Queen Motlatle wins Best Hair and Makeup for 'Shaka iLembe' at the 2025 Septimius Awards

In an incredible win for South African creativity, makeup artist Queen Motlatle, the founder of House of Queen Makeup, has just won Best Hair and Makeup for her work on "Shaka iLembe" at the Septimius Awards 2025 in Amsterdam.

This international recognition is a huge deal for the talented artist and for the show itself.

It highlights the incredible effort and detail that went into creating the visual world of the historical epic.

"Shaka iLembe" is a highly acclaimed South African series that tells the powerful story of the legendary Zulu king, Shaka kaSenzangakhona.

The show, which stars Nomzamo Mbatha as Queen Nandi, takes viewers on a journey through the 18th century, exploring themes of war, love, betrayal, and royalty. It has been widely praised for its high production quality and cultural authenticity.

Queen Motlatle's win is a testament to the artistry and dedication she brought to the project.

Her company, House of Queen Makeup, is known for its wide range of services, including makeup, prosthetic special effects, and body painting.

Motlatle is a veteran in the industry, with an impressive list of projects to her name, including the film "District 9" and the TV series "House of Zwide" and "Skwizas”.

The work on "Shaka iLembe" was particularly complex, requiring extensive research to authentically represent the different clans and characters.

Motlatle has said that her role was to discuss the relevance of hair, colour, and accessories in telling the story of each character.

Her work went far beyond just beautification; it was about using makeup and hair to build a visually rich and historically grounded narrative.

Her recognition at the Septimius Awards shines a bright light on the creative talent that makes South African television stand out on the global stage.

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