Photo of Nomonde Simelane

Shaka Ilembe comes out on top at Septimus Awards in the Netherlands

The Septimius Awards is an international awards ceremony hosted at the Tuschinski Theatre in Amsterdam, Netherlands,  it showcases various feature films, documentaries, shorts, animations, television series and screenplays from across the globe.

“Our goal is to showcase films and projects from around the world and grant awards to the best nominees at our yearly award ceremony. What makes the Septimius Awards unique is our approach to three categories: Best Actress, Best Actor and Best Film. Unlike most conventional award ceremonies, we have decided to split these three categories by continent. This creates a greater global representation of talent. Furthermore, our event offers extensive network opportunities. The award ceremony has a wide range of attendees which include Emmy, BAFTA and Oscar winners,” their website explains.

Among those that emerged victorious on the night of the awards, the most notable for South Africans were the cast and crew of the beloved Shaka Ilembe as fan favourite actress Nomzamo Mbatha and award-winning stylist Sheli Masondo were recognised for their contributions to the show.

Nomzamo Mbatha was honoured for her role as Queen Nandi kaMbengi in the 12-part drama that took the world by storm, winning the 2024 Best African Actress Award.

Taking to her Instagram, the esteemed actress penned a heartfelt message of gratitude to a multitude of people, acknowledging the role they played in getting her where she is today.

“Coming back home with a little extra weight in my luggage. God’s dream for my life is pretty cool to witness. Thankful for the spirit of surrender and hard work: to trust in the journey and believe in the kept promises… Thank you to iNdlovukazi uNandi, uSontanti… ngokungipha amandla.

“Thank you Septimius Awards. Thank you @bomb_productions – Desiree, Angus, Nhlanhla Mtaka. Thank you @multichoice_group. Thank you to my directors and language coach Thobani- TO THE ENTIRE CAST AND CREW of 200 creatives on our set (love you guys)… you make me better… and the hundreds of our background actors who help us create magic on screen…thank you to EVERY SINGLE PERSON who has watched our show @shakailembe_mzansi and encouraged us/me along the way,” her caption read.

Sheli Masodo, a crucial production crew member in Shaka Ilembe was also recognised for her work in the show as she bagged the award for Best Costume Design in a TV series.

Bomb Productions congratulated the stylist on her momentous achievement via an Instagram post with the caption “Congratulations to @shelimasondo, winner of 2024 Best Costume Design in a TV series at the @septimiusawards Amsterdam for Shaka iLembe.”

 

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Also see: Nomzamo Mbatha steps into Women’s Month with Empowering Her Summit 2024

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