Latest news with #Dingiswayo
TimesLIVE
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
'You're a giant': Thembinkosi Mthembu lauded for 'Shaka iLembe' performance
Viewers have been left in awe of Thembinkosi Mthembu's performance in Shaka iLembe as he made his exit in episode 7, playing the role of King Dingiswayo. The latest episode showcased the cold spectacle of his execution by the Ndwandwes, where his body is trampled by cattle while Zwide (played by Wiseman Mncube) stares at his body with his mother Ntombazi (played by Khabonina Qubeka). This moment leaves Shaka (played by Lemogang Tsipa) overcome with sadness and fury when he arrives too late to intervene. Since his debut on the show, Thembinkosi has had many viewers captivated by his portrayal of the character. His stint also won him the Best Actor in a TV Drama award at the 18th annual South African Film and TV Awards in October.
IOL News
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Actor Thembinkosi Mthembu bids farewell to 'Shaka iLembe' with a memorable performance
Thembinkosi Mthembu, Shaka iLembe, SAFTA Thembinkosi Mthembu as King Dingiswayo in Shaka iLembe. Image: Supplied Another South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) could be loading for actor Thembinkosi Mthembu following his riveting performance on season two of "Shaka iLembe". Mthembu's portrayal of the legendary Mthethwa king, Dingiswayo, an esteemed son of King Jobe, came to an end on the latest episode of the award winnning Mzansi Magic drama series. His final episode moved audiences, with him receiving praise from afar. The talented actor is known to deliver his utmost best for all his roles and for "Shaka iLembe," he has set the bar once again. Mthembu's nuanced portrayal of this complex ruler continues to resonate with audiences, earning him accolades from critics and reinforcing his position as a formidable actor in the entertainment industry. Fans have taken to social media to praise the actor for his talent, portraying the strong character, who is a mentor and father figure to Shaka. @Tumiie_Kharetsi said: "Can we please give this man right here his flowers🙌🏽🔥He deserves nothing but the best 🙌🏽A great actor indeed❤Dingiswayo." @Jabu_Macdonald said: "ThembiNkosi Mthembu's talent is truly God-given, destined for powerful roles like Dingiswayo. "What he brought to Shaka iLembe is nothing short of iconic and will forever be part of South African television history. A brilliant performance across both seasons, and rightfully the role that earned him both a SAFTA and a Sabela Award for Best Actor in a drama series." @TvblogbyMLU said: "Thembinkosi Mthembu, take a bow👏 Season 2 you were just showing OFF🔥 Your range as an actor is truly impressive ✊🙏🏽🙌Brilliant doesn't even begin to describe you. Fingers crossed for that SAFTA nomination🤞🏽" Viewers will still be seeing Mthembu on screens as from Monday July 28, he will make his debut in Mzansi Wethu's groundbreaking new telenovela, "Homecoming". In the compelling series, he takes on the role of Sifiso Kubheka, a character who embodies a complex duality as a dedicated police officer by day and a traditional healer by night. IOL Entertainment
The Citizen
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Shaka iLembe is about to get ‘pretty wild', says Lifetime Achievement Award-winning director Angus Gibson
Gibson received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 12th Simon Mahunu Sabela Film and Television Awards in KZN. Gibson was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 12th Simon Mahunu Sabela Film and Television Awards in KwaZulu-Natal. Picture : Supplied Shaka iLembe creator and director Angus Gibson said he was pleased with the reaction to the second season of Shaka iLembe and shared that the season will get heated in the coming weeks. 'The season has been very warm. It's got a slow start, but this Sunday it kind of erupts. From the next few weeks, it's pretty wild,' Gibson told The Citizen. The second of Shaka iLembe is six episodes deep, and last night's episode was probably the most captivating as the Ndwandwe's plans to weaken Shaka's alliances took shape as King Dingiswayo finds himself captured by the Ndwandwe tribe, thanks to the queen mother's powerful potions that manipulated Dingiswayo, who Thembinkosi Mthembu portrays. ALSO READ: From heartbreak to triumph: Amanda Seome's journey to starring in Shaka iLembe's Ndwandwe clan Angus' Lifetime Achievement Award Gibson spoke to The Citizen at the 12th Simon Mahunu Sabela Film and Television Awards hosted this past weekend at the Durban ICC in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. In his acceptance speech, the renowned director said that when he made films in the 1980s, no one in South Africa watched them. However, alongside the late Tebogo Mahlatsi, he created the high school-based drama Yizo Yizo in the late 1990s. 'And suddenly people were watching. It was such a relief. What was really important for me was that the people we represented saw themselves and recognised themselves, and I didn't care whether people loved it or hated it. I was just happy that it was communicating and that they are watching,' he shared. Through Bomb Productions, which Gibson co-founded with Mahlatsi and producer Desiree Markgraaff, they have created popular TV shows, including Isibaya, Zone 14, and Shaka iLembe. 'For the last 12 years, at least, I've been engaged in this part of the world [KZN] by way of Isibaya, by way of Shaka iLembe. So, it is you guys that I want approval from. This kind of affirmation makes me happy,' the director said. ALSO READ: Real Housewives of Durban wins at the Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN film and TV awards Gibson scouts new talent at Sabela's The Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and TV Awards celebrate talent from KZN and shine a spotlight on productions shot in the province. Gibson said one of the reasons he attends the Sabela awards is to spot new talent. 'I've been to these awards many times, and what always excites me is that it celebrates the beginners, the people that are hustling and making small things, and that's what interests me,' he said. 'I come here in search of new talent.' NOW READ: 'Umjolo' dominates Simon Mabhunu Sabela film and TV awards
The Citizen
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
VIDEO: Musician and actor Sjava on the accuracy of ‘Shaka ilembe'
'Honestly speaking, people will always have complaints because everyone has opinions about how the story should have been told.' Season 2 of the hit series Shaka ilembe is set to premiere on Sunday, 15 June, at 8pm on Mzansi Magic. We had an opportunity to chat to musician and actor Jabulani Hadebe, also known as Sjava, who played a role in season one of the show as King Dingiswayo. King Dingiswayo is an important historical figure who was the leader of the Mthethwa Paramountcy and played a crucial role in the early life of Shaka Zulu. 'People don't understand that just because we played roles on 'Shaka' means we know everything about his story,' said Sjava. 'Honestly speaking, people will always have complaints because everyone has opinions about how the story should have been told. 'That's why so many shows based on his story exist. You can even make your own if you want, depending on how you think the story went,' Sjava said. ALSO READ: VIDEO: Celebrities share thoughts on what made the Metro FM Music Awards stand out
