Studio Canal has announced that it will be launching international sales of Shaka Ilembe: Zulu King, a record-breaking isiZulu-language drama series from South Africa, at MIPCOM 2026. The series, produced by Bomb Productions for MultiChoice, a CANAL+ Company, is the origin story of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona, told authentically in isiZulu by African filmmakers and historians. With three series already aired in Africa, Shaka Ilembe: Zulu King has become a franchise with a growing audience and critical reception.
Shaka Ilembe: Zulu King is South Africa's most decorated and most-watched drama series of all time, with 12 wins at the SAFTAs, including Best Drama Series. The series has also become the highest-rated drama in DStv's history and the most-searched TV series in South Africa in 2023. The show's success can be attributed to its authentic storytelling, which has resonated with audiences both locally and internationally. With its international debut, Studio Canal aims to bring this acclaimed series to a global audience.
Series 3 of Shaka Ilembe: Zulu King picks up four years after the events of Series 2, with Shaka's kingdom dominant across Southern Africa but facing new external pressure, including British expansion and growing European influence. The story expands to include the emerging Basotho Kingdom of Moshoeshoe, King Faku's Mpondo Kingdom, and the settlement of Port Natal. The series features a new cast, including Lerato Mvelase as Queen Mpikase and Aiden Scott as Henry Francis Fynn, a British trader who becomes close to Shaka.
The production of Shaka Ilembe: Zulu King has been a long-term project, with over 12 years of development. Executive Producer Desiree Markgraaff noted that the team's ambition was to tell the story with the scale, drama, and epic sweep of world-class mainstream storytelling, while portraying Africa with dignity, complexity, and humanity. The series has also created over 20,000 jobs across production and has been a significant investment in local storytelling.
The international launch of Shaka Ilembe: Zulu King marks an important moment for African storytelling, according to Nomsa Philiso, Vice President, Content, CANAL+ Africa. Philiso stated that the series demonstrates that the most powerful stories are often the most specific and that cultural authenticity and global appeal are mutually reinforcing. The series has already expanded into francophone Africa via CANALAfrique+ MAGIC, delivering 24 episodes across its first two series.
Studio Canal's CEO, Anna Marsh, expressed pride in bringing Shaka Ilembe: Zulu King to MIPCOM, highlighting the series' exceptional creative team and its universal human portrayal of legendary figures. Marsh noted that the series is a monumental achievement in television and one that must be celebrated for its deeply universal human portrayal. The series will be introduced to international buyers at MIPCOM 2026, with sales activity for Series 3 to commence at London Screenings 2027.
The launch of Shaka Ilembe: Zulu King internationally is a significant milestone for African storytelling and a testament to South Africa's capabilities as a leading destination for film and television production. The series is another demonstration of Studio Canal and the CANAL+ group's long-term commitment to South Africa and its creative community. With its global release, Shaka Ilembe: Zulu King is poised to reach new audiences and continue its success as a flagship series for African storytelling.
Key points
- Studio Canal to launch international sales of Shaka Ilembe: Zulu King at MIPCOM 2026.
- Shaka Ilembe: Zulu King is South Africa's most decorated and most-watched drama series of all time.
- The series has created over 20,000 jobs across production and has been a significant investment in local storytelling.
