PRESS RELEASE: LONG LIVE THE THRONE

LONG LIVE THE THRONE

A modest kingdom that runs smoothly without major conflict, contestation or resentment, is thrown into a cocktail of major treachery, deceit and turmoil when mineral deposits are discovered on their land, and the reigning monarch’s legitimacy is questioned. This is the setting of Mzansi Magic’s (DStv channel 161) brand new telenovela, The Throne, starting on Monday, 30 July at 7PM Mondays – Thursdays.

The Throne, which is set in a mythical BaTswana kingdom in the North West Province’s Magaliesburg region, centres on a divided royal family – with each member on a desperate quest to serve their own interest: be it ascending into the coveted seat or pursuit of freedom – avoiding customary obligation and anxiety.

At the centre of the plot lies Queen Mosadi Kwena, the current ruler and matriarch, who is tasked with finding a heir to the throne among her daughters, Kefilwe and Mosetsana. Alongside her daughters is the Queen’s brother Moseki, who also has a claim to power and weaves a plot to override rightful protocols. In the mix lies the wise communal sage, Sephiri is the custodian of cultural history, boundlessly loyal to the throne, she is the only person who knows who the true successor will be.

Back Story

The kingdom traces its lineage back many years, to a momentous event that occurred over five generations ago. A great Tswana king who ruled over a fertile valley discovered a cruel betrayal by his only son. As punishment, he decided to hand over the reins of his kingdom to his beloved eldest daughter, who would become the first in a long line of queens. His furious son took some of the community with him, and founded a rival monarchy – the Morule Kingdom – that many years later still disputes Queen Mosadi’s rightful claim to the throne.

Queen Mosadi is a just and brilliant ruler. She was the first in her lineage to receive a university education, and she has put her schooling to great use. She founded a tea company in the fertile valley of Kweneng. Kwena Tea is sold both locally and internationally, and is known to treat a multitude of ailments. It is a herbal infusion that her great aunt introduced to her as a teenager, made from traditional herbs. Queen Mosadi realised the tea had the potential to create great wealth for her community. The wealth has been invested in roads, in infrastructure, and in education. She rules over a peaceful kingdom, and her subjects love and adore her. But trouble is brewing in the kingdom of Kweneng.

The Cast

Queen Mosadi, played by Monnye Kunupi is a wise and fair leader who transformed her kingdom from relative obscurity to a progressive, industrious community.

The ambitious older Kwena sister Kefilwe, played by Lerato Zah Moloi.

The younger Kwena sister Mosetsana, played by Tshegofatso Seakgoe seeks a life of independence and self-fulfilment.

Tsholo Matshaba, plays Odirile, the queen’s discontent younger sister.

The queen’s only son and her middle child, Tumelo, played by Kabelo Moalusi.

Royal family member and younger brother of the queen, Moseki, played by Don Mlangeni.

Keke Mphuti portrays Moseki’s daughter and the queen’s niece, Dipuo.

The village joker, who holds more knowledge than what first meets the eye, Motsamai, played by screen veteran Jerry Phele.

Played by Seipati Motshwane, Sephiri guardian of Kweneng culture, who knows who the rightful heir to the throne is, but keeps tight-lipped for the security of the kingdom.

M-Net’s Director of Local Entertainment Channels, Reneilwe Sema commented on the new telenovela, “The Throne has all the makings of a great local drama: strong characters, an exciting world, treachery, a vicious power struggle, and most importantly, a reluctant hero. The big task will be for the audience to figure out exactly who that hero is – which will be part of the show’s appeal.”

This 30-minute drama is produced by Ferguson Films. Catch The Throne, from Monday to Thursday at 7PM on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161). Follow the conversation on Follow the conversation on Follow the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and at mzansimagic.com.