Lerato Mvelase, Aidan Scott, Conrad Kemp and Wonder Ndlovu are joining Shaka iLembe Season 3. The final season brings new characters into King Shaka’s story as the South African drama prepares for its international sales launch at MIPCOM Cannes this month.
Who are the new cast members playing?
Mvelase plays Queen Mpikase. Scott plays Henry Francis Fynn, a British trader who becomes close to Shaka, while Kemp plays Lieutenant Francis Farewell. Ndlovu takes the role of Prince Mpande.
One Piece viewers may recognize Scott as Helmeppo in Netflix’s live-action series. Shaka iLembe gives him a different period role, alongside returning leads Lemogang Tsipa as King Shaka and Nomzamo Mbatha as Queen Nandi.
Where does Season 3 pick up?
The story moves forward four years from Season 2. Shaka’s kingdom is now a major power in Southern Africa, but British expansion and growing European influence bring new pressures. The season also includes the emerging Basotho Kingdom of Moshoeshoe, King Faku’s Mpondo Kingdom and the settlement of Port Natal.
The first-look images show Tsipa on a snowy mountain, Mbatha in a close-up, a burning hut and a gathering of Zulu men.
Shaka iLembe Season 3 first-look images
3 screenshotsNomzamo Mbatha’s work beyond the screen
Mbatha is also an executive producer. She describes playing Queen Nandi as a career highlight and says the show’s contribution to the creative economy matters to her as much as its success with audiences.
Bomb Productions makes the isiZulu-language drama. Angus Gibson directs, and Desiree Markgraaff is an executive producer. The international sales launch introduces the series to buyers; it is not a worldwide streaming premiere. The first-look announcement does not give an exact Season 3 release date.
