09-06-2025
Luyanda Zuma on playing Shaka Zulu's love interest
Shaka iLembe returns for its second season. We caught up with some of the fresh talent joining the cast.
Among the new faces is Luyanda Zuma, who takes on the role of Liyana, Shaka's love interest. She shares her role in the story of the famed Zulu king.
'What I'm bringing into the story is a softer side of him, something that viewers can actually see and realise that if this man can love his mom, what would stop him from loving a woman? If this man can be vulnerable in front of his people, what would stop him from being able to connect with another female?'
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As someone whose career stems from modelling and being a part of Miss Africa from 2018 to 2020, she found her voice again in acting. Although she's deeply grateful, she describes how her journey has been far from easy.
Long before her dream role on Shaka iLembe, Luyanda spent most of her childhood feeling like an outsider. As a tall, dark-skinned athlete who embraced her tomboy nature, she struggled to find her place in a society that often celebrated different ideals of femininity and beauty.
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Growing up immersed in sports and battling persistent self-doubt, she never imagined she would ascend to the heights she's now reached in her career.
'There was so much self-doubt that was instilled in me because of my age. And I just felt like I was a little bit too young to be a true performer. I remember, I'm not going to say or mention who and which institution this was. But I remember just feeling like I was never going to make it because of how that was what was constantly drilled in my head,' she shares.
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She sees the confidence in herself through her character, Liyana, describing her as a very strong individual.
'I think people will meet her as a strong young girl. However, by the time they're done watching the show, they're going to meet her as a strong, brave woman. You know, those are two different things. It's one person but two different stages. I think now I've grown from a strong young girl to a strong woman. I've allowed myself to let my situations not tear me down but rather build me. And I think that's what Liyana does as well. She faces challenges head-on.'
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A post shared by Luyanda Zuma (@melanin_lelo)
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A post shared by Luyanda Zuma (@melanin_lelo)
