Becoming The Muse

Lobola Man Movie Review

Lobola Man is a 2024 South African romantic comedy drama written by Katleho Ramaphakela and directed by Thabang Moleya. A Burnt Onion production cooked for Netflix and premiered on 12 July 2024.

The premise of the story is follows Ace Ngubeni a slick lobola negotiator who gets hired by a client with a case that raises the stakes….

Lobola is bride price, from a custom practised in some cultures where the groom’s family pay money to the bride’s family as a token of appreciation for raising their wife, sealing the wedding or marriage and uniting the families.

The Good

Lobola Man is a fun watch with hilarious lines, some corny ones too, blended together into a heartwarming production that gives a bit of insight into marriage, the lobola custom and well, love.

The slow paced nature allows you to be fully drawn into the lives of the characters who feel like family, distant relations, but still family…

The leading man Ace Ngubeni played by Lawrence Maleka is charismatic and charming, stealing the limelight but never hogging it, and just like the perfect hustler you never know you been conned until they have already left… in and out… boom…

Kwanele Mthethwa who plays Zandile Zungu shines as the fiancé who is annoyingly beautiful, bossy with but ultimately has a heart of gold that shines and you cant help warm up to her.

Then there is Duke, the shy, socially awkward nerdy and groom-to-be who bags a girl way above his league. Played by Sandile Mahlangu, Duke’s character has great chemistry and with Ace and Zandie, a bromance brewing and loads of comic relief.

The supporting cast are also brilliant and the movie never has a dull moment packed with humour and drama.

The cinematography is on point, and shot on location in South Africa, primarily Johannesburg and Soweto, the movie captures the beauty of South African landscapes.

The Bad

The plot is rather predictable and formulaic, watching it one might feel like it’s a rendition of something one has watched before…. Lobola Man is a ringer for The Wedding Ringer a Hollywood movie about a man who offers bestman services to socially challenged groomsmen.

While its rated 13, the movie has some mature themes and scenes though short that would make it unsuitable as wholesome family friendly viewing..

The Ugly

Lobola practise has at times been cited as a contribution to objectification and commodification of women… and Lobola Man trivialises the process into a transaction that can be scammed reducing its cultural impact.

Final Thoughts

Lobola Man is a fun, light and heartwarming drama perfect for someone wanting a break from well the world, the crime, the war, the politics…. Just love and laughter….