Bomb Productions, together with MultiChoice Group’s Mzansi Magic, announced last year that they would be embarking on a grand re-telling of the story of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona.

Bomb is already at work. Scouts are scouring the country in search of iconic locations and the team has begun to recreate the world in which Shaka lived and reigned.

“We are excited about making an epic and exhilarating drama that is respectful of the real history. Research is key. Telling a story of such complexity does not just happen overnight,” says Teboho Mahlatsi, executive producer and co-creator at Bomb Productions.

“We will depict the great kingdoms of the AmaThethwa, the AmaNdwandwe, AmaQwabe, AmaHlubi and AmaZulu amongst others, and on this epic canvas, we will see the heroic rise of Shaka. We are telling an African story about a great African empire.”

“Starting this journey is history in the making and whilst research and consultation with stakeholders will continue, we are looking forward to unearthing and showcasing the deep pool of talent that lies within South Africa. This is a proudly South African series which we intend to take to the world,” Yolisa Phahle CEO for General Entertainment at MultiChoice Group said.

The first stage of the casting is nearing and teams will soon travel around the country auditioning abashaya indlamu (traditional dancers), izimbongi and izinyosi (praise singers) and amaqhawe enduku (stick fighters). “We are looking for real deep skills, no pretenders,” cautions Mahlatsi.

Casting for actors will get underway later in the year and again the search will be nationwide. “Previous film experience is not necessary. We are looking to unearth new talent who will perform alongside our great, experienced actors,” says Bomb producer, Angus Gibson.

“The search for Shaka will be at the heart of the casting – we will be looking for him as a baby, at seven, twelve and eighteen years – as well as the man.

Then there is Nandi, Mkabayi, Dingiswayo, Zwide, Ntombase and many other riveting characters whom we see at different stages of their lives.” According to Nkateko Mabaso, M-Net CEO, “At M-Net we’ve been telling local stories for over 30 years and this is a continuation of our commitment to our industry. This is not a colonial telling, this story will be told from our perspective.”

“South Africa’s history is being re-examined. Old distortions are being questioned and new truths are emerging,” says Jacob Ntshangase, one of the writers. ”To tell the story of Shaka in this moment is a huge responsibility and a great honour.”

On Monday 1 July 2019, e.tv will be introducing a dynamic and intriguing new series called ISIPHO.

Hot on the heels of  the successful late night Zulu drama IMBEWU, the locally produced show will air every Monday to Thursday at 6:30PM.

Nimrod will star in the series. Photo Credit: Supplied

Produced by HerbVision Multimedia in association with The Ntintili Factory, Isipho is set in the beautiful landscapes of Muldersdrift, and surrounding areas, Isipho, which means a gift, follows the story of Moses Shezi, a former academic whose peaceful life takes an unexpected turn when he experiences a telling vision that reveals his daughter’s death.

Desperate to change the course of destiny, he sets out to find the four strangers who appeared in his vision and surrounding his daughter at the time of her death. From his vision, it is clear that these strangers are not in any way ordinary.

They have gifts.

Following his vision, Moses armed with the goal of honing the stranger’s gifts finds himself together with his psychologist wife and a team of teachers in the spiritual arts, opening an academy for the gifted.

The students come with baggage of their own and soon after that, Moses and the teachers discover that they not only have to teach the students to harness and control their gifts, but also guide them to be the best versions of themselves.

Isipho stars a host of exciting new talent, alongside some familiar faces.

Starring Nimrod Nkosi as Moses Shezi, Thobani Nzuza as Lwandle, Saint Seseli as Pastor Rametsi, Sparky Xulu as Mpendulo, Wandi Chamane as Nomzingeli, Karabo Maseko as Neo, and introducing Precious Ngidi as Ntombi Shezi and Mbalenhle Mavimbela as Tandzile. And rounding off the cast playing Gogo Nqobile is the iconic actress Themsie Times.

‘The channel is happy to open up its pool of production companies with Herbvision and the Ntintili Factory producing  their first independent production for the channel. We look forward to welcoming back some familiar faces to our screens and introducing new ones,” says Head of Local content at e.tv, Ziyanda Mngomezulu.

Blessings come in pairs for talented actor Oros Mampofu.

Having recently welcomed a bundle of joy in the form of a bouncy baby girl, Oros now welcomes his second blessing as a new cast member to Rhythm City, the fastest growing soapie in South Africa’s TV land.

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Mampofu will make his Rhythm City screen debut on the 16^th of May as the character of young Eastern Cape born Banele, a rural Xhosa man whose family relies on social grants to sustain their daily lives.

Banele is fascinated by history, particularly African literature and it is this passion that sees his story unfolding after he secured a bursary to study at the Johannesburg Metropolitan University.

Banele’s story is that of trials; He is the first person in his family to go to university and that becomes both a great privilege and a massive responsibility as his family heavily relies on him for help.

Being the sole bread winner is no glitz and glam and Banele quickly finds himself working as a recycler in order to send money back home.