After nearly a decade of planning, research, production and filming MultiChoice’s new historical drama Shaka iLembe recently hit screens, presenting viewers with one of the most gorgeous productions ever created in SA.
The much-anticipated 12-episode series recounts the story of Shaka kaSenzangakhona, Shaka Zulu, from his roots before birth to his epic conquests in adulthood that made him a global figure. The second episode will air this weekend.
The gorgeous visuals, strong dialogue and impressive acting drew critical acclaim and are another reminder of how rich in talent the South African arts industry is.
There have been countless examples of South Africans making their mark on the world, from Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba to Charlize Theron, Black Coffee, Musa Motha, Ndlovu Youth Choir, Laduma Ngxokolo, Esther Mahlangu, Nelson Makamo and Thuso Mbedu.
Africa, and SA specifically, have always demanded the eye of the world, even when the world wanted to dictate how we should be seen.
Shaka iLembe is the latest example of South Africans telling a South African story in a way that rivals the best productions globally.
It is an affirmation that South African talent does not need to go overseas to attract overseas audiences. The African superstar can be a global superstar based in Africa.
Streaming services and cultural globalisation have allowed South African talent to transcend the novel or curious and appeal to international audiences on their own terms.
In a few weeks, on July 5, Disney Plus viewers about the world will get a look at Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire.
The sad reality is that while we are more than capable of producing the best productions and art in the world, we are still often at the mercy of international money to execute our visions.
The animated series features 10 films from creators across the continent, including many from SA, showing some of the best Africa has to offer.
What’s encouraging about the project is that it draws on a futuristic-modern art style that is popular globally, and not on dated ideas of what animation from the continent should look like. Fusing African themes with global storytelling techniques, the series shows whatever the world can do, we can do — often better and more creatively.
The sad reality is that while we are more than capable of producing the best productions and art in the world, we are still often at the mercy of international money to execute our visions.
Government funding has helped many of South Africa’s most talented get into the spotlight. According to National Treasury, the department of sports, arts and culture has a budget of 1.7bn for “arts and culture promotion and development” in the 2023/24 financial year.
Among its objectives is to “lead, co-ordinate and implement arts programmes by providing financial support to nine provincial community arts development programmes by March 2024” and “build international relations and partnerships”.
It also provides funding through the Mzansi Golden Economy, performing arts institutions, National Film and Video Foundation and National Arts Council programmes, among others.
But for the spotlight to be enlarged and for it to stay at our nation’s best, we need more private investment in the arts.
Businesses and the private sector cannot only be South African when it suits them but should contribute to the development of young talent in the country.
There also needs to be a keen eye on government to make sure investment in the arts is not misused or detoured at a political whim.
For every South African it is the challenge to appreciate the arts, whether it is a mind shift to taking it seriously or investing time and money to support local projects.
The world is watching, let’s not let the curtains fall before we reach our full potential in the arts.
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