Shaka iLembe Renewed for Final Season 3: MultiChoice’s Epic Zulu Drama Returns in 2026
The acclaimed African epic Shaka iLembe is set to conclude its journey, with MultiChoice renewing the series for a third and final season, premiering in 2026. Produced by BOMB! Productions, the show has become the most ambitious drama in South African television history, creating more than 16,000 jobs during Season 2 and winning a record 12 South African Film & Television Awards (SAFTAs).
Set in the late 18th-century Nguni Kingdoms, the drama chronicles the rise of King Shaka Zulu (Lemogang Tsipa), from his boyhood struggles to his transformation into a visionary military leader who reshaped African history. Season 2 ended with Shaka’s consolidation of power, paving the way for the climactic events of Season 3.
According to producers, the final season will depict “the thunderous act of Shaka’s reign — a saga of vision, glory, and betrayal.” The storyline promises:
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A grand Ijadu celebration, the most lavish in Zulu history, disrupted by an assassin’s spear that plunges the royal court into paranoia.
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A momentous campaign against the Mpondo tribe, testing Shaka’s strength as a ruler.
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Queen Nandi’s devastating secret, concealed at great personal cost.
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The arrival of Francis Fynn and the British, signaling early colonial ambitions at Port Natal.
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Intrigue within Shaka’s inner circle, as betrayal and suspicion threaten his empire from within.
The series, starring Nomzamo Mbatha, Wiseman Mncube, Dawn Thandeka King, Mondli Makhoba, Vuyo Biyela, Anele Nene, and Ntando Zondi, has been praised for its lavish costumes, breathtaking cinematography, CGI, and authentic portrayal of Zulu culture and heritage.
Nomsa Philiso, CEO of MultiChoice General Entertainment, described the drama as a “love letter to South Africa’s nature, culture, and history”, endorsed by the descendants of King Shaka themselves. She added: “As we enter the third season, we expand that universe of kings, queens, warriors, and leaders who reinvented an entire culture and established a legacy that endures more than three centuries later.”
With its mix of historical authenticity, political intrigue, and cultural storytelling, Shaka iLembe Season 3 is poised to deliver a fitting finale to one of the most celebrated African television productions of all time.
Source: deadline.com
