Thembinkosi Mthembu never imagined landing ‘Shaka Ilembe’ role

Adulting actor Thembinkosi Mthembu says he didn’t think he’d ever score a role on Mzasi Magic’s upcoming series Shaka Ilembe because he is light-skinned.

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THEMBINKOSI MTHEMBU: ‘IT WAS A DREAM COME TRUE’

The River actor Thambinkosi Mthembu tells Sunday World that he was dragged on social media when he landed a role in Shaka Ilembe.

“Getting a role on the show was a dream come true and I was merely just taking my chances, people had their opinions on how Shaka Zulu was dark in complexion and I was light-skinned.”

He also tells the publication that transitioning from theatre to television was game-changing for him. 

“Theatre is different because you’re performing for a live audience and with television, you need to tone it down a bit.” 

The talented star, who plays the lead role of Bonga in Showmax’s Adulting adds that playing the role was fun for him because of the parties.

“He’s a guy who goes after what he wants in life, who likes his friends, family, and girls, though he doesn’t believe in love. He is at a stage in his life where things are changing for him, as he’s bidding on an R80m contract,” said Mthembu.

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BACKGROUND OF ‘SHAKA ILEMBE’

The popular actor Thembinkosi Mthembu will star alongside Nomzamo Mbatha, Lemogang Tsipa Wiseman Mncube, Ntando Duma, and more in Shaka Ilembe. 

The drama series is set in the 1700s tells the story of the making of the iconic African king, Sgidi kaSenzangakhona with iterations from his early childhood through to adulthood.  

The series is about the infamous Zulu king, Sgidi kaSenzangakhona, commonly known as King Shaka. BOMB Productions which created Isibaya, The Road, Isithembiso, and House of Zwide is producing the series for MultiChoice. 

The production has been six years in the making, consulting historians, academics, and family descendants, including the late King Goodwill Zwelithini and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

The actress Nomzamo Mbatha, who produces the series and plays Queen Nandi told TshisaLIVE in a statement:  

“I am honoured to bring the giant that is Queen Nandi to life. History will remember those who informed its people of where we come from, to better understand who we are. I am fortunate to be part of a project that is much bigger than ourselves and to tell this story in our own language. Impi iyeza!” expressed Mbatha. 

ALSO READ: Nomzamo Mbatha’s ‘Shaka Ilembe’ series gets Zulu King’s blessing

ALSO READ: Nomzamo Mbatha’s ‘Shaka Ilembe’ series gets Zulu King’s blessing