After being fraught with controversy a few days ahead of its eagerly-awaited premiere with attempts to halt its airing, “Queen Modjadji” took off on an impressive note on Sunday evening, leaving many wanting more.
A legal spat raged, with an attempt to halt the airing of the series with the Balobedu Royal Nation claiming that this series had not been approved by the Balobedu Royal Nation nor consented to by Her Majesty, Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VI'.
Following an urgent application asking the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, to halt Queen Modjadji’s broadcast, MultiChoice emerged successful, setting off an explosive Sunday night premiere.
Makoma Mohale leads this historically inspired drama series, portraying the role of Maselekwani (Queen Modjadji).
Mohale, known for her role as Tlhogi in e.tv’s “Scandal”, is a certified professional model and a familiar face on the screen.
Wiseman Zitha, Mudi Mudau, and Helen Lebepe, among other esteemed actors, also bring a captivating storyline to life.
The fabled rainmaker Queen Modjadji, the first of the Lobedu clan’s ancestors who governed southern Africa for millennia, is the inspiration behind this epic tale.
A line of hereditary queens succeeded her when she ascended to the throne and was endowed with an elemental ancestral gift.
The narrative revolves around a matriarchal dynasty that has gained the respect of several African dynasties by its remarkable power to change the skies and call for rain.
MultiChoice Group CEO Nomsa Philiso outlined the series' core, stating it satisfied the viewers’ heritage and aligns with their goal to produce African-language dramas.
“Bringing ‘Queen Modjadji’ to our audiences meets their desire for television entertainment drawn from our heritage, and it also flows seamlessly into our plans to create a catalogue of drama series made in African languages.
“’Queen Modjadji’ comes hot off the trail of ‘Shaka iLembe’, which was a global phenomenon and very much an expression of MultiChoice’s strategy to drive home-grown, authentic African storytelling.”
Duma Ndlovu, a renowned poet, playwright, and producer, is leading a series that aims to engage viewers with Lobedu culture and traditions.
“The earth, the elements, and the energy of humans connect in ways that are both physical and spiritual, both obvious and unseen. ‘Queen Modjadji’ was a living embodiment of this, and so we will explore what this royal title and the women who’ve held it have lived, sacrificed, lost, and achieved,” said Ndlovu.
“And, at the same time, we want to be very entertaining — with a strong episodic storyline and historical detail set under unpredictable skies, where rain or storm echoes what is happening in the lives of those below.”
The initial episode sparked a significant viewer response on social media, with many sharing their positive opinions about the drama series.
Kekeleto Lucia is among the viewers who discussed the series on X, saying, “Seeing a full cast on TV speaking Khelobedu is a beautiful man, but the story of Queen Modjadji being told is massive. I do not regret giving it a try.”
Ramathabathe, a different user, also expressed her excitement and that she was looking forward to next week.
“I cannot wait for next week. Makoma Mohale and Wisdom Zitha will make their debut. Nna yena, I’m for Queen Modjadji.”
The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za