Balobedu Queendom celebrates Queen Modjadji show — ‘we’ve been put on the map for future generations’

Multi-award-winning artist Candy Tsa Mandebele Mokoena, a singer, songwriter, actress, and steadfast advocate for Khelobedu performing at Modjadjiskloof. (Photo by Michelle Banda)

By Michelle Banda

25 Aug 2024

The Modjadji kraal in Limpopo came alive with celebration as the Balobedu Queendom embraced the Queen Modjadji show to showcase their rich culture and language. With support from local leaders and cultural icons, the show has sparked renewed interest in preserving Khelobedu traditions.

Following the airing of the Queen Modjadji show on Mzansi Magic, Daily Maverick journalist Michelle Banda had the unusual opportunity to visit the Modjadji kraal in Modjadjiskloof, Limpopo. This small town, formerly known as Duiwelskloof, sits at the foot of the escarpment and is home to the only queendom in southern Africa, where the Khelobedu language is spoken by an estimated 2.4 million people.

The visit this month coincided with a day of celebrations hosted by the Royal Balobedu House, drawing notable figures such as Duma Ndlovu, a renowned poet, playwright, and producer of the show. The event was also attended by cast members, representatives from the channel (MultiChoice), the Greater Thaba Municipality and the Limpopo legislature.

The celebration was a vibrant showcase of Balobedu culture, with the Royal Council and community embracing the show’s portrayal of their marginalised heritage. Traditional attire, cultural dance performances and conversations in Khelobedu took centre stage, reflecting the residents’ pride in seeing their culture on national television.

Read more: Queen Modjadji series spotlights Unofficial Languages: A Call for Recognition and Preservation

“The show has made us people among other people. It has put us on the map even for generations to come to know who we are and where we come from,” said Mma Morongwa Modjadji Mosata wa ha Modjadji, speaking on behalf of the regent King Ba Mosata Bakhoma Mpapatla Modjadji.

In Bolobedu culture, the king does not address a crowd directly, but through a representative. Mosata likened the show to a new bride bringing fresh dynamics to a familiar environment. She urged the production team and channel to continue exposing South Africa and the world to the Khelobedu language beyond the Queen Modjadji show.

An old man blows a horn during a performance by the Royal Khekhapa group at the Royal Modjadji homestead. (Photo: Michelle Banda)

Makoma Makhurupetje, Speaker of the Limpopo legislature, echoed this sentiment, pledging support to ensure the preservation of Khelobedu culture and language.

“To Duma Ndlovu, the channel and the cast, thank you for putting Khelobedu in the right context and involving us in the production process,” said Makhurupetje.

She emphasised the importance of practising the values of a rainbow nation and ensuring that Khelobedu is recognised both locally and internationally. “We want this legacy to live on. Just as the Sarafina show has kept the memory of apartheid alive for new generations, the Queen Modjadji show will do the same for Khelobedu culture.”

Despite initial challenges, including a court interdict, insiders reveal that the show is doing well and reaching a broad audience.

Litlhare Moteetee, head of corporate affairs at MultiChoice, emphasised that the show prioritises cultural preservation over profits. “This is more than just a series – we have ignited a spark that connects us all to the essence of being African. As MultiChoice, we will continue to stay true to our roots, telling authentic stories that uplift, inspire and remind us of the beauty of our shared journey.”

https://youtu.be/H2cnkjyL9WQ?si=Pme4k5UD97-CDiKw

Multi-award-winning artist Candy Tsa Mandebele, a singer, songwriter, and actress, has been a steadfast advocate for Khelobedu. Since 2009, she has been speaking and singing in Khelobedu on national platforms. “I will not rest until Khelobedu is recognised as an official language,” said Tsa Mandebele, who also provides the music for the Queen Modjadji series.

The Royal Khekhapa group performs at the Modjadji kraal. (Photo: Michelle Banda)

Another cultural ambassador is Khutso Steven Kgatla, better known as King Monada, who took South Africa and the world by storm with his hit song Idibala (Malwedhe Challenge) in 2018. Singing in Khelobedu, King Monada has helped to popularise the language, especially with his earlier hit Ska Bhora Moreki, loosely translated as “he who pays the piper decides the tunes”.

Siki Dlanga, a South African indigenous language activist working with the Indigenous Languages Action Forum (ILAF), emphasised the importance of preserving indigenous languages.

The current regent, King Ba Mosata Bakhoma Mpapatla Modjadji. (Photo: Michelle Banda)

The multi-award-winning Candy Tsa Mandebele, a singer, songwriter, actress and steadfast advocate for Khelobedu, performs at Modjadjiskloof. (Photo: Michelle Banda)

“Indigenous languages are crucial as the loss of any indigenous language means the loss of knowledge systems, history, culture and a specific perspective of the world that is unique to that culture,” Dlanga told Daily Maverick.

She highlighted that the loss of an indigenous language affects the entire world, as it diminishes the diversity of knowledge and perspectives.

“We take Ubuntu for granted, but it exists because of indigenous languages and cultures. It is now quoted in foreign countries,” Dlanga added.

The ILAF works to promote all indigenous languages in South Africa, not only the official ones, by inviting activists from various language groups to share their work and amplify their voices.

“We encourage these voices to reach out to us as we promote this knowledge to our ever-growing community,” Dlanga concluded. DM

Categories:

Tags:

DM is much better if you are signed in...

Maverick Life