Move over, Mayfair. This weekend, the most coveted invitation in the ton wasn’t found in London, but in the heart of Cape Town. On Saturday (Jan. 24), Netflix turned up the heat on the summer social season with a breathtaking launch for Bridgerton Season 4, proving once again that the Shondaland juggernaut knows how to throw a party that transcends borders.
Inspired by the upcoming season’s central theme—the unmasking of true love—the evening took the form of an elegant Afro-couture Masquerade. The setting was none other than the V&A Waterfront’s iconic Zeitz MOCAA, where the architectural opulence of the world’s largest museum of contemporary African art provided a dramatic backdrop for a night of romance, intrigue, and high fashion.
The festivities were led by a powerhouse duo: South African media mogul Bonang Matheba and television personality Jonathan Boyton-Lee. The pair guided the evening with their signature flair, ensuring every “diamond of the season” felt right at home amidst the candlelight and floral arrangements.
The dress code demanded a fusion of 19th-century luxury and bold African innovation, and the guests did not disappoint. The red carpet was a galaxy of South Africa’s most elite talent. Former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi stunned in a look that defined “regal,” while Khanyi Mbau, Dineo Langa, Ntobeko Sishi, and the Mbombo Twins turned heads in avant-garde interpretations of masquerade glamour.
The highlight of the night, however, was the celebration of the ever-expanding Bridgerton universe. Fan-favorites Emma Naomi (who plays Alice Mondrich) and Martins Imhangbe (Will Mondrich) made the trip to the Mother City, delighting fans with their off-screen chemistry and red-carpet elegance.
But the biggest cheers were reserved for South Africa’s own Masali Baduza. Baduza makes history this season as Michaela Stirling, the first South African actor to join the global franchise. Her presence on the carpet served as a powerful bridge between local pride and global storytelling, signaling a new chapter for the series that feels more inclusive than ever.
As the masks came off and the champagne flowed, the message was clear: the wait for the next installment of the Regency drama is almost over. Season 4 promises to be the most spectacular yet, filled with the scandalous secrets and sweeping romances that have made the show a global phenomenon.
Bridgerton Season 4, Part 1 premieres exclusively on Netflix on 29 January.
