Now airing as a 12-episode series on Eswatini TV, Baka Ngwane: The Birth of a Nation premiered on the national broadcaster on February 22, 2026.
The series chronicles the migration of the Bantu-speaking Nguni people into southern Africa and the founding of the Swati nation — tracing the royal lineage, dynastic struggles, and the emergence of the Kingdom of Eswatini under King Matalatala.
The official launch took place on December 18, 2025, at Sharma House in Ezulwini, where two government ministers described it as a national cultural asset.
The project originated as a feature film, executive produced by Senator Pholile Shakantu, produced by Sibusiso "Sparks" Dlamini of Tribe Studios, and directed by Shaft Moropane.
For Shakantu, the stakes were cultural as much as cinematic. "We were doing something that we've never done before as emaSwati, and we were intentional to make it a pure Eswatini production." Outside expertise was brought in to support local talent, not replace it. "For every position we had emaSwati there who was in charge of that department. When you do a production of this magnitude, it's not just about the cast, the crew — it's also about the other supporting industries. Anyone can participate in this industry."
Over 600 extras were drawn from chiefdoms across the country, with rural locations and heritage sites converted into open-air sets.
Lead roles went to Samkelo Dlamini as King Matalatala, Mandisa Mamba as Queen Qoshile, and Lawrence Mhlanga as Tsekwane.
The initial film version of the series premiered on September 6, 2024, at Julio's Cinelux in Manzini on Independence Day, before an audience including Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Cabinet ministers, and members of the royal family. Festival screenings followed at the EU Film Festival, the Lesotho Film Festival, and the Mpumalanga Film Festival.