Chiedza Mhende stars on Netflix

Chiedza Mhende has made it to the big leagues after finally emerging from her role in generations to land a leading role in Africa’s first original Netflix series Queen Sono. After her departure from celebrated South African soapie Generations: The Legacy, many thought that it was the demise of Chiedza “Chi” Mhende’s career as she left Mfundi Mvundla’s production based on fans’ complaints about the irrelevance of her character as Wandi, which represented transgender issues.

However, the actress-cum-voice over artiste has dusted and picked herself up as she featured on latest South African Series called Queen Sono, a first African production funded by one of the world’s cinema giants Netflix.

Mhende who boasts of a Bachelors of Arts in Live Performance had to defy all odds and constantly remind herself that she deserved to sit on a table surrounded by South Africa’s talented and successful actors who star on Queen Sono including Pearl Thusi, Vuyo Dabula, Loyiso Madinga and Sechaba Morojele.

She is grateful to be part of the all-star amazing cast.

“It’s unbelievable at the same time humbling to be part of the Queen Sono cast. I know being part of the series is not by luck as hard work, dedication and respect of my craft afforded me the role,”

Chiedza Mhende

As she plays the character of Miriro “Miri” Dube who happens to be the director-general of an intelligence agency called the Special Operations Group (SOG), Mhende revealed that what attracted her most to agree to be on the cast was the dominance of women on the play.

“What attracted me to be part of the cast is the idea of an African production which gives power to women through the character I play and that of Queen Sono played by Pearl Thusi. To me the series is about exposing the power that women have to get things done in the society,” she said.

Queen Sono is about a South African spy played by Pearl Thusi (Queen Sono) who gives her all to fight crime and expose corrupt politicians in Africa. However, along the way, she marries her job with her personal life as she tries to investigate the killer of her apartheid activist mother. The series premièred on Netflix on 28 February and it was created by South Africa comedian-cum-director Kagiso Lediga.

As it is the first African Netflix Original Series, Queen Sono has broken the boundaries and paved way for other African productions to compete on the world stage.