Actor Mondli Makhoba, who plays the role of Ngomane in the upcoming Shaka iLembe series, feels honoured to be part of such a big production which tells the story of the making of the iconic Zulu king Shaka.
Speaking to Sunday World on Wednesday Makhoba said: “Being part of this historical show is everything to me and I feel very blessed, I also believe all these years I was being prepared for this production. It is a show that is very close to my heart because I love the history of my culture,” said Makhoba.
The story of Shaka has been portrayed in many ways in the past and there have been different versions, but Makhoba believes that this latest one is the closest to reality and the truest events of how things actually happened.
“I think the previous one’s had different angles and it was told by Americans and not the people who are Africans. I think with this one we have tried to make this one to make it feel and look real. As actors we have tried our best because we also did our own research.”
He said one of the challenges was the evening winter shoots. “So, preparing for that three month before we started shooting, I had to bath with cold water so my body would become used to cold weather.”
Being a spiritual person Makhoba believes that as actors they need the characters spirit to be able to tell their story.
“I had to connect with the spirit of Ngomane and bring him to life. I also believe that characters also chose who they want to rise in when they want their story to be told. I feel I did connect with Ngomane and I did the best I could to tell his story.”
With the world having opened up after Covid-19 lockdowns, Makhoba said he doesn’t have anything bigger than Shaka planned but he will be joining etv’s Nikiwe, which he will start shooting next week.
Shaka iLembe will premiere on Sunday 18 June 2023 at 8 PM.
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