Queen Nandi and Mkabayi were taken aback when Shaka announced that he would not be taking a wife. What about grandchildren and forging valuable alliances? Shaka would hear none of it. As the king himself says in episode 4: “I've been given a nation to rule. There are many children here I can be a father to.” That’s not to say Shaka eschewed women completely. In an interview with Sunday World, the Zulu royal house dispelled speculation that Shaka never had girlfriends.
Enter Liyana. The woman who, in Shaka iLembe, captures his attention. Yes, she is lithe and beautiful, but it is her spirit and intelligence that capture Shaka. Interestingly, when we first meet her in episode 1, she echoes the very same thoughts Shaka will have when she says, “Marriage and children are far from my mind.”
Liyana shows herself to be witty and steadfast, as well as caring and loyal to those she loves, as seen in the affection and concern she has for her younger brother when he is thrown into Shaka’s army. Although she is always respectful and humble, she is not afraid of speaking her mind, as she does with Queen Nandi and even Shaka. Even though Nandi defends her son, she sees something she likes in Liyana, something she think will be perfect for her son and king.
The actor playing Liyana is Luyanda Zuma. This captivating young woman is relatively new to our screens, but hard work and determination landed her a role in one of television’s most prestigious shows. While she pursued a modelling career and even became a Miss SA finalist in 2022, acting has been a passion of hers since high school. This passion saw her study live performance at AFDA, and now we’re seeing the pursuit of her dreams pay off in Shaka iLembe.
Shaka iLembe season 2 is proudly sponsored by headline partner Telkom, associate partners Knorrox, Diageo, and tactical partners Santam, Amka, Toyota, Spur, and Gordon’s Gin.
Watch the legendary rule of King Shaka unfold in Shaka iLembe season 2, on Sundays at 20:00 on Mzansi Magic, DStv channel 161. There are repeats on Fridays at 21:30 and Saturdays at 20:00. Watch season 1 on Showmax or DStv Catch Up.
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