Shaka Zulu (1986)

[bilgames]

In case anyone has any interest in African cultures, particularly those of southern Africa, I highly recommend the excellent mini-series Shaka Zulu (1986), starring the charismatic Henry Cele in the titular role. I found his performance very memorable—he had a great look, a great voice, and great presence. The fact that the whole thing was made in pre-CGI days makes it even more appealing to me.

I think this series would appeal to fans of Robert E. Howard, as it incorporates many of the themes he explored in his writing: civilization (technology) vs barbarism, examination of the ruthless warrior, an enigmatic "outsider" achieving greatness by might, etc... Interestingly enough, Shaka's attitude towards his mother, particularly his strong reaction to her death, may echo Howard's own tragic story. And, being from the 1980s, I think this series also drew a little inspiration from cinematic sword and sorcery tropes, like mysticism, the forging of a special weapon, supernatural elements, etc.

Here's Robert E. Howard's poem about Shaka:

swordsofreh.proboards.com/post/13044

So, in case you haven't seen it, or are interested in a re-watch, all 10 episodes of Shaka Zulu are available on YouTube, remastered:

www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK03Pep98N5sVDuqWg95oYm1IcWQzrKmv

[themirrorthief]

I remember this....very realistic show and lots of action too

[hyrkanian]

Yes, it was very good show, and now South African production company made new TV series about Shaka:

www.dstv.com/mzansimagic/en-za/show/shaka-ilembe/season/1

SHAKA ILEMBE SERIES
ON THE ICONIC AFRICAN KING

Although Showtime has cancelled their Shaka Zulu series after it was already shot and ready for airing, we are still getting another historical series on the iconic African king but directly from the continent: African Multi Choice Group has released a trailer for their own twelve part saga SHAKA ILEMBE which follows the original story of the legendary African monarch and military strategist, King Shaka, from childhood to adulthood through the 1700s, with Lemogang Tsipa in the lead role of Shaka and Nomzamo Mbatha as queen Nandi.

SIX YEARS IN THE MAKING
Hailed as Multi Choice's biggest ever prime time series it features much of the country’s wildlife and scenery, including the mountains, savanna, and
coastline of of KwaZulu Natal, home to the majority of South Africa’s Zulu people. The production has been six years in the making, consulting
historians, academics, and family descendants, including the incumbent King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, as well as the late King
Goodwill Zwelithini. The show should launch June 18th down on Mzansi Magic in Africa. Check out the trailer below, but be warned: there are a lot of
naked female boobs in the series and muscly male pelvises, so watch at your own discretion. The series looks quite stylized visually even though the
extremely muscly and toned hunks in the cast look too modern for this kind of genre, but we are not really complaining as they offer a stunning site for sore eyes!                                                  
hollywood-spy.blogspot.com/2023/06/see-trailer-for-new-shaka-ilembe-epic.html