The movie stars Nondumiso Tembe as Lu “Lungile”, as she leaves South Africa and her Zulu-Sotho heritage behind to become a dancer in the land of the stars and stripes, USA.
When she falls in love with TEX (played by American choreographer and actor Darrin Dewitt Henson, she knows he’s the man to marry. But when she decides to travel back her hometown of Durban, so he can introduce him to her family, she discovers she discovers something; she’s been promised since birth to a Zulu king, who is hard to resist given their shared cultural traits. Caught between two men, two families and two countries, Lou has to come to terms with who she is, so she can fight for what she wants.
Showcasing the captivating Zulu culture and it’s people, who refer to themselves as ‘the people of the heavens’, the movie has been shot and produced in three different locations – South Africa, New York and Botswana. It features an ensemble cast from South Africa, Nigeria and the United States. These include the likes of Kgomotso Christopher, Makgano Mamabolo, Bubu Mazibuko, Sthandiwe Kgoroge and Jerry Phele.
The film’s soundtrack was curated by South African music superstar, DJ Maphorisa, and features Afrotainment’s Tira and Prince Bulo, Kelly Khumalo, Goapele, Shekhinah and JR, among others.
A labour of love
A royal promise that cannot be dishonored. A transatlantic love triangle. An enchanting young woman who’s torn between duty and her heart. Two charismatic potential grooms who represent wildly divergent life paths… These are the themes brought dramatically to life in this delightful rom-com, which is sure to claim its place as a firm favorite on the movie circuit.
Although it took 8 years to complete and several postponements to have it released, it was a labour of love for producer and executive director Lineo Sekeleoane. Commenting on the film’s multi-layered theme, she says: “The themes in this film are love and identity, expressed in the controlling idea: you have to know and love yourself (and where you come from) before you can truly love someone else.”
