As the highly anticipated series Queen Modjadji premiered last night, whispers of behind-the-scenes drama have come to light. According to ZiMoja, two former Miss South Africa winners, Shudufhadzo Musida and Ndavi Nokeri, have reportedly jeopardised their budding acting careers due to alleged diva behaviour on set.
A source close to the production revealed that Musida and Nokeri, who were both initially set for more significant roles, exhibited what was described as “beauty pageant tendencies.” They reportedly expected the same level of attention and treatment they received during their reigns as beauty queens, which clashed with the professional environment of a television set.
“They clearly did not get the memo that they were working on a professional set with directors and producers who call the shots,” the source explained. “They did not understand the acting set-up.”
The source added that the producers intended to feature Musida and Nokeri in more substantial roles throughout the series. However, their high demands, including separate dressing rooms and constant attention, led the producers to reconsider. Instead, the beauty queens were relegated to cameo roles.
Musida, 27, who hails from HaMasia village in Venda, Limpopo, was crowned Miss South Africa in 2020. Following her reign, she had a stint as a presenter on Afrimaxx on The Home Channel. Ndavi Nokeri, 25, from Tzaneen, Limpopo, won the Miss South Africa title in 2022 and represented South Africa at the Miss Universe pageant last year. Both models aimed to follow in the footsteps of former Miss SA and Miss Universe winner Zozibini Tunzi, who made her acting debut in 2022 with a role in The Woman King alongside Viola Davis and Thuso Mbedu.
Despite the setbacks on the Queen Modjadji set, neither Musida nor Nokeri has commented on the matter. Representatives from the channel also declined to provide any statements.
