Production on Mzansi Magic’s much-anticipated drama series Queen Modjadji is well underway. To bring this fascinating story of the Rain Queen to life, the series has cast a mix of experienced, well-known talent and fresh new faces, thus opening the film and television industry for young and upcoming creatives.  

The cast was selected based on their ability to master the Khelovedu language and to closely portray the historic figures that form a significant part of the story in the lead up to Queen Modjadji’s reign. 

In February when Mzansi Magic announced the production of the Queen Modjadji story, South Africans expressed their intrigue and this ignited much-welcomed curiosity and chatter, largely because this is a story that has not been widely told. Having a talented cast that will deliver and depict the story’s characters respectfully is crucial to the quality of the production. 

Ngelekanyo Ramulodi (young Queen Modjadji) – Ngele made her first appearance on Mzansi Magic's S'phiwo, and you might recognise her from Fatal Seduction and Noughts & Crosses on various other platforms. In the series she plays the young Modjadji, 14-year-old Maselegwani.  

Masutang Rasekele (Dzugudini) – Masutang is a fresh new face on the screen and will play Dzugudini, the daughter of the Rain King and the mother of Queen Modjadji. Dzugudini is a crucial part of the Lovedu history as she is instrumental in saving the kingdom from a catastrophic drought.  

Helen Lebepe (Raisibe) – Helen, who has several acting roles under her belt, including one on Mzansi Magic’s Saints & Sinners (now on Showmax), will play the role of Raisibe. In the story, Raisibe, assists Modjadji to get a view into the real world of her people and grows to become her confidant.   

Thabo Bopape (Mambo Mugodo) – Thabo is a Mzansi film director and producer who is also a familiar face on screen having appeared on numerous television series, feature films, commercials, and stage shows. He plays the Supreme Mambo/king of the Kharanga Kingdom, who is obsessed with becoming the greatest rainmaker and is racing against time to fix his mistakes, restore the balance as required by his ancestors, and end a severe drought.   

Shudu Musida (Muthanoni Mulalo) – Former Miss SA Shudu Musida will be making her screen acting debut in the series, portraying the role of Muthanoni Mulalo as one of the king/queen’s wives from the VhaVenda royal family.

Ndavi Nokeri (Muthanoni Khensani) – Ndavi is also a former Miss SA winner who was crowned in 2022 and represented SA in the Miss Universe Pageant during the same year. She plays the role of Muthanoni Khensani, another one of the king/queen’s wives from the VaTsonga royal family.   

More characters will be revealed as production progresses, leading up to the show’s premiere in July 2024, but the big question remains … who will play the legendary Queen Modjadji? 

Queen Modjadji is produced for MultiChoice by Rhythm World Productions. Join the conversation on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok using #QueenModjadjiMzansi.