{{Short description|2024 South African romantic comedy film}} {{Infobox film | image = Lobola Man.jpg | writer = Katleho Ramaphakela | story = | director = Thabang Moleya | starring = | music = Samukelo Mahlalela | country = South Africa | language = English<br>Zulu | producer = Katleho Ramaphakela | cinematography = Brad Devine | editing = Kabi Modiko | runtime = 108 minutes | studio = {{Plainlist| * Burnt Onion Production * Thabang Moleya Film }} | distributor = Netflix | released = {{Film date|2024|07|12|df=y}} }} '''''Lobola Man''''' is a 2024 South African romantic comedy film directed by Thabang Moleya and written by Katleho Ramaphakela. The film stars Lawrence Maleka, Sandile Mahlangu, Kwanele Mthethwa, Nimrod Nkosi, Thembsie Matu, Obed Baloyi, and Sello Ramolahloane.

The film delves into the intricacies of modern relationships and cultural traditions in South Africa, specifically focusing on the practice of lobola, a traditional bride price or dowry paid in cattle or money by a groom to the family of his bride.<ref>{{cite web |title=Customary Marriages in South Africa: Understanding The Recognition of Customary Marriages Act of 1998 |url=https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/customary-marriages-south-africa-understanding-recognition-customary-marriages-act-1998 |website=SAHO}}</ref>

''Lobola Man'' was released on Netflix on July 12, 2024.

== Synopsis ==

Lobola Man is the story of Ace Ngubeni, who is a professional lobola man. The task of negotiating the lobola, which is part of a traditional ritual, is done in South Africa where the husband's family negotiates to pay the price of the bride to her parents prior to marriage.

Known as an excellent negotiator, Ace is a womanizer and a man who has never believed in love due to being brought up in a household where his adulterous and irresponsible father took him to his many romances, thus making Ace believe that love and commitment were not possible.

Ace's perspective starts changing when Duke hires Ace, the professional lobola man, for his fiancée, Zandile, who happens to be an outspoken and opinionated woman. Duke, a very shy technology company CEO, has no idea that Ace had met Zandile previously.

== Cast ==

=== Main ===

* Lawrence Maleka as Ace<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Engelbrecht |first=Compiled by Leandra |title=HELLO WEEKEND {{!}} Lawrence Maleka steals hearts in Lobola Man: A tale of love and negotiation |url=https://www.news24.com/life/helloweekend/hello-weekend-lawrence-maleka-steals-hearts-in-lobola-man-a-tale-of-love-and-negotiation-20240706 |access-date=2024-09-16 |magazine=Life |language=en-US}}</ref> ** Lehlohonolo Mokoi as Young Ace * Kwanele Mthethwa as Zandile<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matlala |first=Keamogetswe |title=Kwanele Mthethwa finally gets to play herself – a lover girl on comic Lobola Man |url=https://www.snl24.com/drum/celebs/news/kwanele-mthethwa-finally-gets-to-play-herself-a-lover-girl-on-comic-lobola-man-20240711 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Drum |language=en-US}}</ref> * Sandile Mahlangu as Duke * Nimrod Nkosi as Mr. Zungu

=== Supporting characters ===

* Thembsie Matu as Aunt Miriam (Club Manager)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mathebula |first=Nonhlanhla |title=Thembsie Matu stars in her first Netflix film, 'Lobola Man' |url=https://www.snl24.com/drum/celebs/news/thembsie-matu-stars-in-her-first-netflix-film-lobola-man-20240705 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Drum |language=en-US}}</ref> * Obed Baloyi as Uncle Long John * Themba Ndaba as Sam ** Tiisetso Masike as Young Sam * Kaseran Pillay as Samoosa Vendor

== Production == '''Filming'''

Filming took place in various locations in South Africa, primarily in Johannesburg and Soweto, capturing both the vibrant urban settings and traditional rural landscapes to reflect the clash of cultures in modern South Africa. Principal photography began in 2023, in South Africa.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-12 |title=Lobola Man Filming Locations |url=https://www.filmiloc.com/lobola-man-filming-locations/ |access-date=2024-09-16 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fecou |first=Louie |date=2024-08-02 |title=The South African Scenery and Customs Of 'Lobola Man' Set It Apart As A Rom-Com |url=https://readysteadycut.com/2024/08/02/lobola-man-filming-locations/ |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Ready Steady Cut |language=en-GB}}</ref>

== Release == ''Lobola Man'' was released on Netflix on July 12, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Digital |first=Drum |title=Netflix to release brand new romcom "Lobola Man" starring Lawrence Maleka |url=https://www.snl24.com/drum/celebs/news/netflix-to-release-brand-new-romcom-on-july-12th-20240620 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Drum |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Reception == {{Rotten Tomatoes prose|83|4.2|7|consensus=|ref=yes|access-date=August 24, 2024}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lobola Man - Movie Reviews {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/lobola_man/reviews |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}}</ref>

Upon its release, ''Lobola Man'' received positive mixed, and negative reviews from critics.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nonkonyane |first=Limpho |date=2024-07-15 |title=Internet users react to 'Lobola Man' movie |url=https://www.bona.co.za/entertainment/internet-users-react-to-lobola-man-movie/ |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Bona Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> Seyi Lasisi of A''frocritik'' described it as one of those films that are obsessively watched and swiftly forgotten, he gave the film 1.5/5 stars. The film was praised for its impressive streaming records making Netflix’s Global Top 10 list from July 8 to 14 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-07-26 |title="Lobola Man" Review: Thabang Moleya's Romcom is a Breeding Ground of Cliches - Afrocritik |url=https://www.afrocritik.com/thabang-moleya-lobola-man-review/ |access-date=2024-09-16 |language=en}}</ref>

== References == {{reflist}}

== External links == * {{IMDb title|tt32615298|title=Lobola Man}}

Category:2024 films Category:2024 drama films Category:Netflix original films Category:2020s Afrikaans-language films Category:English-language South African films Category:Zulu-language films Category:South African drama films Category:2024 South African films