The cast of the highly- awaited Queen Modjadji, along with the Balobedu royal family and the who's who of the entertainment industry, came out to celebrate the series’s premiere yesterday, Thursday 11 July. Queen Modjadji airs on Channel 161, Mzansi Magic from Sunday 14 July at 20:00.
Presented by Amarula and Toyota, the event was held at the Montecasino cinema complex, which was recreated into a nostalgic Balobedu village for the night. The premiere was an authentic celebration of this first-of-its-kind series that celebrates the legendary story of the Balobedu rainmaking queen and her enduring legacy.
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 included Lindani Nkosi, Ayanda Borotho, Dingaan Mokebe, Lunathi Mampofu, Galaletsang Koffman, Lemogang Tsipa, Nomzamo Mbatha, Keke Mphuthi, Sello Maake KaNcube, and former Big Brother Mzansi housemates and Mzansi Magic ambassadors Yolanda, Sinaye, Zee, Mich, and Makheke.
Following the networking session where guests were treated to a range of dishes that celebrated the Balobedu culture, hosts Aaron Moloisi and Lethabo “LeJoy” Mathatho kicked off proceedings with a performance by musician and Queen Modjadji cast member Candy “TsaMandebele” Mokwena, followed by speeches from the CEO of General Entertainment at Multichoice Nomsa Philiso, Modjadji Royal Council Spokesperson Ronnie Moroatshehla, and Limpopo Sports, Arts, and Culture MEC Jerry Funani Maseko. The special pre-screening of episode one of Queen Modjadji was introduced by executive producer Duma Ndlovu of Rhythm World Productions.
Speaking to Multichoice’s dedication to showcasing diverse narratives, Philiso noted, “We are immensely proud to bring the story of Queen Modjadji to life, a project that has been long overdue. We are proud to have shifted the needle with this groundbreaking series, celebrating and preserving our rich cultural heritage. As Africa's most loved storyteller, we don't just claim the title, we demonstrate it through our actions and this project is yet another proof point of our commitment. The series is of great significance to South Africa and the broader continent. And, it is for this reason that on Sunday, we will not only be premiering it in just Mzansi, but also in Zambia, Kenya, Nigeria, Angola, Mozambique, and Ghana – ensuring that the whole continent speaks about the story of Queen Modjadji and the Balobedu people for the next 12 weeks.” Philiso further added that heritage is crucial to understanding our future, and by sharing such stories, we ensure that future generations will be well-informed about their roots.
“The story of Queen Modjadji is one that represents strength, wisdom, and spiritual power. African stories have always been narrated inaccurately over the years. To ensure authenticity, we intentionally sourced local artisans to produce the artefacts and indigenous items. We believe that this production was greater than producing visuals, but also leaving a positive impact on the Balobedu people,” said Ndlovu.
In celebration of the premiere, the following cast members shared their experiences and thoughts on the series:
Makoma Mohale, who plays Queen Modjadji
“Playing this role has been an incredible journey, with its own challenges – but ultimately, a very rewarding experience. Stepping into the shoes of such a powerful historical figure was a huge honour. Queen Modjadji's significance in history is immense, and the role allowed me to reconnect with my Balobedu roots in a deeply meaningful way. It was challenging in the most amazing way”
Mmasutani Hope Rasekele, who plays Dzugudini the daughter of the Rain King and mother to Queen Modjadji
"I am originally Balobedu, and seeing the story of my people on mainstream TV is beautiful and incredibly rewarding. I grew up hearing stories of Queen Modjadji, and now we get to share her story with the world. It's important to tell our stories in our languages and preserve our cultures – that’s key to building a rainbow nation. This series is educational, highlighting the importance of community and the harmonious coexistence of men and women in the olden days. Queen Modjadji’s story, especially in the Balobedu context, showcases these gender dynamics. For me, this role is groundbreaking – I'm a young girl from a rural village, now walking red carpets."
Thabo Bopabe who plays Mambo Mugodo
“Mambo Mugodo is the last of the male Balobedu kings. He is father to the first Queen Modjadji, the first of the Rain Queens. He is a wonderful man, very caring and loving of his people. In preparing for this role, I was very lucky that I love languages and that I happen to be Pedi. Khelovedu is a unique language. Learning it wasn’t difficult, but it also wasn’t easy, either. The process turned out to be fun because it stretched me linguistically.”
Watch Queen Modjadji this Sunday 14 July at 20:00 on Channel 161, Mzansi Magic. Until then we say: “Pula, ha e ne (Let it rain)!”