STUDIOCANAL is taking South African historical drama Shaka iLembe: Zulu King to the international market for the first time, launching worldwide sales outside Africa at MIPCOM 2026 and unveiling a first look at Season 3.
Produced by Bomb Productions for MultiChoice, a CANAL+ company, the isiZulu-language drama tells the story of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona through an African creative and historical perspective. The series has become a major local television franchise across its first two seasons, with Season 3 set to premiere soon in Africa.
Season 3 expands the story
The new season takes place four years after the events of Season 2. Shaka’s kingdom has established its dominance across Southern Africa but now faces growing external pressure from British expansion and increasing European influence.
The story will also introduce the emerging Basotho Kingdom of Moshoeshoe, King Faku’s Mpondo Kingdom and the settlement of Port Natal, while continuing to place Queen Nandi and Shaka’s aunt Mkabayi at the centre of the drama.
New cast members include Lerato Mvelase (Justice Served, Marked) as Queen Mpikase, Aiden Scott (One Piece) as British trader Henry Francis Fynn, Conrad Kemp (G20, Novocaine) as Lt. Francis Farewell and Wonder Ndlovu (The Polygamist) as Prince Mpande.
The series is executive produced by Desireé Markgraaff and Nomzamo Mbatha, with Mbatha also starring as Queen Nandi.
Across its first two seasons, Shaka iLembe: Zulu King became DStv’s highest-rated drama series and the most-searched TV series in South Africa in 2023. It also holds the record for the most SAFTA wins by a drama series in a single year, with 12 awards including Best Drama Series.
The franchise has already reached Francophone Africa through CANALAfrique+ MAGIC, which has aired 24 episodes across its first two seasons.
“STUDIOCANAL is incredibly proud to bring SHAKA ILEMBE: ZULU KING to MIPCOM,” said Anna Marsh, CEO of STUDIOCANAL and Chief Content Officer of CANAL+. “Our continued goal is to bring local stories to the world stage.”
Nomsa Philiso, Vice President, Content, CANAL+ Africa, added: “The international launch of Shaka iLembe: Zulu King marks an important moment not only for this extraordinary franchise, but for African storytelling as a whole.”
STUDIOCANAL will begin introducing the series to international buyers at MIPCOM 2026, with sales for Season 3 scheduled to begin at the London Screenings in 2027.
