Balobedu Royal Council Disapproves Queen Modjadji Drama Series
The Balobedu Royal Council says they were not consulted by MultiChoice or the producer regarding the planned airing of the drama series “Queen Modjadji”.
The series is set to be aired on Sunday, July 14.
The Council has approached the High Court in Pretoria, to interdict the airing of the series. The court application is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, July 9.
In a statemenet issued by Secretary-General of the Balobedu Royal Council, Gabriel Rasebotsa, says that the series has not been approved by the Balobedu Royal Nation nor consented to by Her Majesty, Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII.
“There was no consultation with either the Balobedu Royal Nation or Her Majesty by Multichoice or the producer, Duma Ka Ndlovu. The portrayal of Balobedu heritage and the role of Rain Queens in the drama series Queen Modjadji raises concerns within the Balobedu Royal Nation,” said Rasebotsa
ALSO READ : Makoma Mohale to Play Lead Role on ‘Queen Modjadji’
Rasebotsa said that Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII cannot be ignored or disregarded in matters concerning her nation and her people.
“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,”
“It is crucial that any representation of our cultural heritage is accurate, respectful, and involves thorough consultation and consent from the Balobedu Royal Council and recognition of Her Majesty, Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji,” said Rasebotsa
“We urge all stakeholders, including Multichoice and the producers of Queen Modjadji, to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Balobedu Royal Council and Her Majesty, Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII, to ensure that any depiction of Balobedu heritage is done with sensitivity, authenticity, and acknowledgment of the profound role of Rain Queens in our community,” concluded Rasebotsa
Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) has maintained that it performed due diligence before production began on its upcoming Queen Modjadji series.
Balobedu Royal Council Disapproves Queen Modjadji Drama Series