South Africa’s most decorated and most-watched drama series is stepping onto the world stage. STUDIOCANAL has unveiled a first look at Season 3 of Shaka iLembe: Zulu King as the isiZulu-language epic prepares for its international debut at MIPCOM 2026 in Cannes, with Seasons 1 and 2 set to reach broadcasters beyond Africa for the first time.
Produced by Bomb Productions for MultiChoice’s Mzansi Magic, the series retells the rise of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona from an African creative and historical perspective.
Across its first two seasons, it became DStv’s highest-rated drama, the most-searched television series in South Africa in 2023, and the most-awarded drama in SAFTA history, collecting 12 Golden Horns in a single year — including Best TV Drama.
Season 3: Four years on, a wider world
The final season jumps four years after the events of Season 2. Shaka’s kingdom now stands as a dominant force across Southern Africa, yet his reign faces fresh external pressure from British expansion and growing European influence.
The narrative widens beyond the Zulu kingdom to include the emerging Basotho Kingdom of Moshoeshoe, King Faku’s Mpondo Kingdom, and the settlement of Port Natal.
At the emotional centre remain Queen Nandi and Shaka’s politically formidable aunt, Mkabayi. Newly released images tease the scale of what is coming: Lemogang Tsipa’s King Shaka alone on an icy mountain; a close-up of Nomzamo Mbatha’s Queen Nandi in tears; a village hut in flames; and a circle of Zulu men gathered in formation.
New faces join the court
Season 3 expands the ensemble with four additions:
- Lerato Mvelase (Justice Served, Marked) as Queen Mpikase
- Aiden Scott (One Piece) as Henry Francis Fynn, a British trader who grows close to Shaka
- Conrad Kemp (G20, Novocaine) as Lieutenant Francis Farewell
- Wonder Ndlovu (The Polygamist) as Prince Mpande
The core cast continues with Tsipa as Shaka, Mbatha as Nandi, and Dawn Thandeka King as Mkabayi. Mbatha also serves as executive producer alongside Desireé Markgraaff.
Oscar-nominated director Angus Gibson has guided the creative vision across all three seasons.
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A record-setting franchise
Shaka iLembe premiered on 18 June 2023 and drew 3.6 million viewers in its first week — the highest opening for a MultiChoice-produced drama.
It is widely regarded as South Africa’s most expensive television drama to date. Season 2 launched on 15 June 2025, continuing the story as Shaka consolidates power after his rise to the throne.
The series has already reached Francophone African audiences through Canal+ Afrique; the MIPCOM launch marks the first formal offering to buyers outside the continent.
STUDIOCANAL will introduce the franchise to international buyers at MIPCOM (12–15 October 2026). Sales activity for Season 3 is scheduled to begin at the London Screenings in 2027. A South African premiere date for the final season has not yet been confirmed.
“A monumental achievement”
“STUDIOCANAL is incredibly proud to bring SHAKA ILEMBE: ZULU KING to MIPCOM,” said Anna Marsh, CEO of STUDIOCANAL and Chief Content Officer of Canal+.
“Our continued goal is to bring local stories to the world stage. Carried by an exceptional creative team, this series speaks far beyond its borders… a monumental achievement in television.”
Nomsa Philiso, Vice President, Content, Canal+ Africa, called the international launch “an important moment not only for this extraordinary franchise, but for African storytelling as a whole.”
Markgraaff reflected on the long road to screen: “Making Shaka iLembe: Zulu King has been a journey of more than 12 years for the Bomb creative team.
Our ambition was to tell this story with the scale, drama and epic sweep of world-class mainstream storytelling, while portraying the Africa we know and love with the dignity, complexity and humanity it deserves.”
Mbatha, sharing the announcement, simply captioned it “A dream come true.”
With Seasons 1 and 2 heading to global broadcasters and the final chapter already in view, Shaka iLembe: Zulu King arrives on the international market as both a commercial phenomenon at home and a deliberate statement that African historical drama can travel at the highest level of craft and ambition.
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