Zimbabweans stir conversation over Tswana actor, Lemogang Tsipa, being lead actor in Shaka Ilembe

Information reaching Kossyderrickent has it that Zimbabweans stir conversation over Tswana actor, Lemogang Tsipa, being lead actor in Shaka Ilembe. (Read More Here).

Isithembiso and The Republic actor Lemogang Tsipa has scored the titular role in the upcoming drama series Shaka Ilembe about the founder of the Zulu nation.

The River actor Thembinkosi Mthembu will portray King Dingiswayo with Isibaya leading lady Nomzamo Mbatha as Queen Nandi and Uzalo star Wiseman Mncube as King Zwide.

Newcomer Nthando Zondi will play younger Shaka, while Muvhango and Isono actor Senzo Radebe has been cast as King Senzangakhona. Mbatha will also serve as executive producer for the show helmed by Bomb Productions in partnership with MultiChoice.

“Being able to bring this important story to the screen with such stellar talent speaks to the heart of MultiChoice’s ongoing commitment and investment in our local entertainment industry,” said Yolisa Phahle, CEO of general entertainment & connected video at MultiChoice.

Lemogang stars alongside the The River actor Thembinkosi Mthembu who portrays King Dingiswayo with Isibaya leading lady Nomzamo Mbatha as Queen Nandi and Uzalo star Wiseman Mncube as King Zwide. Newcomer Nthando Zondi plays the younger Shaka.

Playing Shaka is not only a career highlight for Lemogang but also the most detailed process he’s ever had to go through in terms of body transformation.

He played both the younger and older version of the character, dropping to 68kg to capture teen Shaka. Then he had a month to gain the weight back and go up to 76kg. To achieve this, his breakfast consisted of six eggs and two sausages, muesli, yoghurt, and fruit. His lunch would include 500g rice and 250g chicken, and he’d have protein shakes. all

In an interview with the Sowetan, Lemogang explains the difficulty of playing Shaka: “The most difficult thing in playing Shaka has been trying to find a balance between the harsh and tough mythological character that we know, and the vulnerable human being behind that. Trying to play those two worlds and marry them without leaning too much into one [has been difficult].”

Shaka Ilembe is a 12-part series that tells the story of the iconic Zulu king and the events that shaped his life with iterations from his early childhood through adulthood. Before production started, consultations occurred between historians, academics and family descendants, including the late King Goodwill Zwelithini and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.