On the 18th of June 2023 at 20:00 Mzansi Magic’s historical drama series Shaka Ilembe premiered, leaving many in awe at the magnitude and sheer regality of the production, not to mention the star-studded cast. Shaka Ilembe has gone on to break the record for being the most watched Drama Series on DSTV in history, by attracting over 3.6 million enthusiastic viewers after just the first two episodes.

We speak to three people who’s unique contributions have added to the manifestation of magnificence we see on our screens.

Sanele Shibe (MultiChoice)

Sanele Shibe's journey in media began with him being active in the Durban hip-hop scene in the early 2000s. He then went on to study Audiovisual Production Management at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) from 2007 to 2011 where he completed his Honours Degree in Audiovisual Communication. In 2012 he interned at Electromode, and from 2010-2012 he was Events and Road Manager at Bentey Records and Artist Management. From 2012-2013 Sanele was a Technical Operations Intern at ETV, and from 2013-2014 he was an on-air Graphics Operator. In 2014-2015 Sanele began his working relationship with MultiChoice as a platform Content Intern. From 2015-2016 he worked as Content Coordinator of Local Supplies at Electronic Media Network, and in 2016-2017 he began his commissioning career as a Junior Commissioning Editor. Finally in 2017 he was promoted to Commissioning Editor of the MultiChoice Group.

I met Sanele in 2012 when I first moved to Johannesburg, and I remember clearly at that time he had just started his internship at ETV – and now some 10 years later – A young man at the age of 35 he sits in the prestigious position of Commissioning Editor of the MultiChoice Group.

We speak to Sanele about his journey, and the integral role he’s played in bringing us South Africa’s record-breaking Television Show, Shaka Ilembe.

1. Having made it all the way from studying Audiovisual Communication to where you are now, would you say this has been an intentional journey for you? Or did you kind of just go where opportunities presented themselves?

My background is that of an arts family. My dad was always in s’chathamiya groups and my mother is one of the most avid storytellers you will ever meet. My brothers are also artistic: my eldest brother can draw, his successor is a musician and the one I was born after is an actor. I always knew that I would do something in the media industry but my perspective was changed when my lecturer told us that there are cultural producers and cultural consumers. This was at a time when British and American music, film and television dominated our broadcasters. That was when I consciously made the decision to do my part and help tell our stories, in our language with our authentic representations. By doing that, our nation would also be among the top cultural producers in the world. My dream is to make our stories travel the world without us having to compromise our identity.

2. For someone who doesn’t know what a Commissioning Editor is, may you please explain what you do?

A commissioning editor buys stories from producers then manages the process of transforming the ideas into shows that broadcast on our platforms.

3. When did you first hear about the Shaka Ilembe concept for a series?

The process started in 2017 when the briefs went out to industry. From there, the Channel executive team started hearing ideas until the decision was made to create Shaka Ilembe.

4. What makes this series different, from a story-telling perspective, from the first 1986 Film Shaka Zulu?

They are both different properties, made by different broadcasters, in different times so it is difficult to compare them. The fundamental difference in terms of the story-telling would be the lens and perspective they are told from. Shaka: Ilembe is told through the eyes and voice of Mkabaya kaJama who was possibly one of the strongest female leaders Africa has ever had.  

5. Can you give us a summarized version of the journey it took between yourselves, Bomb Productions and the team of writers and story developers – to get the series to where it is now?

This has been a journey of collaboration. Once the concept was approved, Bomb consulted historians, academics, the late King Zwelithini and the current monarch King MisuZulu in an intense process of research and development. The writing team was taken on immersions to understand the history, the culture, the traditions, the details and the nuances that all helped craft the story. From there, it became a careful process of balancing creativity with historical events. The product of this collaboration is the beautiful product that is, Shaka Ilembe.

Thishiwe Ziqubu (Story Development)

Thishiwe Ziqubu is a multi-award-winning actor, director, producer and writer originally from Ladysmith, Kwa-Zulu Natal, based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Thishiwe is known for mega moves like staring in Madiba (2017) opposite Laurence Fishburne, Orlando Jones and David Harewood; as well as The Book of Negroes (2015) opposite Aunjanae Ellis and Cuba Gooding Jnr.

Thishiwe is also the creator of the multi-award winning magical realism mini-series, Emoyeni (2018) which premiered on SABC 1 and later became licensed by Netflix. They were also one of the directors on MTV Shuga Downsouth S2 (2019).  We speak to Thishiwe, whose rich skill for writing and story-telling, that has seen them excel in every facet of creative endeavors on and off screen with visionary leadership. We speak to Thishiwe about how the weaving of this story came together:

1. As a contributor, how would you describe the coming together of Shaka Ilembe?

I was involved in the very beginning processes of development of the series. I must say, I have never experienced a show that did such extensive and thorough research on its subject matter. It was an honor to be involved in the initial development of the series.

2. How much time did the Development team spend on the research and development for the script and story?

The process took six years. 

3. What feeling do you wish to leave the audience with after they watch it?

I wish the audience to be moved, enlightened, educated and entertained.

4. You are known for being conscious and passionate about spiritual as well as cultural knowledge, within those frames of understanding, what value does creating a show like this – that depicts the history of amaZulu – carry for contemporary youth watching Shaka Ilembe?

It educated and shines a light on our cultural history in an important way that fights against the erasure of our identities. 

Expresso Sishi (Art Director)

Expresso born as Nokuthula N Sishi is a freelance art director/ production designer/ interior decorator and creative. She’s been privileged to work on numerous jobs under the Bomb Productions umbrella such as Isithembiso, The Road, House of Zwide and more.

Expresso studied Journalism at the Durban North Varsity College but says, her greatest desire was to write compelling stories rather than reportative journalism. She was introduced to Impucuzeko Development Training that groomed her love for storytelling. 

We speak to Expresso, on her experience as a Art Director for uShaka Ilembe:

1. Art Directing is quite a niche career type. Was this something you always knew you wanted to do? 

I guess I was still quite fascinated by a lot of aspects of film making that I was overwhelmed not knowing whether to be in the technical departments, story room or creative departments. I was convinced by the mentoring Production Designer, Sam Kelly, to try the art department. I fell in love and have never moved back. In 2023 I got my first opportunity to work in a studio in Johannesburg. At the time they were shooting Zabalaza. my passion propelled my growth intensely and beautifully. I loved the craft and the ability to create worlds and develop characters through props.

2. What was the highest Art Budget you worked on? And what production was that? 

The budget for Shaka Ilembe may sound high as an individual number but once you factor in all the criterias and things needed to produce this production. You understand that the value of money hits differently. We had to get suppliers from all over KZN to help us with all the items we needed. We drove around KZN in order to make contacts with beautifully talented crafts people. 

3. How would you describe working on the set for Shaka Ilembe?

The challenges faced were incredible, building and intense at most times, especially spiritually and emotionally. I learnt so much about my strength as a person, a healer, a creative and an African young female. 

4. How long did yal shoot for?

To be quite honest we did not shoot Shaka Ilembe within the time that we had thought we would finish in. The project decided to take over and dictate to us what it needed from us.

5. Which actor on the series’ personality comes across as the most unassuming? And why?

When it comes to the chosen characters in the series I believe that the story is greater than any living person thus a selection was made that again was a collection of fate. We had numerous humble and down to earth performers who understood both the craft and the spiritual aspect of the story. There was a level of respect that aided in the ability to work symbiotically. Art directing on this project was a privilege that I am humbled by.

Watch Shaka ILembe, Sundays at 20:00 on Mzansi Magic.

Written by Lex LaFoy