As the vibrant South African score of “How To Ruin Love: The Proposal” envelops viewers, it’s more than just music—it’s a journey through emotions and memories.
This 4-part series released this past weekend on Netflix and introduces viewers to another set of equally chaotic and messy families.
The story follows Zoleka (Sivenathi Mabuya), who sabotages her relationship with Kagiso (Bohang Moeko) just days before Valentine’s Day.
Zoleka becomes suspicious that her boyfriend is being unfaithful and devises a plan to catch him in the act. However, her plan dramatically backfires when she inadvertently disrupts his surprise marriage proposal.
Desperate to make amends, Zoleka enlists her overprotective dad (Dumisani Mbebe) and her over-the-top Dabs (paternal aunt, played by Tina Jaxa), along with her future parents-in-law (Marjorie Langa and John Morapama), to fix the mess. The star-studded cast also includes Noxolo Dlamini, S’dumo Mtshali, Thando Thabethe, Sandile Mahlangu, Shoki Mmola, Thabo Malema, and Mapaseka Koetle.
While the drama unfolds in this series, one cannot miss the vibey tracks and love melodies from artists such as TKZee, Ntando, Uhuru and Caiphus Semenya.
Composed by the talented Sam Mahlalela, this soundtrack brings a unique energy and depth to the series.
We sat down with the cast to uncover the stories behind the soundtrack, revealing the nostalgic, joyful, and even transformative moments each song evokes.
Fiasco – TKZee
Sive Mabuya: “What a jam!!! When I hear Fiasco I think summer ekasi, long before the ‘Water Bucket Challenge’… good times filled with brightness and energy.”
Nguwe – Ntando
Bohang Moeko: “It reminds me of us driving top-down in the Gusheshe on a beautiful sunny day, singing and dancing to the song. Laughing and having an amazing time shooting the show.”
Ytukuja – Uhuru
Noxolo Dlamini: “Makes me feel a little nostalgic. It makes me think of the dance series JIVA! when we are first introduced to eRoyale and some of the dance crews are already battling it out, but at the same time, it reminds me of a really silly tummy rubbing and waist winding dance I use to do every time I would hear it.”
Freak out with Botsotso – Mpharanyana
John Morapama: “This just takes me back to the old days when poverty was part of township and rural entertainment. We played, ate, fought together but we loved each other irrespective of one’s family background.”
Ziphinkomo – Caiphus Semenya
Marjorie Langa: “Reminds me when I was a young girl, and my mom would usually be spring cleaning on a Sunday and playing music very loud. That was the day we knew we were gonna have pudding for dinner. It reminds me of a family fun day at home – those memories I treasure forever.”
Siya Jola (Ok’Salayo) – Mdu
Dumisani Mbebe: “Some music really is timeless. That I can be watching ‘How To Ruin Love: The Proposal’ and somehow be transported back in time with such a jam. A love jam (bottom line, siyajola). Reminds me of how sometimes, despite any challenges one could be facing, love always wins.”
From the lively beats of TKZee to the soulful melodies of Ntando, each song in the score of “How To Ruin Love: The Proposal” carries with it a piece of South African culture and a multitude of memories. As you watch the series, listen closely to the soundtrack—it’s not just music; it’s a soundtrack to life itself.
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