Shaka iLembe star not pressured

ACTOR back for season two of hit show.

Thembinkosi Mthembu, who won Best Actor Award at the South African Film and Television Awards (Safta) for his role on Shaka iLembe, is back for the highly anticipated second season of the hit series.

The 31-year-old actor from KwaNdengezi, KZN, spoke to Daily Sun about his approach to returning for season two, revealing how his past success has influenced his preparation for the next chapter.

Thembinkosi's win at the SAFTAs was a defining moment in his career, but he admits it didn't add extra pressure. Instead, it motivated him to either push harder or simply embrace the role.

"Winning Best Actor Award was confirmation that I did well in the first season. When it came to preparing for season two, I had two options. I could try to improve and deliver even more, but I decided to just let the character flow and go with the rhythm of the story," said Thembinkosi.

ALSO READ | Khosi Twala launches new season of Khoffee!Opens in new window

To portray his character's significant aging in the second season, Thembinkosi took a unique approach. He spent a great deal of time with his dad and other older individuals to better understand how his character would evolve.

"I spent a lot of time with my father before coming back to the role. I studied him closely, his body language, his mannerisms. In the first season, my character was a warrior, full of strength and energy. Now, in season two, he is much older and I needed to understand how that would feel physically and emotionally," he said.

The actor also reflected on the deeper significance of Shaka iLembe and the rich heritage it showcases.

"The show tells a powerful story about the king of the Zulu nation and we tell this story in our own language. That makes it even more special for us as South Africans. I hope we can have more productions that connect us to our history, not just in one language or tribe, but across Africa," he said.