LISTEN | I’m not leaving to play Shaka Zulu - Muzi Mthabela on 'Isibaya' exit

Actor Muzi Mthabela has officially left Isibaya for greener pastures, but has shot down speculation that he's set to play the role of Shaka Zulu in an upcoming TV series.

The highly-anticipated Game of Thrones-style series based on Shaka's life, Shaka Illembe, is currently in production, with reports linking the star to the lead role as the Zulu king.

The timing may be good, but Muzi told TshisaLIVE that it was not the project for which  he had left Isibaya.

HERE IS WHAT HE HAD TO SAY:

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“There is absolutely no truth  that I am going to play Shaka Zulu. As far as I know, (producers) Bomb Shelter haven't cast for the show. We have never talked about me playing Shaka. Nothing is confirmed and I don't have any offers,” he said.

He believes the story of Shaka should be told, and said it would be the highlight of his career to play the king.

“It is very important to play historical figures because sometimes we need to separate facts from fiction, even though movies are primarily fiction and facts are dramatised in a new way. There have been a lot of facts, fiction and myth surrounding Shaka Zulu, and a lot has not been said yet.”

Opening up about his exit from Isibaya, Muzi said he was hesitant to leave Duma behind but the “timing felt right” for him to grow.

"I never really wanted to leave the show but a good opportunity came in the form of another show to play the lead, a very good character. It is a very good move for me as an artist. It is important to be able to do other shows so you can grow,” he explained.

Listen to the rest of our chat with Muzi to get all the deets on his new character, the lessons he has learnt in the industry, and whether he would ever return to Isibaya.