Lawyers can’t rain on this royal parade
A Balobedu village formed the backdrop for what promised to be an unforgettable night of culture and history the premiere of an epic tale of a queen with powerful rain-making powers.
However, an equally gripping real-life drama of feuding and intrigue was unfolding behind the scenes of the exclusive screening of Queen Modjadji, Mzansi Magic’s latest historical drama series.
This was a curtain-raiser that almost didn’t happen, after an urgent interdict filed in the Pretoria high court by Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII, the Balobedu royal family and the Balobedu Royal Council sought to stop the broadcast of the series.
However, on Tuesday acting judge Anthony Minnaar dismissed the application as lacking urgency.
Two days later, the booming sound of drums greeted guests as they arrived at the movies@Montecasino theatre in Fourways, Johannesburg.
Arriving at the cinema located at the end of the sprawling casino and entertainment complex, we were transported to a mystical world with artefacts displayed on plinths, beaded tapestries hanging from the ceiling and a carved wooden throne on a platform punctuating the scene. I wondered whether the décor designers had astutely upcycled some of the props from last year’s reveal of blockbuster Shaka iLembe for the occasion (the reed wall looked vaguely familiar) as I made my way to the not red but brown carpet.
There I met Lunathi Mampofu, elder sister to wellknown TV personality Oros, who also acts (she plays the lead in upcoming movie Tropic of Love).
Someone you would be hardpressed to miss was Lethabo “LeJoy” Mathatho who, along with Aaron Moloisi, were hosts for the evening.
What would be your ideal superpower? I asked LeJoy.
“To make money. To just wake up and watch it fall down,” said the Real Housewives of Joburg personality, who showed up in a revealing dress finished with a sheer cape featuring a dramatic African print fabric collar.
Taking a more traditional route through her ensemble, comprising handembellished nwenda (traditional Venda cloth), was Mudi Mudau, who plays aunt and adviser to the queen.
For Wiseman Zitha, the “African couture fit for royalty” dress code provided an opportunity for the hunky actor to dress up in a long skirt with gold brocade panels and matching kimono jacket by Karabo Official Designs.
The actor plays Prince Mamaila, King Mugodo’s estranged son, in the series.
“I think people are going to either like him or hate him,” said the actor about the character.
In the title role is Makoma Mohale, who viewers will recognise from e.tv soapie Scandal!. She in turn said the blue hue of her outfit, featuring a cowrie-shell-embellished shawl and head adornment, drew inspiration from the queen’s rain-making powers.
Nomzamo Mbatha, who has wooed audiences for her portrayal of Queen Nandi in Shaka iLembe, was full of praise for the series.
“It looks beautiful and amazing. I am sure that everyone who sees it is going to be mind-blown,” said Nomzamo, who took a modern route in her interpretation of the theme in her ecru gown, designed by Cape Town designer Luke Radloff, who last year was named the first recipient of the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation x Orveda prize.
We snacked on canapés including oxtail croquettes with Dijon sauce, grilled-fillet skewers with relish, crumbed chicken feet with chimichurri and hardbody chicken with samp and wild spinach.
Entertainment included traditional Balobedu dance and a performance by popular performer Candy “Tsa Mandebele” Mokwena.
And while executive producer Duma Ndlovu and MultiChoice’s CEO of general entertainment Nomsa Philiso concentrated on cultural aspects of this legendary story, when Modjadji Royal Council spokesperson Ronnie Moroatshehla was called up to say a few words he decided to address the elephant in the room.
The Limpopo politician touched on the royal feud over who can rightfully claim the Modjadji throne.
“We have gone to court up to five times, because they were challenging the decision that we have taken,” he said, referring to the campaign led by former ANC MP (and former Gauteng premier) Mathole Motshekga to have Masalanabo recognised as the new Modjadji heir and not her elder brother.
“We have beaten them 5-0, you [MulticChoice] have only beaten them 1-0, so we want to indicate that you have nothing to fear.
“We want to declare, on behalf of His Majesty Bakhoma Mpapatla Modjadji, and also on behalf of the royal council, that we are giving you [MultiChoice] a free licence to air the series. Winners never quit. And quitters will never win.”