“From Shakaland to Shaka iLembe,” Dawn Thandeka King Expresses Gratitude Over Her Acting Journey
“From Shakaland to Shaka iLembe,” Dawn Thandeka King Expresses Gratitude Over Her Acting Journey. Before Shaka iLembe, there was a famous TV series back in 1980 called Shaka Zulu. The series had any iconic actors, among them Hery Cele, Dudu Mkhize, Trevor Howard, Conrad Magwaza, Tu Nokwe, Glen Gabela, Simon Sabela, Edward Fox, Robert Powell, among many others.
The series has led to the current holiday location of Shakaland. This place was the set that was used for this show throughout the time the show was shot. The finale of the show ended with most of the huts getting burnt down, but the best of the houses and huts were saved to form the now famous Shakaland.
Now we have Shaka iLembe, which is also sharing the rich Zulu history to the modern generation. Season 1 which aired in 2023, showed us kings and queens, warriors, witches, spies and traders struggling for power. Nandi’s beauty captivated King Senzangakhona kaJama, resulting in the birth of Shaka. Viewers got to witness Shaka’s path to manhood and how he was shaped by trials along the way. Season I, also featured storylines about King Dingiswayo (Mthembu)’s exile and Queen Nandi’s refusal to be silenced by the will of men.
Season 2 picked up as Shaka and Nandi arrived in KwaNobamba, where he began his reign as the new Zulu king, and explored how he established a powerful empire. Shaka avenged the death of Dingiswayo, who died at the hands of the Ndwandwes, led by King Zwide kaLanga. The Zulus, also defeated the Ndwandwes, becoming the most powerful clan. Now viewers can’t wait for season III.
Dawn Thandeka King, is among the stellar cast members in the series. The multi-award winning actress portrays Mkabayi ka Jama. This is the Zulu princess who persuaded her father, King Jama kaNdaba, to remarry and later served as regent during the reign of her half-brother, Senzangakhona.
“From Shakaland to Shaka Ilembe….
Ngiyabonga Zinyandezul🙏🏾
One day I will write about this journey, but for now, I am in awe of what God and my ancestors have done for me. Ngiyabonga 🙏🏾👑🇿🇦,” Dawn said in gratitude.
