Season 2: A new chapter unfolds with fierce battles and new talent in Shaka iLembe
Excitement filled the air at a virtual media junket streamed live from Bomb Shelter Production studios for an exclusive sneak preview of Shaka iLembe Season 2 recently.
With the return of the hit series on the horizon, producers Desireé Markgraaff and Angus Gibson, alongside executive producer Nomzamo Mbatha, shared insights into the upcoming season and introduced the dynamic new talent joining the cast.
Building on the success of its record-breaking first season, Shaka iLembe continues its gripping retelling of King Shaka’s rise to power. Lauded for its cinematic brilliance and historical depth, the series now welcomes new faces who will add drama and depth to the developing epic.
Joining the world of Shaka iLembe this season are new cast members Zamani Mbatha, Luyanda Zuma, Amanda Seome, Anele Sphamandla Nene, and Sikhanyiso Sithole, each bringing fresh energy and depth to the unfolding drama. The new cast members, who sat amongst the greats from season 1, spoke with zeal on how they are excited to be part of Shaka iLembe season 2.
New cast
Zamani Mbatha, who joins the cast as Nomahlanjana, the ambitious son of Zwide, had to prove himself through multiple auditions. “Every time they said ‘action’, I was taken aback by what I was able to do – and I didn’t know where that came from,” Mbatha admitted. His character, a formidable warrior with an insatiable hunger for power, is both dangerous and unpredictable. Reflecting on the rigorous audition process, he said, “I never doubted God’s timing, even after the audition process that was challenging and intense. I am excited to be part of this production.”
For Amanda Seome, playing Ntombazana, Zwide’s determined daughter, was nothing short of fate. “I auditioned for Season 1 and was not successful, but when Season 2 came around, it was smooth – like it was meant to be,” she said.
“When I wasn’t cast in the first season, I was heartbroken. My mother had to comfort me.” Ntombazana, trained by her formidable grandmother Ntombazi, is a master of manipulation in a world dominated by men.
Anele Sphamandla Nene steps into the role of Sikhunyana, the son of Zwide who seeks peace in a world ravaged by war.
“Being on Shaka iLembe is a dream come true,” Nene said. “Everyone wants to be part of uShaka, and I am grateful it finally manifested. It is a deeply spiritual show – you can’t just be there for the sake of being there.” Sikhunyana, drawn to diplomacy and reason, often finds himself at odds with his warrior brother Nomahlanjana, testing his loyalty when duty clashes with love.
Story
Representing eSwatini, Sikhanyiso Sithole embodies the role of Princess Hletjiwe, a radiant Ngwane royal who finds herself in a heartbreaking entanglement. “I can’t believe I am here,” Sithole said with emotion. “I am proud to represent eSwatini.” Hletjiwe, married off in a political alliance, soon realises that her heart belongs elsewhere, setting the stage for a poignant and tragic arc.
Liyana, a spirited and independent maiden who serves under Queen Mother Mthaniya, is played by Luyanda Zuma. “I manifested myself into the cast,” Zuma confessed. “I religiously watched interviews of the show. The casting process was gruelling – I went through seven callbacks. Bomb is very rigorous and thorough.”
Thrown into a scene opposite Nomzamo Mbatha, Zuma was initially daunted but soon found her stride. “Nomzamo was welcoming and made the experience a breeze,” she said. Liyana’s quick wit and boldness make her a captivating presence, drawing the attention of both Shaka and Nandi in ways that will reshape her fate.
Ambitious
Behind the drama, the cast’s stories mirrored their characters’ battles. “Bomb Shelter doesn’t cast – they unearth,” Sithole said, while Zamani Mbatha praised Nomzamo Mbatha for guiding him through gruelling scenes: “She turned chaos into clarity.”
With Shaka iLembe Season 2 promising even more intrigue, passion and betrayal, the cast’s dedication to their roles reflects the scale of this ambitious production. The new season is set to bring viewers deeper into the turbulent history of southern Africa, where power is fought for with blood, love is a dangerous game and destiny is never certain.
As Markgraaff closed the event, her final words lingered: “These characters won’t just shake thrones – they’ll haunt you.”
Shaka iLembe Season 2 premieres Sunday, June 15th, at 20:00, only on Mzansi Magic channel 161. Missed the first season? Binge-watch on Showmax (showmax.com) or catch up with the action on Mzansi Wethu (channel 163) at 9pm for episode 4 of 12 – note that episodes 1-3 are currently available on DStv Catch Up.
For more information, visit the Shaka iLembe show page or follow #ShakaiLembeMzansi on social media.
With the return of the hit series on the horizon, producers Desireé Markgraaff and Angus Gibson, alongside executive producer Nomzamo Mbatha, shared insights into the upcoming season and introduced the dynamic new talent joining the cast.
Building on the success of its record-breaking first season, Shaka iLembe continues its gripping retelling of King Shaka’s rise to power. Lauded for its cinematic brilliance and historical depth, the series now welcomes new faces who will add drama and depth to the developing epic.
Joining the world of Shaka iLembe this season are new cast members Zamani Mbatha, Luyanda Zuma, Amanda Seome, Anele Sphamandla Nene, and Sikhanyiso Sithole, each bringing fresh energy and depth to the unfolding drama. The new cast members, who sat amongst the greats from season 1, spoke with zeal on how they are excited to be part of Shaka iLembe season 2.
New cast
Zamani Mbatha, who joins the cast as Nomahlanjana, the ambitious son of Zwide, had to prove himself through multiple auditions. “Every time they said ‘action’, I was taken aback by what I was able to do – and I didn’t know where that came from,” Mbatha admitted. His character, a formidable warrior with an insatiable hunger for power, is both dangerous and unpredictable. Reflecting on the rigorous audition process, he said, “I never doubted God’s timing, even after the audition process that was challenging and intense. I am excited to be part of this production.”
For Amanda Seome, playing Ntombazana, Zwide’s determined daughter, was nothing short of fate. “I auditioned for Season 1 and was not successful, but when Season 2 came around, it was smooth – like it was meant to be,” she said.
“When I wasn’t cast in the first season, I was heartbroken. My mother had to comfort me.” Ntombazana, trained by her formidable grandmother Ntombazi, is a master of manipulation in a world dominated by men.
Anele Sphamandla Nene steps into the role of Sikhunyana, the son of Zwide who seeks peace in a world ravaged by war.
“Being on Shaka iLembe is a dream come true,” Nene said. “Everyone wants to be part of uShaka, and I am grateful it finally manifested. It is a deeply spiritual show – you can’t just be there for the sake of being there.” Sikhunyana, drawn to diplomacy and reason, often finds himself at odds with his warrior brother Nomahlanjana, testing his loyalty when duty clashes with love.
Story
Representing eSwatini, Sikhanyiso Sithole embodies the role of Princess Hletjiwe, a radiant Ngwane royal who finds herself in a heartbreaking entanglement. “I can’t believe I am here,” Sithole said with emotion. “I am proud to represent eSwatini.” Hletjiwe, married off in a political alliance, soon realises that her heart belongs elsewhere, setting the stage for a poignant and tragic arc.
Liyana, a spirited and independent maiden who serves under Queen Mother Mthaniya, is played by Luyanda Zuma. “I manifested myself into the cast,” Zuma confessed. “I religiously watched interviews of the show. The casting process was gruelling – I went through seven callbacks. Bomb is very rigorous and thorough.”
Thrown into a scene opposite Nomzamo Mbatha, Zuma was initially daunted but soon found her stride. “Nomzamo was welcoming and made the experience a breeze,” she said. Liyana’s quick wit and boldness make her a captivating presence, drawing the attention of both Shaka and Nandi in ways that will reshape her fate.
Ambitious
Behind the drama, the cast’s stories mirrored their characters’ battles. “Bomb Shelter doesn’t cast – they unearth,” Sithole said, while Zamani Mbatha praised Nomzamo Mbatha for guiding him through gruelling scenes: “She turned chaos into clarity.”
With Shaka iLembe Season 2 promising even more intrigue, passion and betrayal, the cast’s dedication to their roles reflects the scale of this ambitious production. The new season is set to bring viewers deeper into the turbulent history of southern Africa, where power is fought for with blood, love is a dangerous game and destiny is never certain.
As Markgraaff closed the event, her final words lingered: “These characters won’t just shake thrones – they’ll haunt you.”
Shaka iLembe Season 2 premieres Sunday, June 15th, at 20:00, only on Mzansi Magic channel 161. Missed the first season? Binge-watch on Showmax (showmax.com) or catch up with the action on Mzansi Wethu (channel 163) at 9pm for episode 4 of 12 – note that episodes 1-3 are currently available on DStv Catch Up.
For more information, visit the Shaka iLembe show page or follow #ShakaiLembeMzansi on social media.
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