Shaka iLembe Wins Best Makeup & Hairstyling at the Septimius Awards 2025 - Queen Motlatle

In a shimmering display of global recognition for South African artistry, the prestigious Septimius Awards 2025 reached a triumphant crescendo on September 4, 2025. Amidst the architectural grandeur of the Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam, Netherlands, the evening celebrated the pinnacle of international filmmaking and television production. Among the night’s most anticipated announcements, Queen Motlatle secured the coveted award for Best Makeup & Hairstyling for her transformative work on the epic historical drama series, Shaka iLembe.

The victory serves as a significant milestone for African storytelling, marking a moment where the intricate cultural nuances of the Zulu Kingdom were validated on a premier European stage. As the lights dimmed in the historic Dutch venue, the announcement of Motlatle’s win sparked a wave of pride that resonated from Amsterdam back to the studios in Johannesburg.

A Masterclass in Cultural Authenticity

The recognition for Shaka iLembe is deeply rooted in the meticulous research and spiritual dedication that Motlatle brought to the production. Set in the late 1700s and early 1800s, the series required more than just aesthetic beauty; it demanded a resurrection of history. Motlatle’s department was responsible for the visual identity of thousands of characters, utilizing over 1,000 wigs and custom hairstyles that distinguished various clans and social hierarchies.

Her work went beyond the surface, incorporating traditional materials and techniques to ensure that every warrior, queen, and commoner reflected the era’s authentic grooming practices. By sourcing local ingredients and collaborating with artisans who still hold the knowledge of ancestral adornment, Motlatle succeeded in creating a visual language that felt both ancient and vibrantly alive. This commitment to detail was a primary factor in the Septimius jury’s decision, as the awards place a heavy emphasis on diversity and the preservation of cultural heritage through cinema.

The Ceremony at Tuschinski Theater

The venue itself, the Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski, provided a fittingly legendary backdrop for the occasion. Known for its eclectic blend of Art Deco and Gothic styles, the theater has hosted the world’s most renowned artists for over a century. On this night, the red carpet was a sea of international talent, with Motlatle joining a distinguished cohort of filmmakers, actors, and technicians from across the globe.

The 2025 Septimius Awards were a two-day affair, featuring high-level panel discussions and networking events led by industry icons. However, the September 4 gala was the centerpiece of the festival. When the category for Best Makeup & Hairstyling was called, the selection of Shaka iLembe highlighted the show’s successful transition from a local South African phenomenon to a globally respected piece of art.

Acceptance and Global Impact

As Queen Motlatle ascended the stage to accept the trophy, the atmosphere was one of profound accomplishment. Dressed in a manner that reflected the very heritage she spent years researching, her presence on the podium was a testament to the "House of Queen" brand and its rising influence in the global film industry.

Her acceptance of the award was characterized by a palpable sense of humility and a deep connection to the roots of the story. The gesture of holding the Septimius statuette high was a symbolic win for the entire creative team behind Shaka iLembe, including the costume designers and historians who worked in tandem to ensure the series' visual cohesion. This win followed the show's successful run at the previous year's ceremony, proving that the production’s excellence was consistent and enduring.

A Legacy for South African Film

The impact of this win extends far beyond a single trophy. By winning in Amsterdam, Motlatle has helped pave the way for other African technicians to be recognized in technical categories that are often dominated by Western productions. The Septimius Awards have a unique reputation for bypassing the traditional Hollywood-centric lens, focusing instead on "Global Excellence" and projects that push the boundaries of diversity.

Motlatle’s victory underscores the fact that South African productions are now operating at a world-class level, capable of competing with high-budget series from Europe and the Americas. The technical mastery required to manage the hair and makeup for an epic of this scale—balancing the harsh conditions of location filming with the delicate requirements of historical accuracy—has set a new benchmark for the industry.

As the curtains closed on the 2025 ceremony, the name Queen Motlatle was firmly etched into the international circuit. Her win at the Tuschinski Theater remains a shining example of how personal passion, when combined with cultural pride and technical brilliance, can capture the imagination of the world.