Latest news with #ShakaiLembe
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Citizen
Recipe of the Day: Sunny Side Up Breakfast
Whether you're fuelling up for a busy day or enjoying a leisurely brunch, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare. Start your day off right with a delicious and nutritious breakfast featuring sunny-side-up eggs and creamy avocado. This vibrant dish combines perfectly cooked eggs with the rich, buttery texture of ripe avocado, creating a delightful balance of flavours and nutrients. Whether you're fuelling up for a busy day or enjoying a leisurely brunch, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare. Simply fry the eggs to your preferred doneness, season them with a pinch of salt and pepper, and serve alongside sliced or mashed avocado for an added dose of healthy fats. Pair it with whole grain toast or a fresh salad for a complete meal that keeps you energised. With its bright colours and satisfying taste, this sunny side up eggs and avocado recipe is not just a feast for the stomach but also for the eyes, perfect for starting your morning on a high note Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Serves 1 ALSO READ: Nomzamo Mbatha stuns in traditional Zulu fashion elegance on Shaka iLembe tour Ingredients: Splash avocado or olive oil 60 ml (¼ cup) Parmesan, finely grated + extra for topping 1 egg Salt and pepper ½ avocado, sliced A handful of baby spinach Tomato chilli jam, to serve Method: Heat a splash of oil in a small frying pan over low heat. Add the Parmesan in a thin even layer and cook for about 3 minutes or until golden. Carefully remove from the pan. Add another splash of oil into the same pan and fry the egg for 3–5 minutes, or until the white is set, and the yolk is still soft. Season with salt and pepper. Serve the egg on the Parmesan crisp, topped with avocado, spinach, tomato chilli jam, and extra Parmesan sprinkled over. Tip: To make an avocado rose, place the peeled avocado, cut side down, on a cutting board. Slice through the width into skinny slices and fan out into a straight line. Beginning at one end, gently roll up the slices into a spiral rose shape. -Recipe supplied by:
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Nomzamo Mbatha stuns in traditional Zulu fashion elegance on Shaka iLembe tour
Nomzamo Mbatha Nxumalo is no stranger to the spotlight, but 2025 is shaping up to be her most radiant year yet. As the executive producer and lead actress of Shaka iLembe, she's captivating both Mzansi and the world, not just through powerful storytelling, but also with her fashion-forward, proudly Zulu style. From Cannes to Fourways, Nomzamo is rewriting what it means to be a modern African queen. Shaka iLembe takes the world stage Nomzamo Mbatha. Picture: Supplied South Africa's most expensive TV production to date, Shaka iLembe, is more than a historical drama; it's a cultural masterpiece. Produced by Bomb! Productions for Mzansi Magic, the series traces the powerful origin story of King Shaka Zulu—one of Africa's most legendary leaders—who revolutionised military tactics with formations that remain influential in military history. Nomzamo plays Queen Nandi, Shaka's mother, delivering a performance that is as regal as it is emotionally compelling. But Nomzamo isn't just acting; she's a driving force behind the camera too, serving as executive producer and contributing to the writing. Her passion for authenticity has helped cement the series as a visual love letter to Zulu culture. Golden girl at Cannes Nomzamo recently dazzled international audiences at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where she screened Shaka iLembe and picked up an international award. She wore a stunning, sculpted golden gown by @luxurybydesignsandton that turned heads on the red carpet. Of the experience, she wrote: 'Incredibly honoured to not only screen SHAKA iLEMBE at Cannes Film Festival in front of a global audience, but to also receive this incredible award.' It was a moment not just for her, but for South African television and African storytelling as a whole. From Durban to Jozi: a style tour Nomzamo Mbatha. Picture: X Nomzamo's fashion game has been fierce during her nationwide Shaka iLembe promotional tour. Whether she's holding viewer experiences or leading panel discussions, her style is as commanding as her on-screen presence. In Durban, she wore a mustard dress with intricate rope and tassel detailing, channelling royal energy as she recited her clan names to an adoring crowd. At Fourways Mall activation in Johannesburg, she opted for a sleek blue bodycon dress with white detailing and earrings to match, reminding fans why she's South Africa's certified body goals. Picture X ALSO READ: Siya Kolisi gets down in Peru: Minister of Enjoyment celebrates best friend's wedding Tradition meets trend Nomzamo Mbatha , Picture X The pièce de résistance? A breathtaking red traditional Zulu outfit stole the show. The ensemble, a top and skirt accented with white beads, was brought to life with a bold beaded headpiece and playful pink sneakers. It was the perfect nod to her character, Queen Nandi, and a powerful statement on keeping heritage alive. She also stunned in a deconstructed peplum-style top paired with dark jeans and six-inch leopard print heels, blending tradition with the trend in effortless fashion. Nomzamo Mbatha, Picture Tik Tok A Queen on and off the screen When she's not dazzling on red carpets or screens, Nomzamo is busy changing lives. As a UN Goodwill Ambassador and philanthropist, she's been actively involved in education initiatives and building schools in her province of KwaZulu-Natal. She's also the face of a major cosmetics brand, Neutrogena, balancing humanitarian work, acting, and fashion with a grace that echoes through every appearance ALSO READ: Eben and Anlia Etzebeth expecting baby number two: 'Our little wildflower' More than a TV show #fyp ♬ Isaka (6am) – Ciza & Jazzworx & Thukuthela @omegaoriginalza The Omega team had the incredible honor of visiting Gateway Theatre of Shopping to meet the talented cast of Shaka iLembe. As a token of appreciation, we gifted them with a special selection of sandals — a small gesture for the giants who bring our stories to life! @Thembinkosi Mthembu @Wiseman Mncube @Nomzamo Mbatha @Lemogang Lemo Tsipa @Shaka iLembe Mzansi #shakailembe With co-stars like Thembinkosi Mthembu (Dingiswayo), Lemogang Tsipa (Shaka), Dawn Thandeka King (Mkabayi), and Mondli Makhoba, Shaka iLembe is a show built on talent and cultural reverence. Together, the cast and crew are not just making entertainment, they're making history. In Nomzamo's words and wardrobe, in her presence and pride, Shaka iLembe continues to celebrate the richness of Zulu identity, one scene, one outfit, and one heartfelt moment at a time.
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Wiseman Mncube on portraying King Zwide kaLanga in season 2 of Shaka iLembe
Wiseman Mncube brought KaLanga to life in his performance on Shaka iLembe. Wiseman Mncube's portrayal of the late King Zwide KaLanga on Shaka iLembe was one of the standout performances in the show's first season. History recounts KaLanga as one of the most ruthless and vicious rulers of his time. 'Before I even shot the show, people would tell me Zwide was like a lion…they would say he was ten times what Shaka was, people feared him [Zwide],' Mncube tells The Citizen. KaLanga is the second-born son of Queen Ntombazi, portrayed by Khabonina Qubeka. KaLanga was a ruler of the Ndwandwe (Nxumalo) nation. His reign is estimated to have lasted between 1802 and 1820. He was an adversary to Dingiswayo, the leader of the Mthethwa, and Shaka kaSenzangakhona, the founder of the Zulu Kingdom. 'Had Shaka not conquered Zwide, we would probably be speaking of the Ndwandwe nation, not the Zulu nation because of how big they were.' Mncube spoke to The Citizen at a media junket held in Johannesburg ahead of the second season of Mzansi Magic's Shaka iLembe. The follow-up season will premiere on Sunday, 15 June, at 8pm on Mzansi Magic. ALSO READ: Lemogang Tsipa on 'deep-found respect' for Shaka Zulu after filming S2 of 'Shaka iLembe' Portraying King Zwide kaLanga There's no footage of the feared monarch; however, 35-year-old Mncube brought life to those historical records of KaLanga in his performance. 'As I was portraying Zwide-and he had that intensity- I just had to allow that spirit of the character to take over you,'. 'I always say that you allow the story to take you where it's going…you allow that voice to direct you where it wants to go.' 'It's not easy. It may look like it's easy. He says his vulnerability helped him play the character as he did. 'People are afraid of going deep [into character], no one wants to be vulnerable in the world. ALSO READ: 'You want to respect him': Wiseman Mncube on portraying the life of kwaito star Mandoza Playing real-life characters Mncube's portrayal of KaLanga is not the first real-life character role he has played. A few years ago, he played Kwaito legend Mandoza in BET's The Life of Mandoza. One would assume it's easier to portray KaLanga as no one living in this generation saw him; playing Mandoza, who died in 2016, was more scrutinised. However, Mncube says similarly to how the first televised depiction of Shaka Zulu was by Henry Cele in the 1980s and how people instantly think of Cele when pondering Shaka Zulu, people will think of him when speaking about KaLanga., 'I could say for Mandoza it was hard and for Zwide it was easy, but it's not. I had to make a footprint with Zwide and set a certain standard,' he says. He adds that playing the role of KaLanga came with pressure, the more he learnt about the kind of king he was. 'I needed to make sure that I portray this man properly…even if I don't reach the heights he did in real life, but people should respect him, based on how they saw me portray him .' He says shooting the second season was slightly easier than the first. 'It's nicer [in season two] because we did the first layout and now I know and have something to play on for the second season.' The upcoming season has more fighting scenes, and Mncube enjoyed the shooting. 'I do enjoy action scenes. I'm an active person even though I'm an introvert and always in my corner, but I get to play in those kind of scenes.' NOW READ: 'Most are excited about the Shaka guy, in theatre I'm a different guy' – Calvin Ratladi after winning award
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Luyanda Zuma on joining the cast of season 2 of ‘Shaka iLembe'
Actress Luyanda Zuma is among the fresh faces that have joined the cast of "Shaka iLembe". Picture: Supplied Image: Supplied 'Shaka iLembe' returns for its highly anticipated second season with new additions to the cast. Actress Luyanda Zuma joins the cast as Liyana, a role that promises to shake things up and reveal a new side of the legendary Zulu king. Speaking to IOL, the vibrant young star expressed her excitement about joining the historical drama. 'I've been on a couple of other shows before this one, but I think this one is special,' she said. 'Anyone who speaks isiZulu dreams of being on 'Shaka iLembe'. I'm honoured to have a seat at this table.' Zuma's character will be introduced in the new season as King Shaka's love interest. 'She's a very strong, hot-headed individual who only stands for the truth and who she is — and she doesn't back down from that,' the actress explains. 'Her biggest idol is Queen Mkabayi, and that already tells you about the kind of woman she is.' This new romantic thread in Shaka's story adds emotional depth to a series known for its rich historical narrative. Zuma says viewers will get a rare glimpse into the human side of the warrior king. 'We get to see that it's not because he hated women, there were just certain promises he made to certain individuals,' she reflects. 'With Liyana, we see a side of him that lets a woman into his space, even if he has boundaries. If he could love his mother, what would stop him from loving someone else?' While Liyana's relationship with Shaka is central, the actress hints at deeper themes to be explored including legacy, power, and the complexities of leadership. She also acknowledges the weight of portraying such a layered narrative at a young age. 'It's a beautiful and overwhelming story to tell at the same time,' she says. 'But I'm grateful for the opportunity to help colour this man Shaka not just as a king, but as a person.' 'Shaka iLembe' debuts on Mzansi screens on June 15 on DStv channel 161.
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Lasizwe dreams big: Tyla and Bonang Matheba top his 'Awkward Dates' guest list
Among the names are TV personality Bonang Matheba, Grammy winner Tyla, viral sensation Uncle Waffles, "Shaka iLembe" lead Thembinkosi Mthembu, and former Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi. The YouTuber and content creator recently took to Instagram to share the famous faces he dreams of having across the table from him. Lasizwe is entering his dream guest era. With his YouTube show "Awkward Dates" becoming a fan favourite for its messy moments, flirtatious chaos, and painfully funny silences, the content creator is now manifesting his ultimate celebrity line-up, and Mzansi is eating it up. 'Manifesting to go on an 'Awkward Date' with them! Who else should I ask to go on a date with?' he wrote, tagging the stars in the post. The comment section was flooded with suggestions from fans, who threw in names like Babes Wodumo, Nomzamo Mbatha and even more unexpected picks, proving that Mzansi loves the mix of charm, cringe and randomness that the show delivers. And we get to see a different side of these celebs as they are put in these unpleasant situations. Since launching in 2022, "Awkward Dates" has become known for its unfiltered, sometimes uncomfortable questions. From his date with Pamela Mtanga where things got steamy and uncomfortable, to the episode with Nolo Seabi that had everyone choosing sides on social media – each guest brings something new to the awkward dining table. One moment it's cute flirting, the next you're nursing secondhand embarrassment. Fans have praised the show for its humour and unpredictability, a refreshing break from overly scripted content. Lasizwe keeps it real, asking the questions most wouldn't dare and somehow still making it charming. Reaching a million subscribers shows just how far he's come, from comedy skits in a pink robe to rubbing shoulders with the country's most talked-about stars. With the way things are going, seeing Tyla or Uncle Waffles across the table is not far-fetched.
