Rhythm World Productions tells unpaid Umkhokha cast and crew it has 'cash flow' problems as MultiChoice vows stronger checks on growing trend of payment-skipping producers

by Thinus Ferreira

The crew and cast of yet another South African TV show are struggling to get paid, with Rhythm World Productions telling the workers of DStv's Umkhokha: The Curse it has "cash flow" problems.

MultiChoice now says it will introduce stronger check-ups to ensure and try and prevent that production companies making TV shows for DStv and that have been paid, actually pay their workers.

While DStv subscribers are watching episodes of Umkhokha: The Curse on MultiChoice's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) the cast and crew are struggling with not being paid for their work by Duma Ndlovu's Rhythm World Productions.

Sadly they are hardly alone in what has become a troubling growing trend in South Africa's TV and film industry.

Just this year so far, Clive Morris of Clive Morris Productions (CMP) defaulted on paying the crew and cast of Paramount Africa's Queendom on BET (DStv 129) multiple times, while the crew and cast of the drama series Pound 4 Pound, produced by Kagiso Modupe's Bakwena Productions, are also fighting with Kagiso Modupe to just get paid for the show which is also being broadcast on BET. 

Paramount Africa says it has paid its part of the costs and it is the production companies of these shows who have not paid the crews and casts.

Meanwhile, workers on SABC2's Muvhango, produced by Duma Ndlovu's Word of Mouth Pictures, also struggled to get paid after the show restarted production for the SABC after it got a new contract.

After not getting paid at the end of October, without any explanation, Rhythm World Productions told the crew and cast of Umkhokha: The Curse last week there is a "cash flow" problem.

Nobukhosi Ndlovu, Rhythm World Productions CEO, told workers in a "October 2024 payments" letter "This memo serves to inform you of a delay in the end of October payments due to a challenge with cash flow".

"Please be advised that payments will be affected as soon as the funds are received. Kindly accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused. We further note the level of stress that the late notification may cause."

According to insiders, MultiChoice executives are livid over Rhythm World Productions defaulting on properly paying the Umkhokha cast and crew on time and keeping it a secret, while MultiChoice has fully paid the production company. 

Earlier this year MultiChoice was also initially not aware of the struggle of the crew and cast of Paramount Africa's Pound 4 Pound trying to get paid by Kagiso Modupe who has still not done so. 

He is now facing legal action from the workers who have had to sell gear to survive and have lost accommodation over their failure to pay rent.

MultiChoice and Mzansi Magic in response to a media query over the Umkhokha: The Curse crew and cast waiting to get paid, told TVwithThinus "We at MultiChoice and Mzansi Magic take the welfare of everyone who brings our stories to life very seriously, including the cast and crew on all our productions".

"It is troubling to hear about any delays or difficulties in receiving payments, as we are committed to supporting the livelihoods of all involved."

"We understand that the timely payment of cast and crew members is essential, and we are actively addressing any payment delays through close collaboration with our production partners."

"We require all production companies we work with to meet industry standards, including fair treatment and timely payments for their teams."

"While we are aware of recent instances where cast and crew members have experienced hardship, please know that we are closely monitoring these situations and working to implement stronger checks and accountability mechanisms with our production partners to prevent these issues from happening in the future."

ALSO READ: Legal action starts against producer Kagiso Modupe after he fails to pay crew and cast of BET Africa's Pound 4 Pound: 'Poor show of morals'

ALSO READ: Cast and crew of Paramount Africa's Queendom telenovela on BET once again shuts down production after going unpaid again with 'milestone not met'

ALSO READ: SABC2's Muvhango forced to stop production again after writers, cast and crew again go unpaid by Word of Mouth Pictures

Incest and filicide: Inside Queen Modjadji's shocking debut episode decisions.

by Thinus Ferreira

In Queen Modjadi's first episode, a flawed king suspects his sons of plotting to kill him (he's right!), murders all 10 of them, and then has sex with his daughter - hoping for her to get pregnant with a daughter to fulfil a prophecy to appease the ancestors and raingods.

While first episodes of new TV series are usually scene-setting, forced to use the time to do basic character introductions and the setting setting for the audience before the plot starts, Rhythm World Productions on Sunday night disposed of the normal pleasantries and instantly went on a very bloody killing spree in Queen Modjadji.

Multiple just-established characters were brutally killed off during the first episode on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) on Sunday night, with several others in grave jeopardy, and some forced to flee from a crazy king.

While blood flowed, a daughter bared a boy instead of a daughter after having forced sex with her father the king, while the remaining tribe members wondered who else would live and who would die as they tried to stay alive in their drought-ravaged village.

For MultiChoice, M-Net's Mzansi Magic channel which is following up Shaka iLembe with Queen Modjadji, and for Rhythm World Productions, the scene-setting and jarring story is a calculated risk but one that they deem necessary to be authentic to the origin legend of the rain queen.

Although gruesome initially, MultiChoice and the producers took great pains not to be exploitative, to offend, or to drive away Sunday night DStv subscribers with lurid sex scenes and explicit murder and violence.

"We're in 2024. It's important for us to tell the Queen Modjadji story, as hard as it is, very, very respectfully," Nomsa Philiso, MultiChoice CEO for general entertainment, told me in a sit-down interview.

"You'll see the scenes around the conception hut - the way that it is done - it's almost sacrosanct. They are preparing her. They are doing it in a way that is very respectful. You will not see any sex scenes, for instance. We do understand that certain things are spoken of. So how do you still tell the story but respectfully?"

"Of course we thought the incest storyline is going to be 'wow, wow, wow' with viewers but we cannot walk away from it because that is the genesis of Queen Modjadji. It's the story," she said.

"Queen Modjadji is the right thing to do for MultiChoice; the right TV project. If we say we are truly going to tell our own stories, we should not just be telling the easy ones."

Gersh Kgamedi, Queen Modjadji's creative producer, told me the biggest challenge right off the bat for MultiChoice and Rhythm World Productions "was how do you present the taboo of a father sleeping with a daughter, and how do we treat and approach that respectfully."

"For us that was the biggest, biggest challenge of the entire story. One misstep could have changed the story entirely."

The king's killing of his sons "is based on real events," Gersh Kgamedi explains.

"What we've done is mixed true events with partly fiction. The killing of the sons is important because that is the culmination of ultimately changing the kingdom from a kingdom to a queendom, so the sons had to be get rid of as well."

ALSO READ: Court dismisses Balobedu Royal Council's urgent interdict to prevent MultiChoice and M-Net's Queen Modjadji drama series from starting Sunday on Mzansi Magic.

ALSO READ: M-Net's Queen Modjadji for Mzansi Magic - first offered to SABC multiple times - starts filming in secret location.

Court dismiss Balobedu Royal Council's urgent interdict to prevent MultiChoice and M-Net's Queen Modjadji drama series from starting Sunday on Mzansi Magic.

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice and M-Net's Queen Modjadji drama series will start this Sunday night on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) as originally scheduled after the Balobedu Royal Council's court application to interdict its airing failed in court on Tuesday afternoon.

The Balobedu Royal Council tried to block Queen Modjadji from being broadcast, although MultiChoice and M-Net were sure that the interdict would not be granted to keep the Rhythm World Productions drama series from airing. Advocate Louis Kok represented the Balobedu Royal Council.

The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Tuesday afternoon dismissed the Balobedu Royal Council's application. Advocate Terry Motau SC represented MultiChoice.

Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadi is represented by the Balobedu Royal Council who opposes MultiChoice and M-Net's making of the series, although Prince Lekukela Modjadji who is represented by the Modjadji Royal Council decided to work with MultiChoice and M-Net to produce the multi-million rand Queen Modjadji series. 

Although a broadcaster or production company is not obliged to consult or even employ researchers for the creation of a fictional work of art – even if based on, or inspired by real-life people or events – MultiChoice, M-Net and Rhythm World Productions did pay for research and consultation with tribal leaders, academic experts and other stakeholders to make Queen Modjadji.

Queen Modjadji the series is inspired by the first legendary Queen Modjadji, whose bloodline ruled has ruled Southern Africa’s Lobedu clan for centuries.

Motau argued that "even if a fictional drama series based over 200 years ago can be said to engage the rights of the applicants, the applicants have set out no evidence at all that the series will cause any harm".

"If it's not clear to audiences from this alone that the series is a work of fiction, although historically inspired, then also at the start of each episode the following wording is shown: 'HISTORICAL DRAMA INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS'. A longer disclaimer also follows at the end of each episode."

Judge Jacques Minnaar who dismissed the Balobedu Royal Council's interdict application, said a work of fiction won't infringe on the rights or dignity of the Balobedu.

"They knew about the series as early as June 2023. Instead, they waited for the production to be completed. It's difficult for the court to comprehend how the rights of the queen will be infringed by this work of fiction and in essence the matter lacks a sense of urgency. The matter is struck off the roll," Judge Jacques Minnaar said.

MultiChoice in response to the court decision, says it "welcomes the ruling from the Pretoria High Court dismissing the urgent application by the Balobedu Royal Council to stop the broadcast of the Queen Modjadji series".

"We undertook the necessary protocols and extensive consultations with cultural experts as part of the production process. The production of Queen Modjadji plays a pivotal role as it impacts the economy, job creation and livelihoods within the industry."

MultiChoice reiterated that "The story is inspired by the Balobedu legendary rainmaker, the first Queen Modjadji, and we are excited for our customers to go on the journey of this thoroughly researched African story."

ALSO READ: Queen Modjadji: Interdict to block MultiChoice from airing rainmaker TV series heard today.

Queen Modjadji: Interdict to block MultiChoice from airing rainmaker TV series heard today.

by Thinus Ferreira

MultiChoice and M-Net are confident that the premiere broadcast of the new Balobedu-inspired drama series Queen Modjadji will go ahead this Sunday on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) and that an urgent interdict won't be granted today to the Balobedu Royal Council trying to block it from airing.

UPDATE Tuesday 9 July 2024: 2:50pm: The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has dismissed Balobedu Royal Council's urgent interdict to prevent MultiChoice and M-Net's Queen Modjadji drama series from starting Sunday on Mzansi Magic.

In a Game of Thrones-like political skirmish, Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadi is represented by the Balobedu Royal Council who opposes MultiChoice and M-Net's making of the series. 

Prince Lekukela Modjadji is however represented by the Modjadji Royal Council and worked with MultiChoice and M-Net to produce the Queen Modjadji series. 

The Balobedu in-fighting and legal battle has been waging for years following the council's decision in 2021 to give Prince Lekukela Modjadji the crown to the kingdom instead of to his sister Princess Masalanabo Modjadji, with this feud which caused a ripple effect on the making of Queen Modjadi as a fictional TV series.

A broadcaster or production company is not obliged to consult or even employ researchers for the creation of a fictional work of art – even if based on, or inspired by real-life people or events – but MultiChoice, M-Net and Rhythm World Productions did pay for research and consultation with tribal leaders, academic experts and other stakeholders to make Queen Modjadji.

Queen Modjadji the series is inspired by the first legendary Queen Modjadji, whose bloodline ruled has ruled Southern Africa’s Lobedu clan for centuries and is produced by Rhythm World Productions.

The drama series stars Makoma Mohale as the title character Maselekwani, as well as an ensemble cast including Mudi Mudau, Putla Sehlapelo, Priscilla Raboroko and Moses Raseleke as the royal healer.

The Balobedu Royal Council in Limpopo has now brought an urgent application for an interdict of the Duma Ndlovu-produced series and claims that Queen Modjadji as a fictional drama series will undermine and marginalise the Khelobedu language and Balobedu people. 

Chief Gabriel Rasebotsa brought an application to the High Court in Pretoria to prevent MultiChoice and M-Net from airing Queen Modjadji.

"The Balobedu Royal Council was not consulted and the Queen was not consulted. We have been undermined by the Apartheid government, " Rasebotsa said to SABC News.

"The attire to be displayed in the documentary does not represent the Balobedu attire. The use of the Ndebele, Zulu and Xhosa attire constitutes a misrepresentation which – within the cultural context, where unique traditions and symbols are pivotal to the cultural heritage – constitute and insults me and the people of the Balobedu Royal Nation."

MultiChoice says "there is no factual or legal basis for the application. 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".

Advocate Terry Motau SC represents MultiChoice.

Similar to the roll-out of the first season of Shaka Ilembe also inspired by the legend of Shaka Zulu and which had a premiere screening and media launch event at Monte Casino in Johannesburg last year, MultiChoice and M-Net are planning a similar premiere screening and media event for Thursday evening for the debut of Queen Modjadji at the same large cinema venue with VIP guests.

ALSO READ: Court dismiss Balobedu Royal Council's urgent interdict to prevent MultiChoice and M-Net's Queen Modjadji drama series from starting Sunday on Mzansi Magic.

M-Net's Queen Modjadji for Mzansi Magic - first offered to SABC multiple times - starts filming in secret location.

by Thinus Ferreira

Filming has started for M-Net's Queen Modjadji drama series which will broadcast on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) from July this year, with cameras that are rolling in a secret location in South Africa.

The Mzansi Magic drama series is inspired by the Balobedu legend of rainmaker Queen Modjadji whose bloodline ruled Southern Africa's Lobedu clan for centuries. The series is produced by Rhythm World Productions and Duma Ndlovu responsible for Muvhango on the SABC's SABC2 channel.

The City Press newspaper, which had a journalist who was part of a set visit by M-Net to the Queen Modjadji film set in late April, reported that produced Duma Ndlovu said he pitched Queen Modjadji to the SABC several times which didn't want to do the show.

Regarding the Balobedu royal family, Doma Ndlovu says "They are still very secretive - there are still certain things that we can't touch but the story is a universal story of a queen who could make rain and that's not a secret".

Rhythm World Productions wanted to film Queen Modjadji in South Africa's Limpopo province but couldn't find a suitable location. Set construction of a village started in January this year and took two months, after which filming started in March.

Some of the Queen Modjadji cast include Ndavi Nokeri, Shudufhadzo Musida, Helen Lepebe, Ngelekanyo Ramulondi, Thabo Bopape, Wiseman Zitha, Masutang Rasekele who is also one of the language advisors and script writers on the production.

ALSO READ: MultiChoice and M-Net's Mzansi Magic bringing rainmaker legend Queen Modjadji to life in new Rhythm World Productions drama series.

MultiChoice and M-Net's Mzansi Magic bringing rainmaker legend Queen Modjadji to life in new Rhythm World Productions drama series.

by Thinus Ferreira 

After its first epic historical series Shaka Ilembe, MultiChoice and M-Net is following it up with Queen Modjadji for Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) in a drama inspired by the Balobedu legend of rainmaker Queen Modjadji whose bloodline has ruled Southern Africa's Lobedu clan for centuries.

Produced by Rhythm World Productions and Duma Ndlovu, Queen Modjadji will tell the "story 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," Mzansi Magic says. 

 Nomsa Philiso, MultiChoice CEO for general entertainment, says "Bringing Queen Modjadji to our audiences meets their desire for television entertainment drawn from our heritage and it also flows seamlessly into our plans to create a catalogue of drama series made in African languages". 

 "Queen Modjaji comes hot off the trail of Shaka Ilembe which was a global phenomenon and very much an expression of the MultiChoice strategy to drive home-grown, authentic African storytelling," she says. 

According to MultiChoice production on Queen Modjadji is "already well underway and the team behind the title has been researching and consulting with key stakeholders, tribal leaders and academic experts".

Scripting and casting for Queen Modjadji is nearing completion and principal photography will be starting soon.

Duma Ndlovu says "The earth, the elements, and the energy of humans connect in ways that are both physical and spiritual, both obvious and unseen. Queen Modjadji was a living embodiment of this, and so we will explore what this royal title, and the women who've held it, have lived, sacrificed, lost, and achieved".

"At the same time, we want to be very entertaining – with a strong episodic storyline and historical detail set under unpredictable skies, where rain or storm, echoes what is happening in the lives of those below."