Balobedu Royal Nation disapproves airing of Queen Modjadji

The Balobedu Royal Council and Balobedu Royal Nation have raised concerns over the airing of upcoming Queen Modjadji Drama series without consultation. The long-awaited drama series is set to debut on Sunday, 14 July on Mzansi Magic at 20:00.

The drama which is set to tell the story of the Rain Queen is created by renowned poet, playwright, and producer Duma Ka Ndlovu.

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Makoma Mohale stars as the title character in the drama series. Some of the cast members include Mudi Mudau, Priscilla Raboroko, Moses Raseleke, Aubrey Mmakola and Candy Tsamandebele.

But in a statement issued on Sunday, the Balobedu Royal Nation says they have not been consulted about the drama series.

 “This series has not been approved by the Balobedu Royal Nation nor consented to by Her Majesty, Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII,” they said.

“There was no consultation with either the Balobedu Royal Nation or Her Majesty by Multichoice or the producer, Duma Ka Ndlovu.

“Her Majesty came of age on January 20, 2023 and as the rightful heir to the throne, her ascension was affirmed by President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and his predecessor in 2016 during the ceremony marking the restoration of the Balobedu Nations Queenship at Mokwakwaila stadium in Bolobedu, Limpopo.”

“It was confirmed that she would assume her throne as per tradition, custom, and by operation of law upon reaching the age of maturity. In alignment with this, she has established her own structure, along with the legitimate members of the royal family, to advise and manage her affairs until her coronation, at which point the Queen’s Council will be formally established.”

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“Her Majesty has a moral, spiritual, and traditional duty to protect and preserve her people, customs, and traditions. She cannot stand by when her history is distorted and misrepresented, either by spoken language or by misnarration for commercial reasons.”

The council have urged Multichoice to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Balobedu Royal Council and Her Majesty.

“Her Majesty cannot be ignored or disregarded in matters concerning her nation and her people,” they said.

“The portrayal of Balobedu heritage and the role of Rain Queens in the drama series Queen Modjadji raises concerns within the Balobedu Royal Nation. It is crucial that any representation of our cultural heritage is accurate, and respectful, and involves thorough consultation and consent from the Balobedu Royal Council and recognition of Her Majesty, Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji.

“The Balobedu people have awaited the rightful leadership of Her Majesty, the Rain Queen, who embodies the continuity of our cultural legacy. It is essential that Her Majesty is recognized and allowed to lead the Balobedu Royal Nation with dignity and respect.”