By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Miss SA queens Shudufhadzo Musida and Ndavi Nokeri are set to make their acting debut on Mzansi Magic’s new historically-inspired drama series, Queen Modjadji.
The two beauty queens have struck gold and have been cast.
Musida, who was crowned Miss SA 2020, will star as Muthanoni Mulalo, one of the king/queen’s wives from the VhaVenda Royal Family.
In the same breath, Nokeri, who was crowned Miss SA 2022, will star as Muthanoni Khensani, one of the king/queen’s wives from the VaTsonga Royal Family.
This is their debut acting role.
Other actors include Ngelekanyo Ramulodi, who has bagged the lead role as Young Queen Modjadji.
Ngele has starred in S’phiwo and Fatal Seduction. She’s also been on British drama series, Noughts & Crosses.
Masutang Rasekele has been cast as Dzugudini, the daughter of the Rain King and the mother of Queen Modjadji. Masutang is a new actor who will be making her debut on the show.
Helen Lebepe takes on the role of Raisibe, who assists Modjadji in getting a view into the real world of her people and grows to become her confidant. Helen has starred on Saints & Sinners.
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.
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?
MultiChoice Group CEO for General Entertainment, Nomsa Philiso, said this is another strategy for Multichoice to drive home-grown, authentic African storytelling after the success of Shaka Ilembe.
“Bringing Queen Modjadji to our audiences meets their desire for television entertainment drawn from our heritage, and it also flows seamlessly into our plans to create a catalogue of drama series made in African languages.
“Queen Modjadji comes hot off the trail of Shaka Ilembe, which was a global phenomenon and very much an expression of MultiChoice’s strategy to drive home-grown, authentic African storytelling, “she said.
Queen Modjadji is set to premiere in July 2024.