King Shaka is not coming to Showtime after all. The cable channel cancelled the new series as it was nearing the end of production. Those behind the series plan to shop it to other outlets.
Starring Charmaine Bingwa, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe, Aïssa Maïga, Thando Dlomo, Tony Kgoroge, Sindi Dlatu, and Bahle Hadebe, King Shaka, formerly known as Shaka: King of the Zulu Nation, revolves around “the Zulu Empire founder Shaka (Babalola) and his unlikely rise to power, uniting multiple tribes across vast stretches of southern Africa in the early 19th century to transform his power into legend, on par with history’s most seminal figures.”
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Starring Charmaine Bingwa, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe, Aïssa Maïga, Thando Dlomo, Tony Kgoroge, Sindi Dlatu, and Bahle Hadebe, King Shaka, formerly known as Shaka: King of the Zulu Nation, revolves around “the Zulu Empire founder Shaka (Babalola) and his unlikely rise to power, uniting multiple tribes across vast stretches of southern Africa in the early 19th century to transform his power into legend, on par with history’s most seminal figures.”
Read More…...
- 4/4/2023
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
“King Shaka” will no longer be moving forward at Showtime, TheWrap has confirmed.
Though production on the series, which follows the sweeping story of the Zulu Kingdom founder and his unlikely rise to power, will not continue, most filming on the epic event series is complete, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap, with the final episode mostly filmed. CBS Studios is set to explore other options for the project’s distribution.
The news marks the latest series to not continue at Showtime as the network prepares to merge with Paramount+. Other impacted projects include “Three Women,” which recently found a new home at Starz, and “Ripley,” which landed at Netflix.
Also Read:
‘Shaka: King of The Zulu Nation’ Drama Series From Antoine Fuqua Ordered at Showtime
Charles Babalola stars as the titular Zulu king in the series, which was originally ordered in 2021, alongside additional cast members Thapelo Mokoenaas, Warren Masemola,...
Though production on the series, which follows the sweeping story of the Zulu Kingdom founder and his unlikely rise to power, will not continue, most filming on the epic event series is complete, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap, with the final episode mostly filmed. CBS Studios is set to explore other options for the project’s distribution.
The news marks the latest series to not continue at Showtime as the network prepares to merge with Paramount+. Other impacted projects include “Three Women,” which recently found a new home at Starz, and “Ripley,” which landed at Netflix.
Also Read:
‘Shaka: King of The Zulu Nation’ Drama Series From Antoine Fuqua Ordered at Showtime
Charles Babalola stars as the titular Zulu king in the series, which was originally ordered in 2021, alongside additional cast members Thapelo Mokoenaas, Warren Masemola,...
- 4/3/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
The Showtime limited series “King Shaka” is no longer moving forward at the premium cabler, Variety has confirmed.
The series tells the story of the titular Zulu king, who will be played by Charles Babalola. According to an individual with knowledge of the production, filming had been mostly completed on the historical epic series and Showtime and producer CBS Studios plan to shop it to other outlets.
This marks the latest completed series to be moved off Showtime as the network prepares to be merged with Paramount+. The drama “Three Women” recently left Showtime only to be picked up by Starz. Likewise, “Ripley” starring Andrew Scott moved to Netflix after originally being ordered at Showtime.
“King Shaka” was originally ordered to series in 2021. Along with Babalola, the cast for the series includes Thapelo Mokoenaas, Warren Masemola, Aïssa Maïga, Thando DIomo, Charmaine Bingwa, and Nkeki Obi-Melekwe.
“King Shaka” is created and...
The series tells the story of the titular Zulu king, who will be played by Charles Babalola. According to an individual with knowledge of the production, filming had been mostly completed on the historical epic series and Showtime and producer CBS Studios plan to shop it to other outlets.
This marks the latest completed series to be moved off Showtime as the network prepares to be merged with Paramount+. The drama “Three Women” recently left Showtime only to be picked up by Starz. Likewise, “Ripley” starring Andrew Scott moved to Netflix after originally being ordered at Showtime.
“King Shaka” was originally ordered to series in 2021. Along with Babalola, the cast for the series includes Thapelo Mokoenaas, Warren Masemola, Aïssa Maïga, Thando DIomo, Charmaine Bingwa, and Nkeki Obi-Melekwe.
“King Shaka” is created and...
- 4/3/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Showtime has axed King Shaka, its upcoming epic drama series executive produced by Antoine Fuqua, which tells the sweeping story of the Zulu Empire founder.
It marks the latest new series to be canned at the network before it has aired amid a programming overhaul at Showtime, which is being merged with sister streamer Paramount+ and will be renamed as Paramount+ with Showtime.
While King Shaka will not run on Showtime, the premium network is working on multiple other drama projects with diverse storytelling as part of recently announced three main programming lanes, including a project from The Chi showrunner Justin Hillian; Panda, from Fresh Off the Boat’s Eddie Huang; and Quiet in Her Bones, from writer Aminta Goyel.
Showtime also plans to add diversity to the Billions franchise as it is undergoing expansion with spinoffs.
Deadline understands that King Shaka, which is being headlined by Charles Babalola,...
It marks the latest new series to be canned at the network before it has aired amid a programming overhaul at Showtime, which is being merged with sister streamer Paramount+ and will be renamed as Paramount+ with Showtime.
While King Shaka will not run on Showtime, the premium network is working on multiple other drama projects with diverse storytelling as part of recently announced three main programming lanes, including a project from The Chi showrunner Justin Hillian; Panda, from Fresh Off the Boat’s Eddie Huang; and Quiet in Her Bones, from writer Aminta Goyel.
Showtime also plans to add diversity to the Billions franchise as it is undergoing expansion with spinoffs.
Deadline understands that King Shaka, which is being headlined by Charles Babalola,...
- 4/3/2023
- by Peter White and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Charmaine Bingwa (The Good Fight) & Nkeki Obi-Melekwe (Tina -The Tina Turner Musical) are set as series regulars opposite Charles Babalola in Showtime’s King Shaka, (fka Shaka: King of the Zulu Nation), executive produced by Antoine Fuqua. Tony Kgoroge (Invictus), Sindi Dlatu (The River) and Bahle Hadebe (Bone of My Bones) also have been cast in recurring roles in the series from writers Olu Odebunmi and Tolu Awosika, Propagate, Fuqua Films and CBS Studios.
Rooted in actual events, King Shaka tells the story of the Zulu Empire founder Shaka (Babalola) and his unlikely rise to power, uniting multiple tribes across vast stretches of southern Africa in the early 19th century to transform his power into legend, on par with history’s most seminal figures. The outcast son of a Zulu Chief, Shaka is a visionary who is prophesied to become a king like none before him. In ferocious battles that test the body and soul,...
Rooted in actual events, King Shaka tells the story of the Zulu Empire founder Shaka (Babalola) and his unlikely rise to power, uniting multiple tribes across vast stretches of southern Africa in the early 19th century to transform his power into legend, on par with history’s most seminal figures. The outcast son of a Zulu Chief, Shaka is a visionary who is prophesied to become a king like none before him. In ferocious battles that test the body and soul,...
- 9/30/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Charmaine Bingwa (“The Good Fight”) and Nkeki Obi-Melekwe (“Tina -The Tina Turner Musical”) have been added to Showtime’s “King Shaka” cast as series regulars, the network announced on Thursday. Tony Kgoroge (“Invictus”), Sindi Dlatu (“The River”) and Bahle Hadebe (“Bone of My Bones”) will guest star in recurring roles.
According to their character descriptions, Bingwa will portray Isisa, a strong and very capable warrior whose loyalty is challenged after receiving a fateful encounter. Obi-Melekwe will play the Locust Queen, a mysterious leader of a migrant tribe of outcasts who gives herself an advantage by tapping into her deep knowledge of the spiritual world.
Kgoroge will guest star as Chief Senzangakhona, the proud leader of the Zulu people who denies Shaka’s birthright; Dlathu as Inyoni, a council leader and midwife; and Hadebe as young Shaka.
The group joins previously announced cast members Charles Babalola as King Shaka; Thapelo Mokoenaas as Gendeyana,...
According to their character descriptions, Bingwa will portray Isisa, a strong and very capable warrior whose loyalty is challenged after receiving a fateful encounter. Obi-Melekwe will play the Locust Queen, a mysterious leader of a migrant tribe of outcasts who gives herself an advantage by tapping into her deep knowledge of the spiritual world.
Kgoroge will guest star as Chief Senzangakhona, the proud leader of the Zulu people who denies Shaka’s birthright; Dlathu as Inyoni, a council leader and midwife; and Hadebe as young Shaka.
The group joins previously announced cast members Charles Babalola as King Shaka; Thapelo Mokoenaas as Gendeyana,...
- 9/29/2022
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical will play its final performance at Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Sunday, August 14, producers announced today.
The second Broadway closing announced today – after Dear Evan Hansen – Tina will launch a 30-city national tour on September 14 in Providence, Ri, the sixth global production of the musical.
The Broadway closing was announced by producers Stage Entertainment, James L. Nederlander and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.
“To witness my story on the Broadway stage, created by the most talented artists, has been an incredible coda to a storied career,” said Tina Turner in a statement. “Looking back on Opening Night on Broadway almost three years ago and remembering the love and support I received from my friends and the Broadway community is an experience I will not soon forget. For this Nutbush, Tn native, it was a homecoming long overdue and it has been an honor...
The second Broadway closing announced today – after Dear Evan Hansen – Tina will launch a 30-city national tour on September 14 in Providence, Ri, the sixth global production of the musical.
The Broadway closing was announced by producers Stage Entertainment, James L. Nederlander and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.
“To witness my story on the Broadway stage, created by the most talented artists, has been an incredible coda to a storied career,” said Tina Turner in a statement. “Looking back on Opening Night on Broadway almost three years ago and remembering the love and support I received from my friends and the Broadway community is an experience I will not soon forget. For this Nutbush, Tn native, it was a homecoming long overdue and it has been an honor...
- 6/7/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Jen Namoff, whose 15-year career has included casting, artist representation, talent management and production in both New York and Los Angeles, is launching Namoff & Company, a bi-coastal, full-service talent management and production company representing clients across television, film, music, and theater with a client roster that includes Tituss Burgess, Tammy Blanchard, Katrina Lenk and others.
Joining Namoff in the new venture, which was announced today, are John Bautista as Director of Operations/Talent Manager and Doug Middlebrook as Creative Director/Producer.
In a statement describing the new company’s mission statement, the three principals sid, “We are inspired by artists who push boundaries, guiding them to reach their creative potential in every arena. We are committed to telling stories that are relevant, inclusive, and forward-thinking.”
In addition to Burgess, Blanchard and Lenk, Namoff & Company’s current roster of clients includes Gabrielle Carrubba, Julia Mattison, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe, Solea Pfeiffer, Ben Ahlers,...
Joining Namoff in the new venture, which was announced today, are John Bautista as Director of Operations/Talent Manager and Doug Middlebrook as Creative Director/Producer.
In a statement describing the new company’s mission statement, the three principals sid, “We are inspired by artists who push boundaries, guiding them to reach their creative potential in every arena. We are committed to telling stories that are relevant, inclusive, and forward-thinking.”
In addition to Burgess, Blanchard and Lenk, Namoff & Company’s current roster of clients includes Gabrielle Carrubba, Julia Mattison, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe, Solea Pfeiffer, Ben Ahlers,...
- 1/11/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Nkeki Obi-Melekwe, who has played the title role in the West End and Broadway productions of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, will take over full time on Broadway Nov. 2 after Tony-nominated star Adrienne Warren ends her limited engagement return.
As previously announced, Warren will portray the iconic singer when Tina returns to Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Friday, October 8. She’ll leave the show on Oct. 31 due to other commitments.
The replacement casting of Obi-Melekwe was announced today by producers. Obi-Melekwe was among the original Broadway cast when the show opened in 2019, playing Turner during matinee performances.
Joining Warren when Tina resumes performances next month will be principal players Daniel J. Watts as Ike, Dawnn Lewis as Zelma, Myra Lucretia Taylor as Gran Georgeanna and Jessica Rush as Rhonda.
The musical is written by Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, directed by Phyllida Lloyd with choreography by Anthony van Laast.
As previously announced, Warren will portray the iconic singer when Tina returns to Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Friday, October 8. She’ll leave the show on Oct. 31 due to other commitments.
The replacement casting of Obi-Melekwe was announced today by producers. Obi-Melekwe was among the original Broadway cast when the show opened in 2019, playing Turner during matinee performances.
Joining Warren when Tina resumes performances next month will be principal players Daniel J. Watts as Ike, Dawnn Lewis as Zelma, Myra Lucretia Taylor as Gran Georgeanna and Jessica Rush as Rhonda.
The musical is written by Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, directed by Phyllida Lloyd with choreography by Anthony van Laast.
- 9/10/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Update, with additional cast Adrienne Warren will be joined by her original Broadway principal cast mates of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical when the show returns to the stage in October. Among the actors now confirmed to return are Tony Award nominee Daniel J. Watts as Ike Turner.
Producers announced the cast today.
When the musical reopens at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Friday, Oct. 8, the principal cast will include Warren, Watts, Dawnn Lewis as Zelma, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe as Tina Turner at some performances, Tony Award nominee Myra Lucretia Taylor as Gran Georgeanna and Jessica Rush as Rhonda.
Tina will also feature Juliet Benn, Steven Booth, Nick Rashad Burroughs, Gerald Caesar, Julius Chase, Ayla Ciccone-Burton, Holli’ Conway, Kayla Davion, Leandra Ellis-Gaston, Charlie Franklin, Judith Franklin, Matthew Griffin, Ari Groover, Sheldon Henry,...
Producers announced the cast today.
When the musical reopens at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Friday, Oct. 8, the principal cast will include Warren, Watts, Dawnn Lewis as Zelma, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe as Tina Turner at some performances, Tony Award nominee Myra Lucretia Taylor as Gran Georgeanna and Jessica Rush as Rhonda.
Tina will also feature Juliet Benn, Steven Booth, Nick Rashad Burroughs, Gerald Caesar, Julius Chase, Ayla Ciccone-Burton, Holli’ Conway, Kayla Davion, Leandra Ellis-Gaston, Charlie Franklin, Judith Franklin, Matthew Griffin, Ari Groover, Sheldon Henry,...
- 8/5/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Additional casting has been announced for Tina - The Tina Turner Musical on Broadway Along with the previously announced Adrienne Warren in the title role, Tina will star Daniel J. Watts Hamilton as Ike, Dawnn Lewis The Wiz as Zelma, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe as Tina Turner At Some Performances Broadway Debut, Myra Lucretia Taylor Nine as Gran Georgeanna, Steven Booth School of Rock, Nick Rashad Burroughs Kinky Boots, Gerald Caesar A Bronx Tale, Holli' Conway Broadway Debut, Kayla Davion King Kong, Leandra Ellis-Gaston Broadway Debut, Charlie Franklin The Book of Mormon, Judith Franklin Summer The Donna Summer Musical, Matthew Griffin Broadway Debut, Sheldon Henry The Prom, David Jennings Once On This Island, Ross Lekites Frozen, Robert Lenzi Tuck Everlasting, Gloria Manning Broadway Debut, Rob Marnell Beautiful, Mehret Marsh The Lion King, Jhardon Dishon Milton A Bronx Tale, Destinee Rea The Book of Mormon, Mars Rucker Broadway Debut, Jessica Rush Dear Evan Hansen,...
- 7/23/2019
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
The Last O.G.‘s Daniel J. Watts has been cast as Ike Turner in the upcoming Broadway production of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, producers announced today. The actor joins the previously announced Adrienne Warren who reprises the role of Tina she originated in the London production.
Watts was among the general cast announcements made for the upcoming Tina today by producers Stage Entertainment, James L. Nederlander and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.
Rounding out the newly announced cast are: Dawnn Lewis as Zelma, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe as Tina Turner (At Some Performances), Myra Lucretia Taylor as Gran Georgeanna, and Steven Booth, Nick Rashad Burroughs, Gerald Caesar, Holli’ Conway, Kayla Davion, Leandra Ellis-Gaston, Charlie Franklin, Judith Franklin, Matthew Griffin, Sheldon Henry, David Jennings, Ross Lekites, Robert Lenzi, Gloria Manning, Rob Marnell, Mehret Marsh, Jhardon Dishon Milton, Destinee Rea, Mars Rucker, Jessica Rush, Allysa Shorte, Carla Stewart, Jayden Theophile,...
Watts was among the general cast announcements made for the upcoming Tina today by producers Stage Entertainment, James L. Nederlander and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner.
Rounding out the newly announced cast are: Dawnn Lewis as Zelma, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe as Tina Turner (At Some Performances), Myra Lucretia Taylor as Gran Georgeanna, and Steven Booth, Nick Rashad Burroughs, Gerald Caesar, Holli’ Conway, Kayla Davion, Leandra Ellis-Gaston, Charlie Franklin, Judith Franklin, Matthew Griffin, Sheldon Henry, David Jennings, Ross Lekites, Robert Lenzi, Gloria Manning, Rob Marnell, Mehret Marsh, Jhardon Dishon Milton, Destinee Rea, Mars Rucker, Jessica Rush, Allysa Shorte, Carla Stewart, Jayden Theophile,...
- 7/23/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
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