‘Mzilikazi made me love my father more’ – Mpilo Mbatha on his Shaka iLembe role

by Zintle Mdaka

South African actor Mpilo Mbatha has wowed many with his acting prowess on Mzansi Magic’s historical series, Shaka iLembe.

After multiple auditions, Mpilo made the cut and he portrays the character of Mzilikazi ka Mashobane (Mzilikazi Khumalo), who was a South African Zulu King that founded the Northern Ndebele kingdom in Zimbabwe.

The 23-year-old thespian recently sat down with BONA to share his emotions as he retold the story of Mzilikazi.

He said he was just trying his luck when he saw a post on social media platforms stating that Bomb Productions is looking for actors for Shaka iLembe. 

He mentioned that the post had details of the kind of actors that could audition; so he sent a video clip of his audition – which landed him to the next stage. He was later called for a face-to-face audition, where he saw many familiar faces and almost lost hope of getting the role.

 

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“After multiple auditions, I was told that I was casted for Mzilikazi. That time I already knew about Mzilikazi’s history, just like I know of Shaka, Dingiswayo, Zwide and Ntombazi.
However, Shaka iLembe gave closure about their history and their journey; and we are grateful to the show for that. I just knew the likes of Mzilikazi ka Mashobane, Shaka ka Senzangakhona and Mudli ka Nkwelo but I did not know their impact in history. After watching and being part of Shaka iLembe I am more informed of their history.”

Mpilo’s character does not have many lines. However, his aura and acting skills saw him receiving love on social media platforms.

He shared that his highlight was after he was cast for the role, where he did a script reading with big names in the industry such as Thembinkosi Mthembu (Dingiswayo) and Angus Gibson.

He further expressed that he liked Mzilikazi’s love for his family. “From playing Mzilikazi, I learnt that blood is thicker than water, a person can do whatever it takes to protect their loves ones.
The way Mzilikazi loved his father, made me love my father more. I have always loved my father, but my love for him now has grown,” he shared.

The actor also credited the show for its role in historical education.

“I had learned from history that Mzilikazi left the Ndwandwes to join forces with Shaka, but I did not know his reasons; now I know,” he added.

Also see: Nkanyiso Mzimela pens parting words to ‘Shaka iLembe’ character