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Safta-winning actress Brenda Ngxoli is the newest member of The Queen cast.
After a seven-year-long sabbatical at home in the Eastern Cape, Brenda is ready for the big city lights and one of her most challenging roles yet.
In the telenovela, she plays NomaPrincess 'Noma' Matshikiza who has baggage and a multimillion-rand debt she owes Harriet. Their friendship dates back to their Hillbrow days. It was a trio of Dolly, Noma and Harriet joined by Kgosi who were turning tricks in the city of gold. When Harriet married Mzi, Noma went her way and married an upcoming politician Charles Matshikiza who had a short-lived career, before venturing into construction with Noma in the late 1990s.
Winning a 2010 World Cup stadium construction tender would be a poisoned chalice for Noma and her husband. They needed cash to bankroll the start of the project. After much persuasion by Harriet, a reluctant Mzi makes the Matshikizas a R10 million loan, only for them never to pay it back and disappear from the face of the earth while living it up. Noma meets Harriet for the first time since 2008, and she's not the high-flyer she used to be. With such a heavy debt hanging over her head, will Harriet welcome her back into her life? A leopard never changes its spots, but can a snake be trusted?
"This is my first telenovela. I'm excited and still pinching myself. The best way to put it is to say that the gods have chosen to favour me. I will put my gratitude into action by giving quality work. I got my first Safta from my role in Rockville where I worked with Ferguson Films, once again I'm back with them.
"I've always acknowledged the big role they have played in my career and how they have treated me. I'm turning 40, and I just want to live my best life, and they have granted me that opportunity. I can't thank them enough along with the channel Mzansi Magic. I'm also indebted to South African audiences that have never forgotten about me when I was not even on any production, their continued support is appreciated," says Brenda.
Connie Ferguson, The Queen's executive producer shares: "We worked with Brenda in Rockville, so naturally we are very excited for her to come on board. She played ausi Mavis' drunk friend and we had awesome chemistry. I can't wait to see what she brings to this new role."
Shona Ferguson, the co-executive producer of The Queen, toasted the news: "Brenda is an amazing versatile actress, with a work ethic like no other. The Queen fans were never ready for what's coming."
The Queen airs weeknights at 21:00 on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161).
Compiled by Leandra Engelbrecht
