Nomzamo mbatha (pictured) has been away from our TV screens for quite some time, but the a-list actress has been hard at work at making her comeback.

The Coming 2 America actress has been confirmed as the female lead character in the 2023 historical drama series, Shaka Ilembe, which is currently in production.

In an announcement, Pan-african video entertainment provider multiChoice africa group and South africa’s Bomb Productions said filming is currently ongoing in Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal provinces of South africa. Bomb Shelter is a respected leading production company based in Johannesburg South africa.

Set in the 1700s, Shaka Ilembe tells the story of the making of the iconic african king, with iterations from his early childhood through to adulthood. The two key actors playing Shaka are the incredibly talented Lemongang Tsipa (adult king) and newcomer Ntando zondi (boy king).

The star-studded cast is headlined by amazon’s Coming 2 America’s breakout star, mbatha, who plays Queen Nandi, the revered mother of Shaka, with Thembinkosi mthembu starring as King Dingiswayo and Wiseman mncube in the role of King zwide. mbatha will also executive produce the series.

mbatha, who also wears the hat of series executive producer, said that she is honoured to bring Queen Nandi to life.

“History will remember those who informed its people of where we come from, to better understand who we are. I am fortunate to be part of a project that is much bigger than ourselves and to tell this story in our own language. Impi iyeza,” mbatha told IOL.

angus Gibson, creative director at Bomb Productions, who is well known for his work in films like Back of the Moon, Mandela and Crossroads, said the series is cast with “deep talent”.

“It is magical witnessing these performers bring life to characters we only know from the history books. When the cast arrive on set, fully dressed in wardrobe and hair from the period, I am blown away,” he said.

The production has been six years in the making with consultations with historians, academics and family descendants, including the late King Goodwill zwelithini and Prince mangosuthu Buthelezi.

“This is our appointment with history; we want to capture the authenticity and deepen the understanding of this era,” said executive and mtaka.

While Yolisa Phahle, CEo of General Entertainment and Connected Video at multiChoice said striking a balance between historical authenticity and drama was crucial to the plot.

“We want people to learn about our history and culture, but we also want to keep viewers glued in anticipation. Shaka Ilembe seeks to uncover nuggets of history, but creates narrative in the gaps by putting known characters alongside fictional characters in order to keep the story moving,” cultural advisor, Nhlanhla

Phahle said.

“Being able to bring this important story to the screen with such stellar talent speaks to the heart of multiChoice’s ongoing commitment and investment in our local entertainment industry. We are committed to telling great african stories and this is a proudly african series told through the lens of africans for the very first time.”

@mzansimagic tweeted: “We’re excited to announce that filming has started on the epic new drama series #ShakaIlembe, with an incredible cast bringing the legendary story to life.” — Staff Writer.