Five reasons why ‘Queen Modjadji’ is a must-watch series

This Women's Month, who better to remind us of the great qualities women possess than SA's Queen Modjadji herself?

Born to the throne and bestowed with a special ancestral gift, Queen Modjadji built an entire kingdom and initiated a lineage of queens capable of summoning rain and manipulating the clouds, ensuring the prosperity and wellbeing of their people.

This matriarchal dynasty stands as a timeless symbol of strength, wisdom and spiritual power in African history — it's also the inspiration for the gripping storyline behind Mzansi Magic's prime-time drama series, Queen Modjadji.

Since the series first premiered in July, it's built up a loyal following of fans who eagerly tune in to Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) every Sundays at 8pm when a fresh episode drops. (If you've missed any episodes, don't stress: you can find Queen Modjadji on DStv Catch Up.)

If you're new to the show, here are five reasons this spectacular series is a must watch:

1. History brought to life

Africa is a melting pot of varied cultures and traditions whose stories deserve to be told equally. Embedded in the captivating Queen Modjadji storylines — which fuse historical events with fictional adaptations — are powerful history lessons that will not only add to viewers’ knowledge of African history, but also will foster a greater sense of community among South Africans.

2. Impactfully made, impact felt

Simply unpacked, “heritage” refers to acknowledging the past to inform our present and future. Mzansi Magic documented a part of Africa’s history in telling the story of Queen Modjadji and the production of the series created more than 600 jobs through locally-sourced Balobedu artefacts, beadwork, indigenous fruits and vegetables.

The 100% authentically crafted thatching and screeding of the huts, as seen in the show, had a positive impact on the local economy too.

3. Learning a new language

The Queen Modjadji series was commissioned as part of Mzansi Magic’s dedication to showcasing as many African languages as possible. The cast was selected based on their ability to speak the Khelovedu language and, in addition, underwent rigorous training to master the accent.

Wear your glasses, if you will, because you'll be glued to the subtitles. First things first, Khelovedu is not a dialect but an independent language in its own right. That said, there are plenty of words that the viewers will recognise instantly. Prepare to have fun while learning to put this language puzzle together.

4. A refreshing cast delivering A-game acting

Who doesn’t love a fresh face on TV? In the spirit of growing and diversifying talented thespians, Queen Modjadji features a mixture of well-known and fresh faces in the entertainment industry.

Talk about the hand of destiny at play, Masutang Hope Rasekele was hired as an intern writer but later bagged the role of Dzugudini (the daughter of the Rain King and the mother of Queen Modjadji). Makoma Mohale, who is no stranger to the small screen, plays the lead character of Maselekwane (Queen Modjadji).

Mudi Mudau, Helen Lebepe, Sipho Ndlovu, Wiseman Zitha, Aubrey Mmakola, Ngelekanyo Ramulondi, Ngelekanyo Ramulondi, Priscilla Raboroko, Putla Setlapelo, Thabo Bopape and Candy “Tsamandebele” Mokwena are some of the other actors that portray the key characters in the Queen Modjadji storyline.

A historical production of this nature was a first for many of the cast members, and there was no choice but to bring on stellar performances that viewers will experience with each episode. 

5. Real talk

Between the meticulously designed traditional attires (shout out to costume designer Simphiwe Zulu), the dedicated cast and the quality acting, the Queen Modjadji series is bound to get the nation talking. Watch with an open mind and join in on the conversation by using the hashtag #QueenModjadjiMzansi on Mzansi Magic's social media platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.   

Don’t miss fresh episodes of Queen Modjadji, exclusive to Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161), every Sunday at 8pm — or find all the current episodes on DStv Catch Up. For Queen Modjadji updates and more, visit the Mzansi Magic website. 

This article was sponsored by Mzansi Magic.