With Multichoice and M-net set to premier their new drama series, Queen Modjadji, the Bolabedu Royal Council, which the series is inspired by, has approached the Pretoria high court, in an effort to interdict the premier and airing of the show.
This dispute has been brewing for some years now, since the passing of the late Queen Makobo Modjadji and the installation of Prince Lekukela Modjadji, instead of Princess Masalanabo Modjadji.
This surprised many as the princess was expected to be the next ruler of the Bolabedu people, due to the rich history of female leaders.
The council believes that the Queen Modjadji show is fictional, and the airing of it will therefore undermine and marginalise the Bolabedu culture along with its people. Chief Gabriel Rasebotsa, a representative of the council argues that “The Balobedu Royal Council was not consulted and the Queen was not consulted. We have been undermined by the Apartheid government, ” Chief Gabriel said to SABC News.
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The court application is scheduled for Tuesday, 9 July, while the show is set to premiere on Sunday, 14 July.
Conversely, a different council led by Regent Mpapatla Modjadji says that they were involved and have given Multichoice the go-ahead to proceed with the premier of the show as planned.
Multichoice is unfazed by all the drama surrounding the show, contrarily, they are ready to give South Africans great television. “We are confident that the court will dismiss the case and that viewers will not be deprived of the opportunity of watching this epic story, inspired by the Balobedu legendary rainmaker, the first Queen Modjadji,” the broadcaster said to The Citizen.
Regardless of all the conflict, fans have expressed their excitement for the show, as it will not only be entertainment but also a way to educate the masses about the rich history of the Bolabedu people, who are rarely given a platform of this magnitude.
Looking forward to watching the first episode of “Queen Modjadji” this weekend. I find the history and story of the rain queen and the Balobedu people very fascinating.
— a Nativ (@RoninDexx) July 9, 2024
