Blending emotional highs with shocking betrayals, episode three certainly set a new bar for suspense. Here's what we learned in this electrifying episode.
A new dawn and growing tensions
The episode opens with the downpour of rain, and an overabundance of harvest, signalling the arrival of a new dawn in the kingdom. The young Queen Maselekwane (played by Makoma Mohale) has turned 18 and is ready to be crowned Rain Queen, the Transformer of the Clouds. Her journey to the throne is marked by anticipation and myth.
Resistance to female rule
Khadikhulu (played by Mudi Mudau) prepares Maselekwane for her new role as Queen, warning her about the challenges she would later face from the predominantly male royal council. Later, Mambo Mugodo (played by Thabo Bopape) cryptically reveals to the council that a woman will rule the kingdom. The royal council is left not only in suspense, but also extremely shocked and uneasy about the prospect of being led by a woman.
Dzugudini’s unfulfilled ambitions and her deal with darkness
For the past two episodes, viewers sympathised with Dzugudini (played by Masutang Rasekele) believing that she had finally secured her place of recognition within the kingdom by agreeing to her father's ‘absurd request’ to bear the future Rain Queen. However, episode three reveals her true feelings of betrayal and the lengths she will go to reclaim what she believes was stolen from her. Feeling dishonoured for her sacrifices, Dzugudini turns to dark forces, sealing a pact in blood with Thibule (played by Collen Magongwa) the witch doctor who self-appoints himself as her spiritual advisor. Thibule warns Dzugudini that Mambo Mugodo has ruined her destiny, and that the incoming Queen will steal her future. Thibule further manipulates Dzugudini into stealing the Rain Charms, claiming that without them, Maselekwane will never be able to make rain.
A sacred ritual and sacrifice
Mphabhantsi (played by Moses D Rasekele) warns Mambo Mugodo that his fate can no longer be delayed as it is time for the Rain Queen to take charge. Mambo Mugodo presents Maselekwane to the ancestors at the sacred ancestral cave, explaining how her birth brought rain to the kingdom – and how the clouds have, once again, gathered on the day she takes over as Queen. In a profoundly moving and ancient tradition, Mambo Mugodo performs a sacred practice that culminates in his ritual suicide, a sacrifice made by centuries of kings before him.
Uncertainty looms: can the new Rain Queen make it rain?
With the Rain Charms stolen and hidden by Dzugudini, the kingdom’s future hangs in the balance. Will Maselekwane fulfil her destiny and make it rain without the charms? How will her reign unfold amidst betrayal and resistance? We eagerly await the next episode to see how these dramatic events unfold.
Stay tuned to Queen Modjadji every Sunday at 20:00 on Mzansi Magic, channel 161, for more surprising plot twists.
Viewers can join in the conversation by using the hashtag #QueenModjadjiMzansi on our social media platforms Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Missed episode 1 – 3 of Queen Modjadji? These are all available on DStv Catch Up.