South African historical drama Shaka iLembe: Zulu King is heading to international television buyers, with STUDIOCANAL preparing to introduce the acclaimed isiZulu-language series to markets outside Africa for the first time.
The announcement comes ahead of MIPCOM 2026, where the studio will present the franchise and offer a first look at its third season. International sales for the new season are scheduled to begin at the London Screenings in 2027.
Produced by Bomb Productions for MultiChoice, a CANAL+ company, the series tells the story of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona through the perspectives of African filmmakers and historians.
The drama has established itself as one of South Africa’s biggest television productions. Its first two seasons made it the highest-rated drama in DStv’s history, while the series also recorded 12 South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) wins in a single year, including Best Drama Series.
Season 3 Expands The Story
The upcoming season continues four years after the events of Season 2, with Shaka’s kingdom facing new pressures as British expansion and European influence grow in the region.
The story will also explore the emerging Basotho Kingdom under Moshoeshoe, King Faku’s Mpondo Kingdom and the settlement of Port Natal.
Queen Nandi, played by executive producer Nomzamo Mbatha, and Shaka’s aunt Mkabayi remain central to the drama.
New cast members include Lerato Mvelase as Queen Mpikase, Aiden Scott as British trader Henry Francis Fynn, Conrad Kemp as Lieutenant Francis Farewell and Wonder Ndlovu as Prince Mpande.
Executive producer Desireé Markgraaff said the production had been more than 12 years in the making, with the creative team aiming to tell African history through large-scale storytelling while preserving its complexity and humanity.
Mbatha said the series demonstrates the potential of African stories to reach international audiences while contributing to the local creative economy.
Taking African Storytelling To The World
STUDIOCANAL CEO Anna Marsh said the studio was proud to introduce the series to international buyers, highlighting its storytelling, cultural authenticity and universal themes.
Nomsa Philiso, CANAL+ Africa’s vice-president of content, described the international launch as an important moment for both the production and African storytelling.
The series has already reached audiences in Francophone Africa through CANALAfrique+ MAGIC, which has carried 24 episodes across the first two seasons.
According to the announcement, the production was supported by MultiChoice’s largest single investment in a local production and generated more than 20,000 jobs across production.
The international push comes as STUDIOCANAL and CANAL+ continue investing in South African productions and talent. Other projects include The Road Home, directed by Bill Condon, and the third season of Shadow Has Fallen, which is filming in South Africa.
The expansion of Shaka iLembe: Zulu King into international markets marks another opportunity for an isiZulu-language production to reach viewers beyond the continent while showcasing South Africa’s film and television industry.
Main Image: Supplied
