Shaka Zulu is a South African period drama television miniseries based on historical fact written by Joshua Sinclair and based on his novel of the same name, which is based on the story of the king of the Zulu nation, Shaka (reign, 1816 to 1828), and the writings of the British traders with whom he interacted.
This lavish 10-hour mini series focusing on the life and times of Shaka Zulu, who grew to greatness, taking the scattered and forlorn tribes of Zululand and moulding them into a proud and mighty nation, making its name respected from the sun baked tip of Africa to the shores of colonial Europe.
Gaining a reputation as the Black Napoleon, Shaka was a military genius who revolutionised African warfare with strategies almost unequalled in battle. He built an invincible army that became the most efficient fighting machine Africa has ever known.
Starring in the title role is South African actor Henry Cele, alongside Dudu Mkhize, who plays his mother, Nandi, the force that drives her son to become the greatest warrior king Africa has ever seen.
Produced by Harmony Gold Inc., Shake Zulu was written by Joshua Sinclair. The music was composed and conducted by Dave Pollecutt. The executive producer was Leon Rautenbach and the script editor, narrator and director was William C. Faure.
Credits
This is the order of credits from the opening sequence of Episode 1:
Starring
Edward Fox as Lt. Francis Farewell
Robert Powell as Dr. Henry Fynn
Trevor Howard as Lord Charles Somerset
and Fiona Fullerton as Elizabeth Farewell
with Christopher Lee as Lord Bathurst
Introducing
Henry Cele as Shaka
Dudu Mkhize as Nandi
Guest Stars
Roy Dotrice as George IV
Gordon Jackson as Prof. Bramston
and Kenneth Griffith as Zacharias Abrahams
Featuring
Simon Sabela as Dingiswayo
Sam Williams as Jama
Patrick Ndlovu as Mudli
Roland Mqwebu as Ngomane
Bingo Bentley as Bhuza
Conrad Magwaza as Senzagakona
Tu Nokwe as Pampata
Gugu Nxumalo as Mkabayi
Graham Armitage as Wilkins
Alex Heyns as Vegte
Vuyisile Bojana as Mgobozi
Nomsa Xaba as Sitayi
Daphney Hlomuka as Queen Ntombazi
Khumbulani Cele as Shaka (6-11)
Glen Gabela as Shaka (15-19)
William C. Faure as Narrator