An Epic Unveiling: Applauding the Magnificent Arrival of Shaka iLembe

This time, last year, we were probably snoring in the comfort of our air-conditioned homes. We had our gas cylinders filled up to fuel our heaters. And hot water bottles in our beds – warming our feet.

Little did we know that it was a different case for the Shaka iLembe cast, crew and all those who took part in the brewing of the 12-episode series. Finally, the supper that will be constantly served on our screens, every Sunday, is on the table for us to feast on.

Scantily dressed to depict ancient times, they braced the cold, shivered, teeth chattered - with one goal – of telling such an epic and heroic African story, our way...

“Cuuuuuuut!”

Imagine how the crew would probably shout, interrupted by planes flying past; overhead – having to retake a shot that was coming nice before the roar. It would be in a bid to keep the aura of modernity out of the precolonial era in which the series is set.

That common ‘ouch,’ in the industry, from the cast, signalling a forgotten crucial line in the script, and several retakes to make the outcome the standard measure of perfection are worthy of recognition.

Our eagerness to watch the final product, during the long wait, was constantly provoked by tantalising trailers the internet suddenly grew awash with, inflating our curiosities and suspense with high-quality visuals and the delivery of lines in honey-glazed Zulu accents - devoid of the kasi flavour (an amalgam of lingos). We all gave our reviews and critiques, from the trailers, to mark our presence in social media queues to the drama’s first screening.

As a branding company that works with big names in the television production and entertainment industry in various projects and campaigns, we would like to convey congratulations to the Bomb Productions cast and crew on the epic historical drama, Shaka iLembe. We look forward to lots of intriguing South African stories. But for now, as the story unfolds on our screens, it’s a wrap!!!