By Our Reporter
Following the epic finale of season 2 last Sunday, MultiChoice Africa has confirmed that production is underway for the third and final season of the epic drama Shaka iLembe, premiering on Pearl Magic Prime in 2026. Global star Nomzamo Mbatha returns as both Executive Producer and in her iconic role as Queen Nandi, leading a stellar cast in the concluding chapter of Africa’s first epic drama.
Shaka iLembe is MultiChoice’s biggest production yet, which created over 8,000 jobs on Season 1 and more than 16,000 jobs on Season 2, while showcasing South Africa’s beautiful terrain to local and international audiences. It has become the most-awarded drama in the history of the South African Film & Television Awards and has received recognition abroad, including awards in the Netherlands. Produced by BOMB! Productions, known for Isibaya, Jacob’s Cross and Yizo Yizo, the series remains MultiChoice’s largest investment in local content.
Season 1 charted Shaka’s (Lemogang Tsipa) path into manhood, shaped by trials that defined his destiny. Dingiswayo (Thembinkosi Mthembu), in exile and devoted to Baleka (Hope Mbhele), fought against death and slavery to reclaim his place in history. Queen Nandi (Nomzamo Mbatha), refusing to be silenced, stood resolute in her love for her son. More than spectacle, the season became a cultural phenomenon that sparked conversations and broke new ground in African television.
Season 2 saw Shaka and Nandi arrive at KwaNobamba, where he began his reign as Zulu king. The season explored him as a ruler, strategist and visionary, while the addition of the Swati storyline reminded audiences of the intertwined nature of regional histories.
The final season chronicles the thunderous conclusion of Shaka’s reign, a saga of vision, glory and betrayal. As he hosts the grandest Ijadu in Zulu history, drawing rival kings to his kraal with power, song and dance, an assassin’s spear pierces royal blood. From that moment, suspicion unravels trust within his court, as betrayal is punished with ruthless force. A campaign against the Mpondo tribe intensifies pressures, while Queen Nandi conceals a devastating secret. Meanwhile, Francis Fynn and the British arrive at Port Natal, as colonial expansion begins to cast its shadow.
“When we announced the first season, we were confident that Shaka iLembe would set a new standard for African storytelling and travel well into international territories,” says MultiChoice General Entertainment CEO, Nomsa Philiso.
“More than speaking to the heritage of the Zulu Nation, it took the story of a dynasty created from scratch by one man to the world, endorsed by the King’s descendants and told from an African perspective. Now, as we enter the third season, we expand that universe of kings and queens, warriors, healers and leaders with a vision to reinvent an entire culture and establish a legacy that endures more than three centuries later. Having the freedom to explore the rise of a dynasty and do it justice has been key to Shaka iLembe’s success. With Season 3, we hope to bring this story to a powerful close, a legacy for all Africans to honour and celebrate,” says Executive Producer Desiree Markgraaff from BOMB! Productions.
Executive Producer and star Nomzamo Mbatha reflects; “The pressure is high. Shaka iLembe has been a beloved show for the past two seasons and the project of my career. This third season is the culmination of a world that African viewers have found deep love and admiration for. It builds on the legacy of African television while taking audiences on a journey from an all-conquering reign, to sweeping love stories, to the founding of another nation and the arrival of colonists. This is a triumphant telling of Nguni history on an epic scale.”
The series stars Nomzamo Mbatha; Lemogang Tsipa; Wiseman Mncube; Dawn Thandeka King; Sthandiwe Kgoroge; Mondli Makhoba; Mpilo Mbatha, Anele Nene, Vuyo Biyela and introduced the world to Ntando Zondi who played the young Shaka.