Shaka Zulu (TV series)

Shaka Zulu is a 1986 South African television series directed by William C. Faure and written by Joshua Sinclair for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), based on his 1985 novel of the same name.

It focuses on the rise of the Zulu, and their leader, Shaka, his wars, and the British administration. The series consists of 10 episodes of approximately 55 minutes each. It was aired in South Africa from October, and in the United States in syndication from November.

Plot
The series is based on the story of the king of the Zulu, Shaka (reigned 1816 to 1828), and the writings of the British traders with whom he interacted. It also covers the broader Mfecane period alongside the rapid expansion of the Zulu state. The story is described primarily via flashbacks by Dr Henry Fynn, an Irish doctor.

Production
The series was written for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) by Joshua Sinclair, based on his 1985 novel of the same name. Harmony Gold USA partly funded and distributed Shaka Zulu in spite of the economic sanctions at the time. It was directed by William C Faure. The executive producer was Leon Rautenbach, and the composer was Dave Pollecutt.

Lead actor Henry Cele was an international star, performing in his native South Africa and in the United States as well. He was selected for the role after performing the same role in a South African stage production of the same name.

Cele appeared again in 2001 as Shaka in the 3-hour 2-part miniseries, also written and directed by Sinclair, called Shaka Zulu: The Citadel. Set in winter 1827, Fox also reprised his role as Farewell, and also starred David Hasselhoff and Karen Allen. It was also released in a 2-hour telemovie version called Shaka Zulu: The Last Great Warrior.

Simon Sabela also organised the dance routines in the original 1964 Zulu film, and played Cetshwayo in Zulu Dawn in 1979.

Cast

 * Henry Cele – Shaka
 * Edward Fox – Lieutenant Francis Farewell
 * Robert Powell – Dr. Henry Fynn/Narrator
 * Trevor Howard – Lord Charles Henry Somerset
 * Sokesimbone Kubheka – King Cetshwayo
 * Fiona Fullerton – Elizabeth Farewell
 * Christopher Lee – Lord Bathurst
 * Dudu Mkhize – Nandi
 * Roy Dotrice – King George IV
 * Gordon Jackson – Professor Bramston
 * Kenneth Griffith – Zacharias Abrahams
 * Conrad Magwaza – Senzangakhona
 * Patrick Ndlovu – Mudli
 * Roland Mqwebu – Ngomane
 * Gugu Nxumalo – Mkabayi
 * Tu Nokwe – Pampata
 * Washington Sixolo – Bhebhe
 * Daphney Hlomuka – Queen Ntombazi
 * Simon Sabela – Dingiswayo.
 * Nomsa Xaba – Sitayi the isangoma

Reception
Although popular, the series was criticised by The Los Angeles Times for its character portrayals and focus on violence. The New York Times reviewed it positively, describing the series as an "enthralling television exercise" but noted public suspicion of it at the time due to the financial support the series received from then apartheid government of South Africa.

Donald Morris wrote that it was one of the most repeatedly viewed miniseries in North American television at the time having been watched by over 350 million viewers.

When Shaka Zulu was broadcast in Singapore on SBC 12 in 1986, it was praised by arts enthusiasts as an example of "quality production" after the local authorities banned a performance by topless African dancers at that year's Singapore Arts Festival, which has since revoked.

In 2021, NewRetroWave gave it a positive review for its cinematography and strong acting performances.

Soundtrack
The theme song of the series, "We Are Growing", was sung by Margaret Singana.