Shaka Zulu (1986): Season 1, Episode 3 - Episode #1.3 - full transcript
[fanfare]
♪ Boom boom boom boom boom
boom boom boom boom
♪ Boom boom boom boom boom
boom boom boom boom
♪ Boom boom boom boom boom
boom boom boom boom
♪ Boom boom boom boom boom
boom boom boom boom
♪ Boom boom boom boom boom
boom boom boom boom
♪ Ayete, gossy...
♪ Ayete, gossy... ♪
♪ We are growing higher
♪ Growing higher ♪
[narrator] 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 Canie
than 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]
Everyday 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 center
of all important events.
Every morning, the people were
summoned in the 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 ocher
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 till the present.
[man shouting Shaka's praises]
The people in 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'd 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 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
in Kwa Bulawayo trusted.
We share
the same blood, Ufoyi.
Few men know you as well as I.
[narrator] 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]
[narrator] 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
was that 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 Setayi, 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.
Zulu's 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 foreign language]
Shh!
[speaking foreign language]
This is becoming
very risky now, isn't it?
The risk is half of
the fun of it.
Anyway, I'll tire of the law
before my father finds out.
[people singing
in foreign language]
Nandi, look, it's Prince
Senzangakhona.
-I know.
-Now is your chance to meet him.
I know. Go now.
Take them with you.
Now Homa, go.
[speaking foreign language]
[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.
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 foreign language]
Nandi.
[chuckling]
How was it?
[speaking foreign language]
Hey Nandi. We've been
waiting for you.
[chuckling]
I've got good news. Gendeyana
has honored our family
by asking to marry you.
And we have agreed.
There'll be bride-prize
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 could you ask for?
-Much more.
Much more, father.
[ululating]
[cheering and bowing]
[stomping and chanting]
[speaking foreign language]
I want it ready
for the celebration.
Fine looking animal.
Have you seen my bride-to-be?
Seen her?
I chose her.
[ordering young woman
in native language]
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.
[narrator] And so on the chosen
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
and needed to form alliances
with more powerful tribes
with whom they could unite
in times of war.
[announcer]
King Gwanto of the Gwabis.
[people singing in foreign
language ]
King Maketab of Elange.
[responds in foreign language]
King Sotub of the Zusas.
[responds in foreign language]
[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 foreign language]
I welcome you to the House
of Zulu, Domozan.
Take care of us
and we will take care of you.
[speaking foreign language]
[anouncer speaking
in foreign language]
[exclaims in foreign language]
[ordering]
[speaking foreign language]
[chanting in loud voice]
[chanting loudly]
Zulu! Zulu!
[speaking in foreign language]
[King speaking in
foreign language]
All the ancestors
of the 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 foreign language]
When will that boy learn
to behave like a prince?
[people whistling and ululating]
[wind instrument playing softly]
[speaking in foreign language]
Yes, take this.
Why didn't you tell me Nandi
will be here?
I didn't know, Dabeset,
but be careful.
She can cause trouble.
What trouble can she cause?
I don't know, Dabeset.
What if your father finds out?
[speaks in foreign language]
[stomping and ululating]
[shouts]
[chants in foreign language]
[speaking foreign language]
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!
-Leave me alone!
-[Nandi sobbing]
No, no! Put me down!
You'll make
matters worse.
We have started this together
and we'll finish it together.
[ordering]
[people singing]
[King Jama] Why have you met
with her since your wedding?
Senzangakhona, 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 will you define
her behavior at your wedding?
Fiery.
Well, suppose you were
King Kondo of Epales?
[speaks in foreign language]
What opinion would you
have had of her?
[coughing]
That she is beautiful.
And disobedient. Dangerous!
Would you have felt being
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!
[narrator] The prophesy
was about to begin
its determined path.
Setayi wielded all the power
at her disposal to bring about
a series of events which would
ultimately fulfill the terms
of that prophesy.
[cow mooing]
[people talking]
[fire crackling]
Oh, help me.
[speaking foreign language]
[moaning in pain]
[bass drum reverberating]
[narrator] Meanwhile,
in the Zulu Kingdom.
Senzangakhona'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 voice for
both of you 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.
[narrator] And so it was
that a messenger was sent
by Nandi's parents demanding
that Prince Senzangakhona
should acknowledge
his responsibility
towards their daughter.
[speaks in foreign language]
[King Jama] Come closer, my son.
[speaking foreign language]
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 foreign language]
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.
[speaking foreign language]
Senzangakhona, my son,
you send me to our ancestors
with a lie.
Leave me.
[narrator] 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 Senzangakhona became King
after his father.
Meanwhile, Nandi
had been summoned
to a mysterious meeting
in the forest.
She thought it was to meet
her Prince.
But she did not know
[Nandi] Senzangakhona.
[birds chirping]
Senzangakhona.
[speaking foreign language]
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 foreign language]
I swear I shall.
[struggling to breathe]
[owl hooting]
Senzangakhona.
Senzangakhona, stop this.
[Nandi struggling
and screaming]
[attacker screaming in agony]
[Setayi] 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 like shells.
[people singing funeral song
in foreign language]
[neck snapping]
[chanting]
[soldiers stomping
to drill beats]
[commander addressing the troops
in foreign language]
Behold the everlasting spear
from generation to generation.
[speaking in foreign language]
Behold him, he of the clan,
who is your King today.
Zulu!
[crowd cheers]
Zulu!
[thunder crashing]
Mkozi. Mkozi. Mkozi.
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 here
when the mother is in pain.
Go outside.
Take the rope.
All is well.
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!
Head. The head's 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.
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.
[narrator] 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.
♪ Boom Boom Boom Boom Boom
Boom Boom Boom Boom
♪ Boom Boom Boom Boom Boom
Boom Boom Boom Boom
♪ Boom Boom Boom Boom Boom
Boom Boom Boom Boom
♪ Ayete, gossy
♪ Ayete, gossy
♪ 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 blind
♪ Be a man of kindness now
A man so big and strong in mind
♪ Be a man so humble now
A man of man, 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 say
With the kind of meaning
♪ This is what to feel
With the 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 calling for you
♪ See the grass grow,
See the grass grow
♪ It whispers his name
♪ See the fire blow,
See the fire blow
♪ His heart's in the flame
♪ Ayete, gossy
♪ Ayete, gossy
♪ Ayete, gossy
♪ Ayete, gossy
♪ Boom, boom boom boom boom
boom boom boom boom ♪
Subtitles downloaded with "Netflix subtitle downloader" UserScript by Tithen-Firion.
♪ Boom boom boom boom boom
boom boom boom boom
♪ Boom boom boom boom boom
boom boom boom boom
♪ Boom boom boom boom boom
boom boom boom boom
♪ Boom boom boom boom boom
boom boom boom boom
♪ Boom boom boom boom boom
boom boom boom boom
♪ Ayete, gossy...
♪ Ayete, gossy... ♪
♪ We are growing higher
♪ Growing higher ♪
[narrator] 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 Canie
than 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]
Everyday 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 center
of all important events.
Every morning, the people were
summoned in the 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 ocher
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 till the present.
[man shouting Shaka's praises]
The people in 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'd 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 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
in Kwa Bulawayo trusted.
We share
the same blood, Ufoyi.
Few men know you as well as I.
[narrator] 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]
[narrator] 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
was that 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 Setayi, 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.
Zulu's 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 foreign language]
Shh!
[speaking foreign language]
This is becoming
very risky now, isn't it?
The risk is half of
the fun of it.
Anyway, I'll tire of the law
before my father finds out.
[people singing
in foreign language]
Nandi, look, it's Prince
Senzangakhona.
-I know.
-Now is your chance to meet him.
I know. Go now.
Take them with you.
Now Homa, go.
[speaking foreign language]
[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.
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 foreign language]
Nandi.
[chuckling]
How was it?
[speaking foreign language]
Hey Nandi. We've been
waiting for you.
[chuckling]
I've got good news. Gendeyana
has honored our family
by asking to marry you.
And we have agreed.
There'll be bride-prize
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 could you ask for?
-Much more.
Much more, father.
[ululating]
[cheering and bowing]
[stomping and chanting]
[speaking foreign language]
I want it ready
for the celebration.
Fine looking animal.
Have you seen my bride-to-be?
Seen her?
I chose her.
[ordering young woman
in native language]
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.
[narrator] And so on the chosen
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
and needed to form alliances
with more powerful tribes
with whom they could unite
in times of war.
[announcer]
King Gwanto of the Gwabis.
[people singing in foreign
language ]
King Maketab of Elange.
[responds in foreign language]
King Sotub of the Zusas.
[responds in foreign language]
[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 foreign language]
I welcome you to the House
of Zulu, Domozan.
Take care of us
and we will take care of you.
[speaking foreign language]
[anouncer speaking
in foreign language]
[exclaims in foreign language]
[ordering]
[speaking foreign language]
[chanting in loud voice]
[chanting loudly]
Zulu! Zulu!
[speaking in foreign language]
[King speaking in
foreign language]
All the ancestors
of the 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 foreign language]
When will that boy learn
to behave like a prince?
[people whistling and ululating]
[wind instrument playing softly]
[speaking in foreign language]
Yes, take this.
Why didn't you tell me Nandi
will be here?
I didn't know, Dabeset,
but be careful.
She can cause trouble.
What trouble can she cause?
I don't know, Dabeset.
What if your father finds out?
[speaks in foreign language]
[stomping and ululating]
[shouts]
[chants in foreign language]
[speaking foreign language]
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!
-Leave me alone!
-[Nandi sobbing]
No, no! Put me down!
You'll make
matters worse.
We have started this together
and we'll finish it together.
[ordering]
[people singing]
[King Jama] Why have you met
with her since your wedding?
Senzangakhona, 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 will you define
her behavior at your wedding?
Fiery.
Well, suppose you were
King Kondo of Epales?
[speaks in foreign language]
What opinion would you
have had of her?
[coughing]
That she is beautiful.
And disobedient. Dangerous!
Would you have felt being
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!
[narrator] The prophesy
was about to begin
its determined path.
Setayi wielded all the power
at her disposal to bring about
a series of events which would
ultimately fulfill the terms
of that prophesy.
[cow mooing]
[people talking]
[fire crackling]
Oh, help me.
[speaking foreign language]
[moaning in pain]
[bass drum reverberating]
[narrator] Meanwhile,
in the Zulu Kingdom.
Senzangakhona'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 voice for
both of you 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.
[narrator] And so it was
that a messenger was sent
by Nandi's parents demanding
that Prince Senzangakhona
should acknowledge
his responsibility
towards their daughter.
[speaks in foreign language]
[King Jama] Come closer, my son.
[speaking foreign language]
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 foreign language]
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.
[speaking foreign language]
Senzangakhona, my son,
you send me to our ancestors
with a lie.
Leave me.
[narrator] 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 Senzangakhona became King
after his father.
Meanwhile, Nandi
had been summoned
to a mysterious meeting
in the forest.
She thought it was to meet
her Prince.
But she did not know
[Nandi] Senzangakhona.
[birds chirping]
Senzangakhona.
[speaking foreign language]
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 foreign language]
I swear I shall.
[struggling to breathe]
[owl hooting]
Senzangakhona.
Senzangakhona, stop this.
[Nandi struggling
and screaming]
[attacker screaming in agony]
[Setayi] 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 like shells.
[people singing funeral song
in foreign language]
[neck snapping]
[chanting]
[soldiers stomping
to drill beats]
[commander addressing the troops
in foreign language]
Behold the everlasting spear
from generation to generation.
[speaking in foreign language]
Behold him, he of the clan,
who is your King today.
Zulu!
[crowd cheers]
Zulu!
[thunder crashing]
Mkozi. Mkozi. Mkozi.
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 here
when the mother is in pain.
Go outside.
Take the rope.
All is well.
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!
Head. The head's 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.
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.
[narrator] 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.
♪ Boom Boom Boom Boom Boom
Boom Boom Boom Boom
♪ Boom Boom Boom Boom Boom
Boom Boom Boom Boom
♪ Boom Boom Boom Boom Boom
Boom Boom Boom Boom
♪ Ayete, gossy
♪ Ayete, gossy
♪ 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 blind
♪ Be a man of kindness now
A man so big and strong in mind
♪ Be a man so humble now
A man of man, 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 say
With the kind of meaning
♪ This is what to feel
With the 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 calling for you
♪ See the grass grow,
See the grass grow
♪ It whispers his name
♪ See the fire blow,
See the fire blow
♪ His heart's in the flame
♪ Ayete, gossy
♪ Ayete, gossy
♪ Ayete, gossy
♪ Ayete, gossy
♪ Boom, boom boom boom boom
boom boom boom boom ♪
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