What “Shaka Ilembe” Season 2 Might Bring To The Table 

Shaka iLembe, a South African epic series centred on the legendary Zulu King Shaka, returns for the second season this June. The first season of the series focused on the formative years of the legend, from his birth to his tutelage and youthful struggles, and his ascension to the Zulu throne. We saw Shaka grow from being in the company of his mother as an outcast to him being recognised for his leadership potentials, and dispatching his half-brother Sigujana on the road to monarchical glory.

The groundbreaking series won a total of 12 awards at South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA), becoming a landmark in South African storytelling. In the second season, Lemogang Tsipa retains his place as the awe-inspiring Shaka, with Thembinkosi Mthembu, SAFTA Best Actor winner for his performance in Season 1, producing another sizzling performance as Dingiswayo.

The returning cast includes Nomzamo Mbatha as Nandi, following her Best African Actress award at the 2024 Septimius Awards in Amsterdam for her season 1 performance; Wiseman Mncube as the ruthless Zwide; Khabonina Qubeka as the power-drunk Queen Ntombazi; Mondli Makhona as the unswerving Ngomane; and Dawn Thandeka King as the narrator Mkabayi.

Season 2 introduces new characters to the cast, adding spice to a show that is set to to go down as one of the best Afrocentric historical film productions.

“The new cast members are an explosion of talent,” says Desiree Markgraaff, partner and executive producer for Shaka iLembe. “They bring fresh energy, exploring the complexities of power, love, and loyalty in the turbulent era. And there are many new stories we explore, taking us to the majestic mountains of the Swati kingdom through to the rolling hills of the Xhosa. South Africa is rich with characters, and we’re just beginning to uncover them.”

Season 2 picks up as Shaka and Nandi arrive at KwaNobamba, where he begins his reign as the new Zulu king. With the stakes higher, fans expect to be treated to a spectacle of thrills and cultural references. However, we speculate here about how further the show might unfold, consolidating on the first season.

Revolutionization of Warfare

While there are conflicts in accounts of Shaka’s existence, there seems to be a converging point: Shaka’s reign was driven by warfare. We know that he introduced a lot of military reforms and weaponry during his reign to distinguish his Kingdom from others that were available at the time. In the MultiChoice series, there’s a reference to his unconventional military approach when Shaka, as favoured commander of the Mthethwa army, utilizes an unprecedented close-combat technique to overcome the formidable, allied ELangeni and Ndwandwe forces. Now that he is king, we expect to see more of this ingenuity in the second season, with a range of warfare approaches and conquests defining Shaka’s iconic leadership style on screen.

Unification of Three Kingdoms Under Shaka’s Rule 

The teaser of the series begins with the voiceover of Zulu princess and sister to Shaka’s father Senzangakhona, Mkabayi, admonishing that “true victory is when every kingdom bows to one king—you Shaka, son of Senzangakhona”. This opening suggests that Shaka is destined and set to ultimately extend his monarchy throughout the three major kingdoms that are further identified: Zulu, Mthethwa and Ndwandwe. The goal is to unite all the kingdoms as a formidable entity with, at least, a central army. We expect to see Shaka employ both military and diplomatic tactics at his disposal to achieve this feat.

The Influence of Love and Romance 

It’s taken that this series on Shaka is an epic narrative. But in-between, the story so far has been spiced with romance, commendable love gestures and betrayal of trust. Romance has not only been used as a tool to momentarily distract the audience from the intense, suspenseful reality of the narrative but also as a means to drive the plot and reveal significant developments therein. Season 1 took us through the love-at-first-sight story of Princess Nandi of ELangeni and Zulu Prince Senzangakhona—though their love journey eventually capitulated under the weight of societal and martial pressures. The subplot involving Godongwana and his partner Baleka, in contrast, revealed a love story that underwent and survived its turbulent circumstances. It will be interesting to see what shape Shaka’s love life will take as king. Will he marry more than one wife like his father?  If so, would this make him vulnerable? What impact will his harem have on the development of his empire? Only time can tell.

The Road To An Anticlimactic Ending 

We are not sure if this season will cover the decline of Shaka. Nothing in the teaser or available press information suggests that. But here’s what we know from history books: Shaka was assassinated by his half-brothers, Dingane and Mhlangana, after which Dingane assumed the throne. Relying on this knowledge, the showrunners might lead us to a pivotal point that prepares our minds for the overthrow of Shaka’s government. Hopefully, there will be a final season to wrap things up. 

Season 2 of Shaka iLembe will premiere on Sunday 15th June, 2025 at 20:00 exclusively on Mzansi Magic.