On Sunday, a new TV drama ‘Queen Modjadji’ made its debut on Mzansi Magic, much to viewers' delight, especially since a court battle almost stopped its screen debut.
‘Queen Modjadji’ tells the story of the Rain Queen, or Modjadji as she is more commonly known. She is the hereditary ruling monarch for the Balobedu people in Limpopo, a northern province in South Africa.
Viewers were introduced to the drama series on Sunday evening. Many were blown away by the rich culture of the Balobedu people, even though many were stuck reading the subtitles throughout the first episode.
Mzansi Magic on Thursday, before ‘Queen Modjadji’s’ screen debut hosted a premiere, where the cast, the Balobedu royal family and the who's who of the entertainment industry came out to celebrate.
The premiere was an authentic celebration of this first-of-its-kind series that celebrates the legendary story of the Balobedu rain-making queen and her enduring legacy.
‘Queen Modjadji’ introduces viewers not only to the culture of the Balobedu people and their history, but also to a new crop of talent such as Mmasutani Hope Rasekele and also gives rising stars such as Makoma Mohale, who has been on ‘Scandal!’ a platform to showcase her range and talent.
The stylish line-up of celebrity guests, series actors and production team walked the Brown Carpet fully dressed to the nines in adherence to the ‘African Couture Fit for Royalty’ theme.
Some of Mzansi’s favourite celebs spotted on the Brown Carpet include Lindani Nkosi, Ayanda Borotho, and Dingaan Mokebe - who didn't even bother to dress up, he did not even wear a traditional shirt, talk about coming as you are.
Lunathi Mampofu, Galaletsang Koffman, Lemogang Tsipa, Nomzamo Mbatha; who made a discreet entrance, Keke Mphuthi who was crowned best dressed, Sello Maake KaNcube came with his wife Pearl Mbewe kaNcube and they appeared very much together, as opposed to the tabloid reports about them.
TV and radio presenters Aaron Moloisi and Lethabo ‘LeJoy’ Mathatho hosted the proceedings. Mathatho must have read all the comments about her HollywoodBets Durban July because she made sure to look her best and put the foil away.
Singer Candy ‘TsaMandebele’ Mokwena who is also a cast member on ‘Queen Modjadji performed, speeches were presented by CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice, Nomsa Philiso, Limpopo Sports, Arts and Culture MEC Jerry Funani Maseko and Modjadji Royal Council spokesperson Ronnie Moroatshehla, who made sure to give a history lesson and cut into executive producer Duma Ndlovu of Rhythm World Productions’ speech time.
Moroatshehla made sure to let everyone know that MultiChoice has the full rights to broadcast and tell the story of ‘Queen Modjadji’ and they too had been taken to court by the Balobedu Royal Council who brought them to court five times and failed.
IOL Entertainment