Bulawayo — When comedy meets culture, you get Sizolobola. And this one’s bringing some of Zim’s biggest names together on screen.
Madam Boss, Jesesi “Neria” Mungoshi, Madlela Skhobokhobo, Steven Chigorimbo and Sithandazile Dube lead a cast of talented actors that are all set to star in the upcoming film, currently wrapping up production in Bulawayo and Seke.
Sizolobola translates to “We have come to marry” in Ndebele — and that’s exactly what the story is about.
Madam Boss plays a young woman who falls for a Ndebele guy, setting up a classic lobola ceremony that crosses regional lines.
Madlela Skhobokhobo, who plays the groom’s uncle, says the film is his brainchild. “I came up with the concept,” he said. “Sizolobola is about uniting people. We live in a country with diverse communities, and sometimes that leads to misunderstandings.”
So what happens when Madlela escorts his niece to Seke for lobola, and the bride’s family is from Mashonaland?
That’s the heart of the story.
“I’m not at liberty to reveal the producer right now, but you’ll know soon,” Madlela teased. As for release dates, he’s keeping it loose: “It’s being done expeditiously. Maybe out in the next few months.”
It’s a return to the spotlight for Madlela, real name Mothusi Bashimane Ndlovu, who last made headlines trading punchlines for politics.
He ran for Nkulumane MP under CCC and came fourth in a heated race.
Another run for office? He’s not saying. “Political issues are a bit sensitive,” he said. “I learnt good and bad lessons. For now, I’m just concentrating on this new movie project.”
With Mungoshi — immortalised as Neria — joining Madam Boss on set, is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about local films this year.
Expect laughs, lobola negotiations, and a little bit of national soul-searching.