Shaka Ilembe. Picture: Instagram
Despite impressing many by taking home an astounding 12 awards at this year’s South African Film and Television Awards ceremony (SAFTAs), producers have rubbed the Shaka family off the wrong way.
The series which stars actors Senzo Rabede and Nomzamo Mbatha retells the story of the famous King Shaka of the Zulu Kingdom and delves into his journey to fight his way to the throne. The show first took to South African television screens in June 2023 and by this year became the most nominated drama series in SAMA history.
Following the show’s success at the award ceremony Nomzamo who is also the executive producer of the series to social media expressing her joy and thanked those who walked alongside her for the success of their work
“My first nomination in the Best Actress in a TV Drama at the South African Film and Television Awards.”
“I feel deeply honoured by the recognition from judges and fellow creatives. Mostly for the opportunity to have portrayed Princess Nandi who went on to become Queen Mother,” she wrote.
Meanwhile, in an interview with Sunday World a spokesperson of the family, Mhlathuze Mhlongo, revealed that there is an ongoing dispute between the family and the creators of the film as the show was broadcast without their consent.
He highlighted that when the team approached the family, they said that the information they needed was for research purposes, to which the family willingly assisted. It was only later that they discovered that they were filming Shaka Ilembe.
Mhlathuze said that despite having the right information the series still distorts their history.
“They misinterpreted our culture. We were also not paid for our intellectual property. We tried to reach out to them but they are no longer reachable.”
Also see: Shaka Ilembe comes out on top at Septimus Awards in the Netherlands
