Shaka has been the subject of numerous novels, poems, films and TV series. Many have offered distorted versions of Zulu culture. But the award-winning 2023 drama series Shaka iLembe seemed different.

A pinky and thumb extended with the remaining fingers curled down: That’s the “shaka” in Hawaii. A pair of bills in the Legislature would make the shaka Hawaii’s official gesture.

Showtime has ordered the series “Shaka: King of The Zulu Nation” from Antoine Fuqua, the pay TV channel said Tuesday. Created and written by Olu Odebunmi and Tolu Awosika, the hourlong show is ...