Actress Ziya Xulu has recently received a nod for Best Newcomer for her portrayal of Pikiwe in Shaka iLembe, at the Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards.
The nominee also showcased her acting talent on shows like Showmax’s Red Ink and MTV Shuga and is currently locking heads in her category with Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku from Outlaws and Zamantu Khoza from Sibongile and the Dlamini’s.
Speaking with the news and entertainment publication, Daily Sun, the 25-year-old from Pietermaritzburg said:
“They say God’s time is never late. I feel these nominations came too soon. I still consider myself a newbie, constantly learning about the industry.
“I’m nominated alongside incredibly talented ladies. I respect them and I’m honoured. Being nominated means a lot. It’s the first step towards greater achievements. My biggest dream is to represent mzansi abroad and inspire other young women to believe that anything is possible, regardless of their background or skin colour,” she said.
On her nominated character, Ziya plays Queen Nandi’s best friend (played by Nomzamo Mbatha) on Shaka iLembe; that premiered in 2023 and portrays the story of the making of King Shaka from the Zulu Kingdom in the 1700s. The two key actors playing Shaka are the incredibly talented Lemogang Tsipa as the adult king and newcomer Ntando Zondi as the young Shaka.
The television series produced by Bomb Production, leads with eight nominations across various categories. Nomzamo Mbatha is nominated for Best Actress TV while co star Wiseman Mncube bagged a nomination for Best Actor TV.
The show’s Dawn Thandeka King and Hope Mbhele will go head to head for the Best Supporting Actress award. Ntando Zondi has also been nominated for Best Newcomer Actor, while Shaka iLembe is also running for Best Production Design.
Also see: Nominees for the 11th Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Awards are revealed
