“A Lagos Love Story” is Utterly Charming but Lacking in Convincing Romance

Valentine’s Day may have been months ago, but Nollywood has blessed Netflix with a romantic film title that will leave a lasting impression. “A Lagos Love Story,” produced by Inkblot Productions, tells a narrative that is cute, colorful, and chaotic, much like Lagos itself.

More than just a romantic comedy, the film explores the dynamics of family, unbridled ambition, and identity in a city where everyone is “hustling” to survive. The Jemima Osunde and Mike Afolarin-led film nails the rom-com rhythm but falls short where it matters most: projecting a compelling love story.

The film follows Promise Quest (Osunde), a hard-working, ambitious woman who has a chance encounter with King Kator, an Asake-looking Afrobeats star with less-than-desirable qualities. As her luck will have it, she ends up working for Kator as his concierge, and he along with his crew makes her life a living hell.

Following the beloved enemies-to-lovers trope, Kator and Promise grow closer and realize that they have a lot more in common than they initially thought. They bond over their love for his music, their childhoods, and their shared desire to succeed. Though obstacles arise in the form of Promise’s  boss Fadekemi Rhodes (Linda Ejiofor), and Kator’s overbearing manager Mayowa (Uti Nwachukwu), the two find a way to make their romance work. Through the encouragement of Promise’s sister Favour Quest (Susan Pwajok), and Kator’s hypeman Shege Baba (Kunle Oshodi-Glover), the film concludes with Kator and Promise sharing a kiss, united by what they both love; music.

“A Lagos Love Story” shines in several key areas that make it a perfect romantic comedy. The first is its plot which while it’s undeniably cliché, it is proof that clichés are not always a bad thing. In this case, they serve the narrative well. The familiar tropes of enemies-to-lovers and poor girl–rich boy are more than enough to keep any romantic heart entertained. And the film is undeniably entertaining.

Moreover, the film stands out for its unique twist on familiar territory. The story of an Afrobeats star falling in love with his employee is a refreshing take, one not commonly explored in Nollywood. It allows the narrative to tap into the realities of fame, class divides, and ambition in a way that feels both timely and authentic.

Then there is the chemistry between the characters, particularly the two leads. Promise and Kator share a natural rhythm, even in their so-called “hate” phase. Promise emerges as the one person who truly understands Kator. So much so that he feels safe enough to share his best-kept secret: he is a university graduate hiding his educational background to protect his “street cred.” Their bond deepens as he takes her to his favorite food spot in his old neighborhood, a gesture layered with vulnerability and trust. There is no doubt that Kator is irrevocably in love with Promise,.he pays off her family’s debt, gets into a physical altercation that leaves him concussed, and even writes a song dedicated to her.

Osunde and Afolarin approach their characters with absolute dedication and commitment, selling the “Lagos Love Story” with every glance, touch, and emotionally charged moment.

However, the secondary arc, starring Favour and her (maybe) love interest Kufre (Chimezie Imo) is not so stellar. It is difficult to tell whether they are in a relationship or if Kufre is simply obsessing over her. His character is not explored in any meaningful way; instead, he feels like a narrative filler, scattered throughout the film without purpose. Despite Imo’s status as an AMVCA winner, the script does little to showcase the depth of his talent. His character deserved better.

Favour’s character, in contrast, is fully developed and easily delivers the standout performance in “A Lagos Love Story.” She is bubbly, fun, and ambitious and willing to do whatever it takes to push her fashion brand, Sassy by Favour (SBF), to new heights, even if it means social climbing. Yet beneath her easy-going exterior lies a sharp sense of discernment. This becomes evident when she quickly recognizes a potential creativity trap: her wealthy “friend” Adanna (Uche Montana) offers to acquire 80% ownership of SBF in exchange for exposure—an offer Favour wisely declines.

Pwajok fully embodies the role of the carefree younger sister, delivering a performance that is both charming and grounded. Her dynamic with Osunde’s character is chaotic in all the best ways—loud, loving, and entirely relatable. The film captures a reality many Nigerian households know all too well: the first-born child often shoulders the weight of family responsibilities, while the younger ones are freer to explore, experiment, and, in Favour’s case, chase dreams with flair.

The film’s soundtrack is also worth praising. The intricate blend of Nigerian songs like Ayra Starr’s topical “Lagos Love Story,” and original tunes performed by Kator, including “Bad Ass Fontain” and “Wait on Me,” are deeply thrust into the emotional fabric of the story. Music is the central pillar of the connection between Kator and Promise. The film’s final kiss scene would not have been a hit without the familiar musical backdrop.

Another standout element in “A Lagos Love Story” is its costume design, which plays a crucial role in shaping and reflecting the characters’ identities. As an Afrobeats star, Kator is draped in flashy ensembles—diamond-encrusted chains, bejeweled suits, and high-end designer pieces—all of which emphasize his celebrity status as an Afrobeats star. In contrast, Promise is styled in more modest, professional attire: demure blouses, skirts, dresses, and pantsuits that highlight her identity as a regular, working-class woman navigating a high-pressure job. This visual contrast further reinforces the class divide between the two characters.

Perhaps the most commendable fashion choices in the film come from Favour, whose bold outfits steal every scene she is in. As a fashion designer, her wardrobe is a vibrant mix of traditional outfits and statement jewelry that perfectly captures her fluffy personality and entrepreneurial spirit. The fashion show scene, in particular, stands out as a brilliant showcase of her designs and ability to use every opportunity to showcase her brand.

Beyond the obvious themes of family, love, and class divides, “A Lagos Love Story” subtly unfolds as a cautionary tale—not all money is good money. Favour nearly sacrifices years of hard work and creative vision for a fleeting promise of wealth and influence, while Promise comes dangerously close to trading the love of her life for financial security. The film suggests that sometimes, not being affluent can serve as a shield rather than a sword, protecting one’s values, relationships, and sense of self. In the end, the story leans into a powerful truth: the greatest riches come not from status or wealth, but from contentment.

“A Lagos Love Story” had the potential to be absolutely perfect, but it falls short where it matters most: delivering the “love” the title promises. This is not to say there are no romantic moments—there are—but they lack the emotional weight and build-up necessary to make the relationship feel truly convincing. Director Chinaza Onuzo dedicates most of the screentime to the personal and professional mishaps in Promise and Favour’s lives, rather than building the romantic arc between Kator and Promise. There is no first date, a follow-up date, a real couple’s argument, or even playful, intimate moments that show how they work together as a couple. And no, the typical, cringey first kiss scene and the one-off bedroom moment are not enough to convince the audience that these two are madly in love—even though the story desperately wants us to believe they are.

For what it is worth there is one hell of a story in this film set in the vibrant city of Lagos. While it may not quite hit the emotional depths of a great love story, it remains a colorful and entertaining journey through ambition, sisterhood, and the messiness of a modern romance laced with class politics and power dynamics.

“A Lagos Love Story” is still showing on Netflix.

Release Date: April 11, 2025

Runtime: 104 minutes

Streaming Service: Netflix

Director: Chinaza Onuzo

Cast: Jemima Osunde, Susan Pwajok, Mike Afolarin, Chimezie Imo, Uche Montana, Veeiye, Kalu Ikeagwu, Theresa Ayeni, Linda Ejiofor, IK Osakioduwa, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Uti Nwachukwu, and Kunle Oshodi-Glover