Shaka iLembe

Shaka iLembe is a well researched story, filmed magnificently. The production values are very high and huge credits to the near perfect cast for strong performances all around. The story does take a while to get going especially without much of the exposition initially to explain what's really going on and what the stakes are. A slow burn at first but when it does, especially around e04, boy does it roar. I liked the individual stories about different Kings and the family interactions that lead to disputes and how struggles and challenges form character that ultimately reflects on the style of leadership. Dingiswayo's narrative surprisingly had the best storyline that could have been an epic tale in its own right. Overall a great watch and well worth the somewhat longish episodes.

This interpretation is actually one of the best, well funded. The set and world building is out of this world. The Cgi is on point. The actors are amazing. The dialogue is even more intriguing, storyline is on point. The casting is on point. As a Zulu, I am especially proud of this one. Everyone did their absolute best. From the first episode it has been a wonderful journey. It's like we have time traveled back into the past to see how it actually was back then. I wish that this story be seen by the whole world so that they may busk, learn and be amazed as I am. With 30 characters left I want to say thank you the teams that were involved in making this, please don't stop we need ten seasons.

This show got me hooked from the very first episode because all the characters, locations, sets and costumes looked real. The directors did a fantastic job to capture the most believable visuals from the 1700s ever. The actors also immersed themselves in their characters. Nomzamo as Queen Nandi was a perfect casing choice. Bomb Productions has been telling the most authentic South African stories for decades, I wouldn't have chosen any other production company to handle such a monumental story. I wish there was en effort to market this show overseas, I think the international viewers will appreciate the authentic story telling and careful threading of History and Fiction. All I can say is that this is a worthwhile watch, I never really watch series and this one grabbed my attention from the very first episode till the last.

I've been unable to stop watching this show. I thought I knew Shaka's story, but this goes much deeper and told so vividly that I've been transfixed. Production quality is amazing, the scenery stunningly beautiful, the characters authentic and the narrative spellbinding. The fight scenes are incredibly well done, very realistic yet I'm unable to tell apart stunts from cgi. The incredible story of the people around Shaka, the political intrigue, maneuvring and back stabbing is Game of Thrones Africa style. Incredible when you realise this isn't fiction at all!

South Africa, you can be proud.

Can't wait for the next two seasons!

The cast in itself is brilliant and the story well researched. The focus on Queen Nandi, Mkabayi and all other women who shaped Shaka from a young age is refreshing.

Shaka witnessing his mother's struggles for him to be the his best. Him seeking counsel from his aunt Mkabayi and him seeking blessings from his grandmother. All these women play an important role in his life.

The roles the mothers played in all the Kings' lives in this series we're highlighted. Dingiswayo's mother...Zwide's mother etc. Bomb Productions outdid themselves again here. Well done!