STUDIOCANAL Acquired Shaka iLembe Distribution Rights
The drama series will be introduced to international buyers at the MIPCOM 2026 market.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Television
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STUDIOCANAL has announced it will manage the international distribution for the isiZulu-language drama Shaka iLembe: Zulu King. The company will showcase the series to global buyers at the MIPCOM 2026 market in October.
Why it matters
As the highest-rated drama in DStv history, the production marks a major milestone for African storytelling on the global stage. MultiChoice made its largest single investment in a local production to bring this origin story of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona to life.
The production generated over 20,000 jobs and won 12 SAFTA awards in a single year. Across its first two seasons, the series delivered 24 total episodes to audiences.
The players
STUDIOCANAL
This is a prominent European film and television studio that focuses on the production, acquisition, and distribution of feature films and series.
MultiChoice
MultiChoice is a leading entertainment company in Africa that operates the DStv satellite television service and invests heavily in local content.
Bomb Productions
This is a specialized production company known for creating high-quality television dramas and content for African and international audiences.
King Shaka kaSenzangakhona
He was a significant historical figure who founded the Zulu Kingdom and serves as the central subject of the drama series.
The details
Produced by Bomb Productions for MultiChoice, the series documents the rise of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona. Series 3 is currently in development, set to pick up four years after the events of the previous season, with international sales activity for this new installment slated for the 2027 London Screenings.
Timeline
The series was the most-searched TV series in South Africa in 2023.
International sales will officially launch at MIPCOM 2026 in October 2026.
Sales activity for Series 3 will begin at the London Screenings in 2027.
Industry Dynamics
This deal mirrors the ongoing trend of international studios acquiring high-performing African dramas to broaden their global catalogs. It marks a significant shift in the streaming and distribution wars where local success stories are increasingly exported to worldwide audiences.
International viewers can expect the series to become available on more global streaming platforms following the sales at MIPCOM 2026. This expansion allows audiences outside of Africa greater access to the production, which was previously limited to local broadcast markets.
The takeaway
The series demonstrates that high-quality regional productions can achieve massive commercial and critical success. This export model serves as a roadmap for other production companies looking to leverage local history for global distribution deals.
Further reading
Explore more industry news in our Television section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Guy-Gal Conner.
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