‘Queen Modjadji’: Channel responds to claims Shudu and Ndavi were divas
Shudu Musida and Ndavi Nokeri, who won Miss SA in 2020 and 2022 respectively, were accused of diva tendencies on the set of ‘Queen Modjadji’.
Mzansi Magic has poured cold water on reports former Miss South Africa winners Shudufhadzo Musida and Ndavi Nokeri behaved like divas while shooting Queen Modjadji.
The drama series, produced by Duma Ndlovu’s Rhythm World Productions, aired its debut episode on Sunday, 14 July, at 21:00.
DIVA TENDENCY ALLEGATIONS ON ‘QUEEN MODJADJI’
A day after the show aired, ZiMoja reported that sources claim Shudu and Ndavi had to be let go “because of diva tendencies”.
According to a source who spoke to the publication, both models were expecting beauty pageant treatment on the set of Queen Modjadji.
“They clearly did not get the memo that they were working on a professional set with directors and producers, who call the shots. They did not understand the acting set-up.
“Because of their high demands, the producers decided to cut their stay short and give them cameo roles,” the source was quoted as saying.
MZANSI MAGIC RESPONDS
However, speaking to Sunday World, Mzansi Magic denied the allegations.
“Shudufhadzo Musida and Ndavi Nokeri were pleasant on set and bonded very well with the cast and crew of Queen Modjadji,” said the channel.
The channel also explained that Shudu and Ndavi were not present at the premiere of the drama series on Thursday last week because they had other commitments and there was no indication that they would be present.
ABOUT ‘QUEEN MODJADJI’
Queen Modjadji is the epic tale of the world-famous Balobedu legendary rainmaker, the first Queen Modjadji, whose bloodline has ruled Southern Africa’s Lobedu clan for centuries.
Her story is the tale of a matriarchal dynasty, whose ability to transform the clouds and summon the rain has earned the Balobedu royalty a place among the most revered of African dynasties.
The cast of Queen Modjadji includes Thabo Bopape as Mambo Mugodo, Masutang Hope Rasekele as Dzungundini, Makoma Mohale as Maselekwane (Queen Modjadji), Mudi Mudau as Khadikhulu, Moses Rasekele as Mphabantshi, Helen Lebepe as Raisibe, Sipho Ndlovu as General Phaahla, Wiseman Zitha as Mamaila, Aubrey Mmakola as Kgoshi Mampuru, Ngelekanyo Ramulondi as young Queen Modjadji, Priscilla Raboroko as young Raisibe, Putla Sehlapelo as Ramulodi, and Candy “TsaMaNdebele” Mokwena as Muyahabo.
It was initially reported that Shudu, who won Miss SA in 2020, would portray the role of Muthanoni Mulalo, one of the king’s wives from the Vhavenda royal family.
Meanwhile, Ndavi, who was crowned Miss SA 2022, would play Muthanoni Khensani, another one of the king’s wives from the Vatsonga royal family.
