Born and raised in the rolling hills of Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, Lemogang Peter Phetolo Tsipa — affectionately known as “Lemo” — is no overnight success. But his current turn as the adult King Shaka in Season 2 of Mzansi Magic’s epic historical drama Shaka iLembe has finally made the rest of the country — and the world — sit up and take notice.
The 32-year-old actor has stepped into a role immortalised by the late Henry Cele, earning widespread comparisons and sparking debates over whose Shaka reigns supreme. But for Tsipa, it’s not about outshining legends — it’s about rehumanising them.
“I didn’t want to bring a performance that’s similar to what we all know and love from the great Henry Cele. We wanted to explore more of the humanity of Shaka … his vulnerabilities and his human side,” the AFDA alumnus said of his approach to the role.
His layered, vulnerable portrayal is amplified by strong onscreen chemistry with Ntando Zondi, who plays the younger Shaka in the series. “We worked closely to find throughlines for the character — sometimes borrowing mannerisms and gestures to keep the performance cohesive.”
A decade in the making
Tsipa’s journey began at AFDA in 2010 ( Source: Moonyeenn Lee Agency), and after graduating in 2012, he clawed his way through South Africa’s tough film industry — taking odd jobs in Cape Town to survive. But by 2013, he landed his first international gig in Alien Outpost, playing an American soldier. It would be the first of many.
His credits include:
- Felix (2013) – local film debut
- Eye in the Sky (2015 British thriller) – alongside Helen Mirren and Alan Rickman
- Wallander (2015, BBC One) – opposite Sir Kenneth Branagh
- Roots (2016) – the US remake of the seminal miniseries
- The Dark Tower (2017, US) – starring Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey
- Troy: Fall of a City (BBC/Netflix) – major international series
- Isithembiso – local soapie success
- The Republic S2 (2023) – plays protagonist Sizwe in Showmax political intrigue
- Beyond the River (2017) – lead role as Duma, a young canoeist fighting societal odds
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Despite this impressive résumé, Tsipa remained criminally underrated in South African media — often flying under the radar without even a magazine cover or local award nomination to his name.
Until now.
The Shaka iLembe era
Lemogang stars alongside heavyweights like Nomzamo Mbatha, Thembinkosi Mthembu, and Wiseman Mncube in Shaka iLembe Season 2, which recently introduced a new lineup of characters, including a celeb sibling and an ex-Miss SA — read about the new cast here.
His portrayal is earning praise for its emotional depth, commanding physicality, and linguistic prowess — not just acting the part, but embodying it.
“Being in KZN and surrounded by isiZulu is all I’ve known,” Lemogang said of his childhood. His deep connection to the language and land is part of what gives his Shaka such authenticity.
What people say: Shaka iLembe’s Lemogang Tsipa sparks heated debate
Who Is the Best Shaka?
🎭 One is the original, one is just playing him
“Henry Cele is the real Shaka, Lemogang is an actor of Shaka.”
— @KayGeeMotloung
🙌 Both are great for their time
“Henry Cele’s Shaka was GREAT for his time. Lemogang’s Shaka is GREAT for our generation … let’s rather appreciate both.”
— @JesseFJacobs
🌿 New Shaka feels more human
“The other was portrayed as a mini god. The new one is human. These are 2 writers with different approach. That other one hardly showed human emotions.”
— @TboozeSA
🔥 The definitive Shaka for this generation
“Lemogang Tsipa IS uShaka KaSenzangakhona. The performance is rich and layered.”
— @KaeTeeSA1
⚡ A historic talent we almost overlooked
“WE almost slept on Lemogang Tsipa guys. This guy is going to remain in the books of our history for decades.”
— @SimthoBiyela
🎤 Masterful language and emotion
“He’s focused, commands the language, and his emotions go with words. Period!”
— @Nosesepule
💫 Perfect casting and unmatched presence
“No uShaka was perfectly casted. Lemogang is doing a brilliant job. Not only does he look the part. His aura is so on point.”
— @SanehKhuluse
🙌 This is his ‘magnum opus‘
“I don’t care what anyone says, Lemogang killed this role and it will cement him in acting forever. This is his magnum opus.”
— @yolish_
😐 Not intimidating enough
“Henry Cele portrayed the Shaka we learned in history — mean, scary. Lemogang smiles a lot.”
— @LisaGumede2
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