South African television series Shaka Ilembe – which enthralled audiences in 2023 and attracted millions of viewers – this week earned a number of awards and nominations at an international awards ceremony, amongst them an award for its historically accurate and authentic costumes.
The Septimius Awards showcase films and projects from around the world and is a strong supporter of new talent and visionary ideas. It separates categories by continent, with the intention of creating a greater global representation of talent.
Sheli Masondo, costume designer on Shaka Ilembe was present to accept the Amsterdam’s Septimius Award for Best Costume Design. The awards were held on August 19 and 20, 2024 in Amsterdam.
“It was an amazing feeling to be recognised on an international stage and to be in a category where other costume designers did magnificent work. I didn’t expect to win. I’m very grateful that we can tell our stories in our language with our authentic traditional outfits”, said Masondo.
The dedication and painstaking attention to detail that went into the making of Bomb Production’s Shaka Ilembe (for M-Net’s channel Mzansi Magic) was applauded and Masondo’s contribution recognised by the Septimius judges. Masondo explained that she spent over a year researching the period (1700s/1800s) to ensure historical accuracy. “I visited KwaZulu Natal museums, went through the archives, met with historians, searched across the continent for inspiration, to make sure that I got the look of the period right.”
In addition, she found old men and women who still craft the original traditional pieces of costume: “For example, a Mbata is a Zulu traditional chest guard handmade from animal skin, exclusively worn by the Royal family. Only the king or his wife can wear a leopard skin.”
She said that finding the old people who still make the costumes was instructive in that apart from a few modern techniques, Zulu costume has not evolved much through the centuries.
Bomb Productions executive producer Desiree Markgraaff said they were thrilled with Sheli’s win in the best costume design category at the Septimius Awards in Amsterdam.
“Sheli and her incredible team are the epitome of excellence, passion and professionalism. They produced hundreds of magnificent pieces of wardrobe on Season 1, every visit to the wardrobe department had the directors and cast filled with excitement. Sheli’s excellence is not only reflected in the garments, but also the energy she exudes on set. She really is a South African treasure and we are thrilled to be working together again on Season 2.”
Renowned actress Nomzamo Mbatha also bagged an award, taking home the coveted Best African Actress award for her role as the esteemed mother of Shaka.
Nominated in the Best African Actor category – for his outstanding performance as Shaka as a young man, before he became the iconic king who founded the Zulu nation – was Lemogang Tsipa. His portrayal of a nuanced and troubled young man striving to reach his potential has received high praise in the entertainment world of film and television.
Queen Motlatle, Hair and Make-up designer on Season 1, was also nominated for her intricate and beautiful work on Shaka Ilembe Season 1.
The second season of “Shaka Ilembe” is already in development and will pick up the story as he begins his long-prophesied reign, writing himself into history.
By Sinenzolo Mondi
