Shaka iLembe,' just after one episode tops all other drama series in DSTV history

Shaka iLembe,' just after one episode tops all other drama series in DSTV historyShaka iLembe breaks a DStv record with its first episode garnering 3.6 million views, leaving South Africa astounded: We Were Curious

by More Mabandi

28-06-2023 12:42

in Entertainment

Dstv's Shaka iLembe rated as the best in history. Image via Twitter @PhilMphela

On June 18, Shaka iLembe's DStv debut on the Mzansi Magic channel attracted a record-breaking audience.

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Last Sunday in South Africa, 3.6 million people watched the historical series. Additionally, it ranked first on the DStv app in a number of African nations, including Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The show, which has only been broadcast twice, is the largest single expenditure MultiChoice has ever made in a local production. The 1700s-set sitcom received raving reviews from fans who took in the one-hour opening episode without commercial breaks. A second season is anticipated after the 12 episodes that make up the first season.

ALSO READ: Shaka ILembe': BCCSA rules against complaint on bare-breasted cast

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Nomsa Philiso, CEO of MultiChoice for general entertainment, issued a statement:

In Shaka iLembe, our vision was to tell an epic African story, on a grand scale, and with the depth and finesse that can only come from a substantial investment.

That audiences have bought into this storytelling universe is deeply affirming because it aligns to our understanding of the market appetite for this type of content.

Yizo Yizo and Isibaya, two well-known South African tales, were produced by Bomb Productions, who also produced the Zulu king's narrative in a television series.

ALSO READ: Nomzamo Mbatha grateful for support after Shaka iLembe' premier

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Nomzamo Mbatha's portrayal in Shaka iLembe leaves Mzansi eagerly anticipating more After her debut on Shaka iLembe, South Africans on Twitter were drooling over actress Nomzamo Mbatha.

The first episode of Shaka iLembe aired on Mzansi Magic on June 18, 2023, at 8:00 p.m. In this historical drama series, Shaka Zulu's life as a famous African ruler is examined from his early years through to his mature years in the 1700s.

Angus Gibson, Mpumelelo Paul Grootboom, and Desir Markgraaff are the show's creators, and Bomb Film, Multichoice Studios, and The Bomb Shelter Film Company are the studios behind it.

Nomzamo Mbatha, Lemogang Tsipa, Thembinkosi Mthembu, Abdul Khoza, Mondli Makhoba, Dawn Thandeka King, and other well-known performers are among the cast members. Nomzamo Mbatha, an internationally renowned actress, has been trending on social media and has men swooning over her attractiveness.

ALSO READ: Don Mlangeni is always dying': The River', Shaka Ilembe' Fans

TV: #ShakaiLembe debut at number 1

The new series pulled the biggest numbers of any show on DStv currently, with its debut episode on Mzansi Magic on June 18th.

Estimate numbers puts it at over 840K viewers, which beats GOMORA's peak at 780K per May ratings. #KgopoloReports pic.twitter.com/hCP8ridhzo

Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) June 22, 2023

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