DStv Delicious Fest returns with a Shaka Ilembe tease

Published Sep 25, 2022

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Johannesburg - The DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival returned to its adopted home, the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit after a two-year absence.

The weather was in a stellar mood as thousands of patrons strolled down Mr.D’s Delicious Mile, snacking on a variety of food from local vendors.

Those who were seated near the main stage were entertained by spoken-word poet Lebo Mashile, Kwaito giants Arthur Mafokate, Chomee and Trompies. From kwaito to R&B, hip-hop and Amapiano, music lovers cheered as they sang and performed classic dance moves like kwasa kwasa and hlokoloza.

Afrobeats singer (and sister to Burna Boy) Nissi Ogulu made an invigorating introduction, singing her hit single “Judi”. TKZee then ushered the crowd into the night with their biggest hits before they were treated to a surprise performance.

The main stage was transformed into a time capsule that took the audience back into history. Clan praises reverberated and filled the space as festival goers were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition second to none.

The story of Shaka Zulu was told through a 15-minute surprise live performance of song and dance ahead of headline act Burna Boy. It featured a star-studded lineup including recording artists MzuluPhaqa, Mduduzi Mabaso, Mnqobi Yazo, Sadaam, Mbuzeni, and Sjava – who served as the music director for the real-life advert.

Towards the end of the electrifying performance, some members of the cast of the Shaka Ilembe television series namely Thembinkosi Mthembu (Dingiswayo), Khabonina Qubeka (Ntombazi), Wiseman Mncube (Zwide), Hope Mbhele (Baleka), Mondli Makhoba (Ngomane) and Lemogang Tsipa (Shaka Zulu) made an appearance onstage to salute the audience. This curtain call commemorated what has in previous years been known as King Shaka Day.

The entire performance amplified DStv’s anticipated television production Shaka Ilembe, a show scheduled to debut on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) in 2023.

The performance further highlighted the importance of South Africans owning their stories and using arts and culture to document the contribution of history.

The showcase and its integration into the festival highlight how storytelling remains the crux of the brand’s agenda and its vision to make its viewers “feel every moment”.

Shaka Ilembe is more than a period piece: it is an appointment with history, a magical saga that captures the authenticity and deepens the understanding of this era. It seeks to uncover nuggets of rich Zulu heritage while striking an intriguing balance between originality and high production value.

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