Shaka Ilembe

Shaka returns to KwaNobamba to claim his kingship amidst both unity and division, as there are still many who believe Shaka should not be their leader and so plot against him. But with the guidance of Mkabayi, Mthaniya, and Nandi, Shaka remains determind to honour his bloodline, and grow and unite the Zulu kingdom. 👑 Shaka encounters a bold and intriguing young woman in the form of Liyana. He also assigns Mbopha as his insila. Meanwhile, the Ndwandwe celebrate victory against the Thonga and Somveli treads dangerous ground with Ntombazi. 👀

Shaka continues facing opposition. Undeterred, he trains his army, introducing new techniques to make their fighting more efficient. 💥 When armies clash, his strategies prove effective and lead to glory. Somveli returns home to the Mthethwa where his suspicious father, Dingiswayo, questions him about his journey. An Mpondo delegation visits the Mthethwa, while the Ndwandwe head to the Swati kingdom to make an alliance through marriage. The Swati princess Hletjiwe is betrothed to Nomahlanjana. Sadly, the princess is already smitten with another prince, Nomahlanjana's brother Sikhunyana. He feels the same about her and is devastated to find out about the union. 💔

Preparations begin for Shaka's coronation, but he is plagued by unsettling dreams. 💭 Realising he has unfinished business, he visits the land of his ancestors where he meets his father, Senzangakhona, and finally finds the peace he needs. 🕊️ At the Ndwandwe palace, Ntombazana is assigned an important task by her grandmother: beguiling the Mthethwa king. Meanwhile, at the Mthethwa palace, Somveli's duplicity continues. Hletjiwe and Sikhunyana's connection grows 💕 despite the former's marriage to Nomahlanjana. The latter causes havoc by attacking an Mthethwa delegation of traders. Amidst this hive of acitivity, the clans gather for Shaka's coronation. 👑 

The Zulu and the Mthethwa face continued animosity from the Ndwandwe and tensions mount. Dingiswayo advises Shaka to further strengthen his army, with the guidance of Ngomane. ✊🏾 Shaka also expands his kingdom with the construction of a new palace, as well as barracks for his army. Furthermore, he announces that he will not father any children, a decision that dismays the matriarchs. Soshangane finds his position threatened as Zwide berates him for putting Nomahlanjana in his place. However, Zwide realises this was the right move and privately scolds his son for his impulsive actions. Ntombazana is blindsided when she finds out she is meant to become Dingiswayo's queen ... only for her grandmother to confirm that her mission really is only to seduce him as a means of luring him to his death. 😮 Nomahlanjana shows an even uglier side to his nature when he attacks Hletjiwe. Shaka's younger brother Ngwadi sets out on a journey to become a spy; and as the king gets to know Liyana, sparks fly. 😍

Ngwadi and Nongila catch sight of the British 🇬🇧 and are then captured by the Boers, but released when the Xhosa intervene. The Zulu and Mthethwa continue defeating those who oppose them in fierce battles, but Shaka and Dingiswayo start disagreeing about their next moves. Mondisa becomes suspicious of Somveli 🤨 and the latter appears to second guess his duplicity as he grows closer to his father. Ultimately he continues down the path of betrayal. Hletjiwe runs away, but is intercepted by Sikhunyana, who decides to join her. Dingiswayo and Ntombazana spend more time together.

Ntombazana's intentions are suspected by Queen Mabamba and the Ndwandwe princess is hauled before Dingiswayo. However, she persuades the king not to take action against her. Later she further charms and seduces him, gaining what she needs for her grandmother's muthi. Afterwards, she escapes 🏃🏾‍♀️ and ensures that her special package is delivered safely to Queen Ntombazi. Together with Goloza, the queen concocts a special potion that lures Dingiswayo to eGudunkomo. 🦇 Somveli's conscience continues to plague him and he confesses to his father, who disowns and exiles him.

The kingdom plunges into deep mourning as the great King Dingiswayo falls to the relentless onslaught of the Ndwandwe. 😭 Hletjiwe and Sikhunyana flee from eGudunkomo. 🏃🏿‍♂️💨

Shaka, engulfed by all-consuming grief following the loss of his mentor Dingiswayo, becomes driven by vengeance. Nandi finds herself ensnared in the tempest of Shaka's sorrow and wrath. 😤 Meanwhile, the sinister betrayal of Somveli comes to light, leading to his death. 💀 As conflict escalates, Nyengelezi loses his life at the hands of Nomahlanja while trying to rescue Sikhunyana and Hletjiwe. 😢

Goloza is tormented by a profound vision of impending doom but chooses to keep it veiled. 🔮 In the face of Shaka’s insatiable thirst for revenge and preparation for war, he devises an innovative military strategy aimed at outmaneuvering the Ndwandwe forces. 🔮 Goloza finally shares his vision with Sikhunyana, who sets off to warn the Ndwandwe. Tragically, by the time he reaches them, it is too late for five of Zwide's sons. 💀

Zwide is plunged into despair, reeling from the harrowing loss of five of his beloved sons who perished amidst the brutal chaos of battle. Their sacrifice leaves the Ndwandwe clan drowning in a sea of grief and heartbreak. 😭 Liyana struggles with her own turmoil, her unexpected pregnancy. Shaka does not want to become a father, forcing Liyana to confront a painful decision. In her desperation, she decides to turn to imbiza, a traditional herbal remedy, in hopes of terminating her pregnancy. 💔

Liyana is dead and the news of her tragic death shatters Shaka's spirit. To save Goloza and his family, Ntombazana convinces Zwide that a particular feather possesses mystical properties that can guarantee victory over the Zulu forces. 🪶 Shaka and Phakathwayo of the Qwabe clan engage in battle. Despite Phakathwayo’s relentless efforts and fierce spirit, Shaka demonstrates superior strategy and strength, emerging victorious as the Qwabe’s leader falls to his death.

During battle Zwide and Shaka face off and Shaka emerges as king of kings, setting the foundation for a growing empire. Unfortunately, both Goloza and Ntombazi meet tragic fates, while eGudunkomo is reduced to ashes. Sikhunyana and Hletjiwe are reunited.🥰