise appearance at the MultiChoice Group Content Showcase a day earlier, the Umama artist won the hearts of DStv Delicious festival goers with a powerhouse production created specifically to promote the drama series. He was later joined on stage by six of the talented SHAKA ILEMBE ensemble cast including Lemogang Tsipa along with Hope Mbhele, Khabonina Qubeka, Mondli Makhoba, Thembinkosi Mthembu and Wiseman Mncube.
And adding an additional fab touch to this celebration of SHAKA ILEMBE was a trendy limited edition merch line, created in collaboration with Drip, that lucky fans could win if they participated in an interactive Festival competition.
With filming of SHAKA ILEMBE now complete, after a 120-day marathon shoot, the latest marketing activities will no doubt leave fans excited for the series to premiere on Mzansi Magic next year. Inspired by history, the series promises high levels of entertainment with love, loss, betrayal, hope, friendship, and war all forming part of this remarkable story.
In a statement, Nomzamo Mbatha said she was privileged to be part of the project. “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!” expressed Nomzamo Mbatha.
Image Cred: Twitter