Original subtitles

From now on,

you are a Zulu.

[Shaka] And you shall act as my interpreter.

[Henry] Put her down, will you!

Fynn, what the devil do you think you are doing?

She's alive I saw her moving.

Now, will you tell them to put her down!

Put her down!

If what they say is true,

then their isangoma possesses powers we cannot ignore.

I want those powers at my service.

We've got to stop him!

[Vegte] "Here, life belongs to Shaka."

[Vegte] "Her life belongs to Shaka."

[fanfare]

[vocalizing]

[singing in Zulu]

♪ We are growing higher ♪

♪ Growing higher ♪

[Henry] Having survived the horrendous ordeal

of the Gift Ceremony,

we began to settle into the daily life

of Kwa Bulawawayo.

which I must say was not at all an unpleasant experience

if one could turn a blind eye

to the often terrifying events

surrounding the life of the royal court.

We, however, contrary to our fears

were treated with the greatest courtesy.

We had miscalculated the man's intelligence.

It was clear that he knew enough

about the Cape Colony and the Whites

to make him suspicious of our motives.

From the start he adopted a conciliatory attitude,

while at the same time

making us fully aware of his ability

to destroy us and possibly

the Cape Colony, if he so desired.

[chanting]

Every day we witnessed extravagant ceremonies

performed with the kind of military precision

the likes of which would be the envy

of the British War Office.

It was perfectly obvious that Shaka knew the value

of carefully planned dramatic events.

His citadel, ominously named Kwa Bulawayo,

the "Place of the Killing”,

was the centre of all important events.

Every morning, the people were summoned in their thousands

to attend court proceedings.

[crowds chanting]

Carefully guarded by his Ufa Simba regiment,

his feared personal bodyguard,

he underwent a ritual morning anointing.

His body being greased down with a mixture of red ochre

and sheep's tail fat.

While outside in the royal area,

in front of the King's huge hut,

the people were assembled.

He then appeared

preceded by half a dozen or so praise singers

all recounting the heroic deeds of the king

from boyhood to the present.

[man shouting Shaka's praises]

The people with one voice would echo the praise-singers

shouting and crashing their shields.

This terrifying and indeed, awe-inspiring spectacle

being sustained entirely at the king's pleasure.

Should anyone tire before the king's signal to cease,

they would be slaughtered at a whim by the Ufasimba regiment.

We noticed that the people

remained untiring in their admiration.

[chanting continues]

At the king's signal the daily court was constituted

and in front of all present,

the law according to Shaka would be dispensed.

He was the ultimate call to the pew,

the sole source of law

and like a Solomon, settled important disputes arbitrarily.

[chanting and dancing]

The most important member of the Council

was Ngomane, his Prime Minister

whom he frequently did consult and appeared to respect.

It was however, the military side,

which, as we had already seen during the trek to the capital,

was the most impressive.

Regiment upon regiment of highly disciplined warriors

trained in the apparently unique

"Shaka battle method."

His generals, drawn from those early days

when he was training his men himself

were his most trusted friends

and were the only people in his domain

to whom he really gave a full ear.

And indeed they were the ones

trusted with the expansion of the empire's borders.

In these ranks, Shaka could not afford any form of treachery

which brings me to Dingane,

the king's half-brother,

a man who few at Kwa Bulawayo trusted.

We share the same blood, Ufoyi.

Few men know you as well as I.

[Henry] Dingane had managed to survive only because

the king was using him to lead him ultimately

to the most dangerous traitors in his midst.

Indeed, unbeknown to us,

Dingane was planning with Shaka's enemies.

One of them, the most powerful

and dangerous of them all, Zwide.

These so-called Zwalos have almost reached Kwa Bulawayo.

That is the time to strike.

Let the people think that his death was caused

by the curse of these white men.

But Shaka's network of bodyguards

is impenetrable and incorruptible.

Nothing is impenetrable and incorruptible.

See to it.

[chanting]

[Henry] So it was that day by day we were to be drawn

deeper and deeper into the intrigue

surrounding the king.

Francis was determined to play the game in any way he could.

And as long as it was advantageous to our venture.

He almost recklessly indulged the king's belief

in our supernatural powers

despite the fact that with every move

our position became more precarious.

And what was more important it would become

increasingly difficult for us to extricate ourselves

from the complicated situation we were getting ourselves into.

Steadfastly, I disciplined myself into setting down

the events and intrigue taking place around us.

Indeed, it was a world so far removed from our experience

that not even the most imaginative storyteller

would have envisaged

what the court of King Shaka was like.

As we peruse the situation,

three characters, three women,

began to emerge as important forces of Kwa Bulawayo.

Nearly always present at important ceremonies was Nandi,

the King's mother, Mkabayi, the King's aunt

and Sitayi, the grotesquely old and frail chief witch doctor

of the realm.

I suppose the best way to describe her was that

she constituted the spiritual arm of his court

like the Archbishop of Canterbury, I suppose,

although I'm not sure he would appreciate the comparison.

She wielded enormous power

and no one was able to tell us exactly how old she was.

Fantastic figures of hundreds of years were bound to develop

while her supernatural powers were exalted by all I spoke to.

But it was Nandi who was to emerge

as the most powerful force in a story which,

as I began to piece it together

became increasingly difficult to believe.

Tales of supernatural forces,

great prophesies and magical witchcraft

surrounding a king's power and the making of his spear

almost an Excalibur, as it were.

But such was the conviction of the people

who told me these fantastic events

that I felt obliged to at least set them down

and let my readers decide for themselves

what was truth and what was fantasy.

It all started as far as I could logically work out

somewhere in the mid 1780's.

The Zulus were a small and insignificant tribe.

The king's son, the young, arrogant and reckless

Prince Senzagakona, out hunting one day,

was to set in motion a chain of events

that would change the course of Zulu history.

[singing in Zulu]

Shh!

[speaking in Zulu]

This is becoming very risky, Ndabezitha?

The risk is half of the fun of it.

Anyway, I'll tire of the law before my father finds out.

[people singing in Zulu]

Nandi, look, it's Prince Senzagakona.

I know.

Now is your chance to meet him.

I know.

Go now. Take them with you.

Now Homa.

Go.

[speaking Zulu]

Ndabezitha. Ndabezitha.

[soft instrumental music]

[shouts]

[continues exclaiming]

Nandi!

[exclaims loudly and laughs]

I've watched you from the bushes.

Your eyes told me you love me.

How can I love a man I do not know?

Because I'm a king's son

and I cast a powerful shadow

wherever I go and you found that shadow pass over you.

Shadow? I felt no shadow.

And my eyes lied to you.

A king's son cannot be lied to.

A king's son?

I'm not for the taking.

You play games with my feelings.

Let us at least enjoy our time, again.

If I made love to you, it must be much more. More than fun.

So be it.

What if someone sees us?

No one will.

Except the birds.

Do my eyes lie to you now?

No.

They show only the truth.

[ominous music playing]

[boy urging cattle along]

[cows mooing]

[whistling and indistinct chatter]

[talking in Zulu]

Nandi.

[chuckling]

How was it?

[speaking in Zulu]

Hey Nandi. We've been waiting for you.

[chuckling]

I've got good news. Gendeyana has honoured our family

by asking to marry you.

And we have agreed.

There'll be a bride-price of ten cattle.

Which we find most generous.

And being that you'll be his first wife,

we have decided that no matter how many others

he may marry in future,

you will remain his principal wife.

And the first son you will bear will be considered

principal heir to his father's inheritance.

Upon your return

from the wedding of your mother's relative,

to the House of Zulu

we will officially announce your betrothal to Gendeyana.

- [chuckles] - What's the matter?

Ten cattle, Gendeyana.

That is most generous.

And what do you expect from me? Love?

- Nandi! - Mother, no.

This is not what I want.

My apologies, Gendeyana. She'll do as she's told.

[wind instrument playing softly]

Nandi.

I'm sorry, father.

So am I, Nandi.

I suppose no man has the right to father a wild cat,

unless he has the wisdom to tame it.

Nandi, Gendeyana is a good man.

He has the patience to tolerate your temper,

because he loves you truly.

- What more do you ask for? - Much more.

Much more, father.

[ululating]

[cheering and bowing]

[stomping and chanting]

[speaking in Zulu]

I want it ready for the celebration.

Ndabezitha.

Fine looking animal.

Have you seen my bride-to-be?

Seen her? I chose her.

[ordering young woman in Zulu]

And what is she like?

Senzagakona, dear brother.

Need I remind you that the only reason

you are the heir to the Zulu throne and not me

is because of what is between your legs.

Is it asking too much if you occasionally

used it for the betterment of our kingdom?

Fat is what she's like.

[Henry] And so on the chosen day, tribes from distant territories

converged on the Zulu kingdom to witness the marriage

of Senzagakona to his first wife.

It was an event of some importance to the Zulus.

They were not a particularly strong people

who needed to form alliances with more powerful tribes

with whom they could unite in times of war.

[announcer] King Kondlo of the Kwabe.

Ndabezitha.

[people singing in Zulu]

King Makedama of Elangeni.

Ndabezitha.

King Sodubo of the Nzusas.

Ndabezitha.

[women ululating and singing]

Zulu! Zulu!

[announcer] His Majesty, King Jama, of the Zulus

welcomes you and your families to the house of Zulu.

May the festivities today bind our clans in peace.

[speaking Zulu]

I welcome you to the House of Zulu, Ndomozane.

Take care of us and we will take care of you.

[speaking Zulu]

[announcer speaking in Zulu]

[exclaims in Zulu]

[ordering]

[speaking Zulu]

[chanting in loud voice]

[chanting loudly]

Zulu! Zulu!

[speaking in Zulu]

[King speaking in Zulu]

All the ancestors of AmaZulu,

please accept this new bride

as another child in your home.

Grant her happiness

and many strong sons.

Let there be noise.

Let there be laughter.

Sacrifice the bull.

[stomping and charging towards the bull]

[shouting in Zulu]

When will that boy learn to behave like a prince?

[people whistling and ululating]

[wind instrument playing softly]

[speaking in Zulu]

Yes, take this.

Why didn't you tell me Nandi will be here?

I didn't know, Ndabezitha, but be careful.

She can cause trouble.

What trouble can she cause?

I don't know, Ndabezitha. What if your father finds out?

[speaks in Zulu]

[stomping and ululating]

[shouts]

[chanting in Zulu]

[speaking Zulu]

Bring me beer.

You used me as a plaything.

- My little Elani. - Stop it!

Marry me, Prince. Make me one of your wives.

Where is my drink?

Get it yourself,

No, no, no! Put me down! No! No!

- Leave me alone! - [Nandi sobbing]

- No, no! Put me down! No! - You'll make matters worse.

We've started this together and we'll finish it together.

[ordering]

[people singing]

[King Jama] Why have you met with her since your wedding?

Senzagakona, my son.

Your spies are my spies.

Now answer me.

Have the members of the Council met to discuss a woman?

Answer me!

What of it?

Does that mean that you intend to see her again?

- Perhaps. - Perhaps.

And how would you define her behaviour at your wedding?

Fiery.

Well, suppose you were King Kondlo of the Kwabes,

or Sodubo of the Nzusas?

What opinion would you have had of her?

[coughing]

That she is beautiful.

And disobedient. Dangerous!

Would you have felt being Kondlo or Sodubo

that she had insulted you. Humiliated you!

Your pride should have prevented you

from ever wanting to see her again.

There is already talk that she has bewitched you!

[coughing]

By right, she should have been executed for her act

of effrontery to a prince of the AmaZulu.

So you will erase that woman from your mind.

That is not a request.

It is an order.

[shouting]

Go on, kill him!

If it will make you feel any better, go on, kill him.

Leave him!

[Henry] The prophesy was about to begin

its determined path

as Sitayi wielded all the power at her disposal to bring about

a series of events which would ultimately fulfil the terms

of that prophesy.

[cow mooing]

[people talking]

[fire crackling]

- Oh! - Help me.

[speaking Zulu]

[moaning in pain]

[bass drum reverberating]

[Henry] Meanwhile, in the Zulu Kingdom,

Senzagakona's first wife was also feeling the effects

of her pregnancy.

But all was not well.

It appears that forces were working against her.

[chanting]

Have you hurt this bad?

Yes, baba. It will be a boy, if it lives.

He must live.

It will be difficult, baba.

The life force is too weak for both to survive.

What are you saying, old woman?

When the time comes, you might have to choose.

There is no choice.

- He must live. See to it. - [chanting]

[Nandi's mother] Don't you worry, my child.

Your father will go to King Makedama

and Ngazana for advice

and demand justice.

[Henry] And so it was that a messenger was sent

by Nandi's parents demanding that Prince Senzagakona

should acknowledge his responsibility

towards their daughter.

[speaks in Zulu]

[King Jama] Come closer, my son.

[speaking Zulu]

Have you disobeyed my orders?

No, baba, it is as you said.

The woman's dangerous.

She will resort to anything.

Even deceit for the sake of her ambition.

[speaking Zulu]

Ndabezitha.

Send the messenger back.

He shall announce that

the son of Jama

remembers no one by the name of Nandi,

daughter of Bhebhe.

If she says she is pregnant,

it is either the work of another man

or the Ishaka,

the disease of the beetle.

Ndabezitha. Ndabezitha. Ndabezitha.

Senzagakona, my son,

you send me to our ancestors

with a lie.

Leave me.

[Henry] Everywhere, forces were beginning

to change the course of Zulu history.

The king was dying

and Nandi's child could be born of royal parentage

if Senzagakona became King after his father.

Meanwhile, Nandi had been summoned

to a mysterious meeting in the Ntandla forest.

She thought it was to meet her Prince.

But she did not know.

[Nandi] Senzagakona.

[birds chirping]

Senzagakona.

[speaking Zulu]

Yes, baba.

Will she go?

Yes.

She'll want to know what the prince has to say to her

that is so private

- and so urgent. - [both laugh]

Yes, of course.

- Watch over him. - Yeah.

Protect him from those who surround him.

He will need you

as I have needed you.

I shall, Jama.

[speaking Zulu] I swear I shall.

[struggling to breathe]

[owl hooting]

Senzagakona.

Senzagakona, stop this.

[Nandi struggling and screaming]

[attacker screaming in agony]

[Sitayi] Daughter of Bhebhe.

From your womb shall come the firstborn of a king

giving birth to a mighty nation

of blood-stained spears

and thundering black shields.

[people singing funeral song in Zulu]

[neck snapping]

[soldiers stomping to drill beats]

[commander addressing the troops in Zulu]

Behold the everlasting spear from generation to generation.

[speaking in Zulu]

Behold him, he of the clan, who is your King today.

Zulu!

[crowd cheers]

Zulu!

[thunder crashing]

Nkosi. Nkosi. Nkosi.

What is it?

Baba.

Speak!

Your wife, baba. She has given birth.

Go on! Out! Out! Go on!

Is it a boy?

The midwife said it is quite common.

- It often happens that-- -Answer me, woman!

Is it a boy?

Yes.

What is it?

Baba.

No! No!

[screaming in agony]

[Nandi's mother] I'll call for help.

Here, pass this around her feet.

Have you got the rope?

[assistant] I've got the rope.

Pull! Pull hard!

- Mother! - Shh! All is well.

We'll get this beetle out as soon as it's ready.

Out! Go away. You know you're not allowed in

when the mother is in pain. Go outside.

Take the rope.

- All is well, now. - Hold it.

Please, pat her down. Pat her down.

Right, now! Push, push!

It's killing me, mother! It's killing me!

The more you and your child suffer,

the greater your life will be. Now push!

- It's fighting me, mother! - No, it's not!

Just once more. Push!

Push!

We have the head here. Push!

[Nandi crying in terrible pain]

It's a boy, Nandi!

It's a boy! It's a boy!

[baby crying]

So, this is the beetle, mother. This is Shaka.

[thunder rumbling]

It's a fine beetle, my child.

The son of a chief!

[breathing in heavy gasps]

He's much more, mother.

Much more.

[Henry] History had cast its die.

And in Africa, a force had been generated

that in time, would rock the very foundations

of the African subcontinent.

[vocalizing]

[singing in Zulu]

♪ Be a man of greatness now ♪

♪ A man so tall A man so kind ♪

♪ Be a man of wisdom now ♪

♪ A man of mind A man of light ♪

♪ Be a man of kindness now ♪

♪ A man so big And strong in mind ♪

♪ Be a man so humble now ♪

♪ A man of men Now let it shine ♪

♪ This is what you are ♪

♪ This is how it was planned now ♪

♪ This is what to be Every kind of man now ♪

♪ This is what to see With a kind of meaning ♪

♪ This is what to feel With a kind of feeling ♪

♪ We are growing, Growing higher and higher ♪

♪ We are growing, Growing higher and higher ♪

♪ We are growing, Growing higher and higher ♪

♪ We are growing, Growing higher and higher ♪

♪ Hear the children Hear the children ♪

♪ They are talking to you ♪

♪ Hear the wind blow Hear the wind blow ♪

♪ It is coming for you ♪

♪ See the grass grow See the grass grow ♪

♪ It whispers his name ♪

♪ See the fire blow See the fire blow ♪

♪ His heart in the flame ♪

[singing in Zulu]

[vocalizing]