Mzansi is looking for a king as casting begins for Shaka Zulu
- The story of Shaka Zulu is set to be retold
- The search is on for actors to play the iconic role
- Productions and Mzansi Magic have put a lot of work in to create an authentic re-telling of the saga
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When it was announced last year that a re-telling of Shaka Zulu would begin, Bomb Productions and Mzansi Magic have been hard at work looking for actors, locations and talent.
Bomb Productions has begun building sets and scouting locations to create an authentic tale of the king of the Zulu.
“We are excited about making an epic and exhilarating drama that is respectful of the real history. Research is key. Telling a story of such complexity does not just happen overnight,” says Teboho Mahlatsi, executive producer and co-creator at Bomb Productions.
“We will depict the great kingdoms of the AmaThethwa, the AmaNdwandwe, AmaQwabe, AmaHlubi and AmaZulu amongst others, and on this epic canvas, we will see the heroic rise of Shaka. We are telling an African story about a great African empire.”
Scouts will travel across the country in search for the next king Shaka.
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“Starting this journey is history in the making and whilst research and consultation with stakeholders will continue, we are looking forward to unearthing and showcasing the deep pool of talent that lies within South Africa. This is a proudly South African series which we intend to take to the world,” Yolisa Phahle CEO for General Entertainment at MultiChoice Group said.
The first stage of the casting is nearing and teams will soon travel around the country auditioning abashaya indlamu (traditional dancers), izimbongi and izinyosi (praise singers) and amaqhawe enduku (stick fighters). “We are looking for real deep skills, no pretenders,” cautions Mahlatsi.
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Later this year the actual casting will begin for the actors and they are looking for actors who have had film experience. There will be numerous actors needed to play Shaka. His tale will be told from birth, at seven-years-old, at twelve and eighteen. A whole host of other powerful actors will also need to be found for Nandi, Mkabayi, Dingiswayo, Zwide and Ntombase.
South Africa is ready to reexamine its past and historical accuracy is key as new information and interpretations have come to light.
Jacob Ntshangase, one of the writers acknowledges that:
”To tell the story of Shaka in this moment is a huge responsibility and a great honour.”
Recently, Briefly.co.za reported on Nandi Madida's little boy, Shaka, named after the king turned three years old.
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Source: Briefly News
