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Gangs of Lagos

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Gangs of Lagos
Promotional release poster
Directed byJade Osiberu
Written by
Produced by
Starring
Edited by
  • Olakunle Martini Akande
  • Afolabi Olalekan
  • Biyi Toluwalase
Music byTolu Obanro[1]
Production
company
Greoh Studios
Distributed byAmazon Prime Video
Release date
  • 7 April 2023 (2023-04-07)
Running time
124 Minutes
CountryNigeria
Box office₦230 million (US$140,109.77)

Gangs of Lagos is a Nigerian action thriller crime film produced and directed by Jade Osiberu, The film stars Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi, Chike, Iyabo Ojo, Chioma Akpotha,Zlatan, Bimbo Ademoye, Yvonne Jegede, Yinka Quadri, Pasuma and Idowu Adeyemi .[2] The film tells the story of three best friends Tobi Bakre (Obalola), Chike (Ify) and Adesua Etomi (Gift) who grew up in Isale Eko, a neighborhood controlled by politically connected gangs. As rival factions clash and violence erupts, the trio finds themselves entangled in the escalating gang warfare. Their involvement unravels deep secrets that threaten to upend the very fabric of Isale Eko.

Gangs of Lagos was screened at the 47th edition Toronto International Film Festival. on September 4, 2022. released theatrically by Amazon MGM Studios through Prime Video on April 7, 2023. The film received generally mixed reviews from critics.[3]The film earned ₦230 million (US$140,109.77 in 2023) in Nigeria. Within the first 20 days of its release in 2023.

Gangs of Lagos deals with several themes, including loyalty, ambition, and struggles within the criminal underworld. Critics reviewed the film positively, praising its cinematography, production design, acting, and writing. The film also won several awards, including Best Young/Promising Actor, and Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2023 African Movie Academy Awards.

Synopsis

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Gangs of Lagos is about a group of friends whose lives have revolved around crime and violence since their childhood in the Isale Eko area of Lagos, Nigeria. A young boy, Obalola, robs a bag from a woman in traffic with his friend, an act which results in a summon from the king of the streets, known as "Eleniyan" or "Owner of Men", who lauds his confidence and ability. Amazed by his intellect and courage, a gang leader named 'Nino' (played by Tayo Faniran) shows interest and immediately becomes a father figure to him. Nino, though, wants him to go to school and become something great in life.

Unfortunately, Nino is later found dead, and the dreams he had for Obalola (Tobi Bakre) and his friends Ify (Chike) and Gift (Adesua Etomi) have died with him, as the trio begins to work for his partner Kazeem (Olarotimi Fakunle), a greedy and ruthless leader.

As adults, they continue to play different roles in the gang, until things go sideways when Kazeem murders a rival gang member and pins it on Ify, which results in his gruesome murder. With Ify's surviving friends hellbent on revenge, Obalola discovers several skeletons in Kazeem's closet. Determined to avenge all the loved ones that Kazeem's greed has taken from him, Oba leads a bloody gang war to seek revenge on Kazeem.[4]

Cast

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Production and release

[edit]

"Actually, Gangs of Lagos was shot independently two years ago, before Amazon Prime Video actually entered the market and before we met the Amazon team. At the time, we basically came together, my friends and I, to fund-raise for the film. We were an independent force. It was a very ambitious project. But it’s a project that I had been inspired to write 10 years ago. I just knew I really wanted to make the film. So we went ahead and made it. Now, there are only about 100 cinemas in Nigeria, so we knew Nigeria alone didn’t have the capacity to help us distribute the film. We knew we needed a global platform. We were just lucky that Amazon was also coming to Nigeria at the time. They saw the film and felt it fit into the sort of thing they wanted to do in Nigeria, the scale of ambition and storytelling and all that sort of stuff. So they acquired it. But this was prior to my deal."[5]

 —"The Hollywood Reporter", regarding Making Nigeria’s First Gangster Epic.

Development

[edit]

Gang of Lagos, directed by Jade Osiberu and co-produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju, marked the beginning of a strategic three-year partnership between Amazon Prime Video and Osiberu's production company, Greoh Studios.[6] The film was shot in various locations across Lagos, Nigeria, with a focus on depicting the city's dynamic yet challenging urban life.[2] Its realistic portrayal of Lagos's environment is central to the narrative, offering an authentic representation of the socio-economic conditions and cultural vibrancy that define the city.[7]

Filming

[edit]
Lagos Island (left) and Surulere (right), where the film was significantly shot.

Filming for Gang of Lagos took place in 2022, and continued over two months, from the 18th of June 2022 to the 18th of August 2022. principal photography largely occurring in Isale Eko, a neighborhood on Lagos Island known for its historic significance and vibrant atmosphere.[8] The filmmakers aimed to capture the unique energy of Isale Eko, using real locations to ground the story in the daily realities of Lagos life.[9]

In addition to Isale Eko, other parts of Lagos were used for shooting, including areas like Lekki and Surulere. These locations provided different backdrops that highlighted the socio-economic contrasts within Lagos, from upscale areas to densely populated neighborhoods.[8]

Other filming locations

[edit]

In addition to Isale Eko, several other parts of Lagos were used during production to capture different aspects of the city's landscape:

  • Lagos Island: Beyond Isale Eko, other parts of Lagos Island were featured in the film, showcasing the contrast between traditional areas and the more modern parts of the city. This contrast highlights the city's dual identity as a place where old meets new.
  • Lekki: Some scenes were shot in Lekki, a more affluent area of Lagos known for its upscale housing and commercial centers. This was used to juxtapose the gritty environment of Isale Eko, providing a broader view of Lagos's social and economic disparities.
  • Surulere: Known for its blend of residential and commercial spaces, Surulere was another key location used in the film. It added a different urban texture to the movie, showing the day-to-day life of Lagosians in one of the city's most iconic neighborhoods.

Production design and cinematography

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The production design of Gang of Lagos aimed to reflect the vibrant yet gritty aesthetic of the city. The team paid close attention to details like the color palette, architecture, and street scenes to create a realistic portrayal of Lagos’s urban life.[10]

The cinematography, led by Director of Photography (DoP), emphasized dynamic camera movements to capture the energy and chaos of Lagos’s streets. This approach was used to create an immersive experience, allowing viewers to feel as though they were part of the bustling environment that shapes the characters’ lives.[11]

Filming challenges and community engagement

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During the production of Gangs of Lagos, the filmmakers faced challenges while shooting in some of the more sensitive areas of Lagos, particularly in the densely populated neighborhoods known as the ghettos.[12] Chioma Akpotha, one of the lead actors in the film, revealed that the crew had to engage with local "area boys"—a term commonly used in Nigeria to describe groups of young men who often control activities in certain urban areas—to ensure a smooth filming process.[9]

Music

[edit]

Tolu Obanro composed the film's score, with Native Magazine describing the opening musical cue as "spectacular." Reflecting on his approach, Tolu remarked, "I wanted to create a score that felt massive and huge."[13]

Release and distribution

[edit]

it was screened at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival on September 11, 2022.[14][15] Gang of Lagos had a limited theatrical release on April 7, 2023, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.[16][17] It is one of the first Nigerian original films released directly on the platform as part of Amazon’s investment in Nollywood.[18][19] The film's release marked a significant step in the collaboration between Nigerian filmmakers and global streaming services, expanding the reach of Nollywood to international audiences.[20]

Reception

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Box office

[edit]

Gangs of Lagos earned a total of ₦230 million in Nigeria. Within the first 20 days of its release in 2023, the film garnered 15,000 views, showcasing its popularity and strong reception.[21]

Critical response

[edit]
The performances of Adesua Etomi, Tobi Bakre and Chike (singer) garnered widespread critical acclaim, earning Adesua Etomi and Tobi Bakre African Movie Academy Awards nominations.

Gangs of Lagos received widespread critical acclaim.[citation needed] The cast was lauded, especially Tobi Bakre, Chike, and Adesua Etomi.[citation needed] The film holds an 82% approval rating on the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, based on 10 reviews with an average rating of 4/5.[22] Seyi Lasisi of the Afrocritik gave the film 3/5 stars and said: "Gangs of Lagos, like Brotherhood, isn’t fiction. It is a cinematic exploration of our lives as Nigerians. It spotlights the damage Nigerian societies and Nigerians are compelled to witness when the government is apathetic to developing and solving social issues".[23]

Shola-Adido Oladotun from Premium Times praised Gangs of Lagos, noting that "the Cinematography is top-tier, with various elements making each scene visually appealing and fitting for its genre." He also highlighted the ambitious choice of locations, stating, "It is remarkable that the movie was filmed in real-life places within Isale Eko." However, Oladotun expressed that the film might have worked better as a TV series, as it would have allowed for deeper character development, not only for Obalola and Gift but also for characters like Kazeem. He rated the film 8/10 stars.[24] Emma Vine of Ready Steady Cut described the film as a "gritty, compelling crime drama that will have you instantly invested in the story and its characters." She praised the camera work, cinematography, and the cast's performances. Vine highlighted that one of the film's most "amazing" assets was the striking resemblance between the adult actors and their younger counterparts—an often-overlooked yet essential element of filmmaking that greatly enhances believability.[25]

Johnny Loftus of Decider praised the performances of the Gangs of Lagos cast, particularly highlighting Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, and Chike Ezekpeazu-Osebuka. He singled out Chike's portrayal of Ify, a character born into gang life despite his evident desire to pursue a different path, such as performing on stage as his alter ego, Panama.[26] Liam Lacey of Original-Cin awarded the film a grade of B, noting that it is "at its most rewarding when it breaks away from the Scorsese-Coppola tradition to deliver sharp critiques of the Nigerian criminal-political complex."[27]

Controversy

[edit]
Eyo Masquerade

The film's depiction and characterization of the Eyo masquerades, an important aspect of Lagos culture, proved to be controversial. Many respondents on social media felt that the filmmakers had shown disrespect for the traditional institution that the masquerades are part of.[28][29] One group of Lagosians threatened a lawsuit in response,[30] and another followed through and took the matter to court.[31][32]

Reno Omokri criticized the film as "defamatory," in a post on Twitter tweeting that its portrayal undermines Nigeria's image, stating, "De-marketing your country through movies is like punching holes in a ship on which you are a passenger. Who loses?" [33][34]

Amongst those who also condemned the film on these grounds were the Lagos State government,[35] the Kosoko royal family of Lagos,[36] Chief Adebola Dosunmu of the Dosunmu royal family,[37] and Nollywood veteran Prince Jide Kosoko acting in a private capacity.[38][39]

The National Film and Video Censors Board, Nigeria's censor, also weighed in on the matter; its head explained that it was not empowered to regulate films and television shows shown on streaming platforms, though a legal amendment to give it that power was currently being considered by the National Assembly.[40]

Response from Lagos State Government

[edit]

In April 2023, the Lagos State Government criticized the film Gangs of Lagos, calling it a disrespectful portrayal of the state's heritage. In a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the government condemned the production, describing it as "unprofessional and misleading." The government expressed concern that the film depicted Lagos culture in a derogatory manner. The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, further stated that, as the regulatory authority and custodian of the state’s cultural heritage, the ministry viewed the film as a mockery of Lagos' rich history and traditions.[41]

“We are of the opinion that the production of the film ‘The Gang of Lagos’ is very unprofessional and misleading while its content is derogatory of our culture, with the intention to desecrate the revered heritage of the people of Lagos.

It is an unjust profiling of a people and culture as being barbaric and nefarious. It depicts a gang of murderers rampaging across the State.

The Adamu Orisha, popularly known as the Eyo Festival, is rarely observed and only comes up as a traditional rite of passage for Obas, revered Chiefs and eminent Lagosians.”

Response from the Oba Of Lagos

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The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Aremu Akiolu, condemned the film Gangs of Lagos, calling it defamatory and sacrilegious for portraying the Eyo as violent criminal gangs responsible for gruesome murders and terrorizing innocent citizens. In response, the monarch has demanded that Amazon Web Services, Greoh Studios, and the film’s producers immediately cease using the image, attire, and representation of the Eyo in the movie and remove all related depictions from Gangs of Lagos.[42][43]

Amazon Web Services Nigeria

Amazon Web Services Nigeria, a subsidiary of Amazon Inc. and the founder of Prime Video Nigeria, stated in response to the ₦10 billion fine imposed on its production. Amazon asserted that its film, Gangs of Lagos, does not harm any individual or group. The company also challenged the regulatory authority of the Lagos State Government in this matter.[44]

Accolades

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Gangs of Lagos garnered multiple nominations and accolades, including recognition as Best Nigerian Film and Best Visual Effects at the 2023 African Movie Academy Awards.[45][46] Adesua Etomi-Wellington won the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.[47] In total, the film received five nominations and won three awards,[48] notably for Best Visual Effects and Best Young/Promising Actor, awarded to Maleek Sanni.[49]

List of accolades received by Gangs of Lagos

[edit]
Year Award Category Result Ref
2023 African Movie Academy Awards Best Actress in a Leading Role - Adesua Etomi-Wellington Won
Best Young/Promising Actor - Maleek Sanni Won
Best Visual Effects - Emmanuel Bassey Won
Best Make-Up - Omowunmi Okungbure Nominated
Best Nigerian Film - Gang Of Lagos Nominated
2023 National Film and Video Censors Board Award Best Nigerian Film - Gang Of Lagos Nominated

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Gambari, Luqman. "Tolu Obanro: Crafting Cinematic Soundscapes for Nigerian Blockbusters". Leadership. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
  2. ^ a b BellaNaija.com (2023-03-20). "Jade Osiberu's "Gangs of Lagos" is Prime Video's First African Original Movie & it Premieres April 7th". BellaNaija. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  3. ^ "Prime Video's Gangs of Lagos for launch on April 7". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2023-03-21. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  4. ^ Oladotun, Shola-Adido (2023-04-08). "MOVIE REVIEW: Gangs of Lagos: Finally, a crime thriller that captures Isale Eko's reality". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  5. ^ Roxborough, Scott (2023-04-21). "'Gangs of Lagos' Director Jáde Osiberu on Making Nigeria's First Gangster Epic". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  6. ^ "Prime Video's Gangs Of Lagos premieres, set to revolutionise filmmaking". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2023-04-06. Archived from the original on 2023-04-08. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  7. ^ Anokam, Sam; Adewoyin, Adeniyi (April 12, 2023). "Isale Eko inspired Gangs of Lagos, says producer". thenationonlineng. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Crumpe (2023-04-21). "'Gangs of Lagos' Director Jáde Osiberu on Making Nigeria's First Gangster Epic". Crumpe (in French). Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  9. ^ a b Newspaper, The Culture (2023-04-26). "'Gangs of Lagos' Director Jáde Osiberu on Making Nigeria's First Gangster Epic". The Culture Newspaper. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  10. ^ "Jadesola Osiberu Excites with 'Gang of Lagos' – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  11. ^ "'Gangs of Lagos' Offers a Deeper Look into the Nigerian Society". Nollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  12. ^ Ayodele, Racheal (2023-04-18). "We settled area boys to allow us shoot 'Gangs of Lagos' in ghetto - Chioma Akpotha". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  13. ^ Peter, Dennis Ade (2023-04-14). "The complimentary touch of the music in 'Gangs of Lagos'". The NATIVE. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  14. ^ "'Gangs of Lagos' screens at Toronto International Film Festival | Pulse Nigeria". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  15. ^ Wheeler, Sydney (2023-04-15). ""Gangs of Lagos": The First Amazon Original Movie from Africa Premiered Last Night in NYC". The Knockturnal. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
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  18. ^ Vlessing, Etan (2023-03-23). "Amazon Sets Release Date for First African Movie 'Gangs of Lagos'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  19. ^ "Amazon Prime premiers first African original movie in Lagos". Businessday NG. 2023-04-08. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  20. ^ Vourlias, Christopher (2023-04-07). "'Nigerians Want It All': Inside the Glitzy Premiere of Prime Video's First African Original, Crime Thriller 'Gangs of Lagos'". Variety. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  21. ^ Nosa, Oke-Hortons (2023-12-27). "Funke Akindele loses, Femi Adebayo rises: Top 6 highest-grossing movies of 2023". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  22. ^ "Gangs of Lagos - Movie Reviews | Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  23. ^ ""Gangs of Lagos" Review: In Jade Osiberu's Crime Thriller, Pre-Electoral Manipulation, Defeated Dreams, and Friendship Take Center Stage - Afrocritik". 2023-04-10. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  24. ^ "MOVIE REVIEW: Gangs of Lagos: Finally, a crime thriller that captures Isale Eko's reality". www.premiumtimesng.com. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  25. ^ Vine, Emma (2023-04-08). "Gangs of Lagos Review - Amazon Prime's first African Original is a compelling, gritty crime drama". Ready Steady Cut. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  26. ^ "'Gangs of Lagos' Amazon Prime Video Review: Stream It Or Skip It?". Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  27. ^ "Gangs of Lagos: A Street Opera From the Mean Streets of Nigeria". Original Cin. 2023-04-05. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  28. ^ "Controversy trails depiction of Eyo in "Gangs of Lagos"". punching.com. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  29. ^ ""Gangs of Lagos": Controversies trail portrayal of Eyo masquerade". newtelegraphng.com. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  30. ^ "Lagos indigenes threaten lawsuit over Eyo masquerades portrayal in new movie". dailytrust.com. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  31. ^ "Court approves N 10 billion fine application against "Gangs of Lagos" producers". barristerng.com. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  32. ^ AriseNews (2023-05-21). "Isale Eko Descendants Seek Imposition of N10bn Fine on 'Gangs of Lagos' Producers". Arise News. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
  33. ^ Itodo, Sunny Green (2023-04-20). "'Gangs of Lagos' movie demarketed Nigeria - Reno Omokri". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  34. ^ Ugbodaga, Kazeem (April 21, 2023). "'Gang of Lagos' movie de-markets Lagos, Nigeria - Reno Omokri". pmnewsnigeria.
  35. ^ ""Gangs of Lagos": Isale-Eko union, Lagos govt. condemn portrayal of Eyo masquerade". preniumtimesng.com. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  36. ^ ""Gangs of Lagos": Controversies mount over portrayal of Eyo". newtelegraphng.com. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  37. ^ ""Gangs of Lagos": "If anything happens to you, carry your cross" - Lagos chief warns against the portrayal of Eyo". guardian.ng. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  38. ^ """Gangs of Lagos" desecrates people's culture" - Jide Kosoko, royal families". theculturenewspaper.com. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  39. ^ Nigeria, Ripples (2023-04-13). "Movie, Gangs Of Lagos, disrespectful, desecrates Lagos culture —Jide Kosoko". Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  40. ^ "Insensitive portrayal". thenationonlineng.net. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  41. ^ AfricaNews (2023-04-14). "Lagos Govt slams 'Gangs of Lagos' film as a disrespectful attack on our heritage". Africanews. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  42. ^ Ogundepo, Janet (2023-07-08). "Remove Eyo from Gangs of Lagos, Oba of Lagos tells producers". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  43. ^ AriseNews (2023-07-09). "Gangs of Lagos Movie Sacrilegious to Our Cultural Heritage Rights, Oba of Lagos Alleges". Arise News. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  44. ^ "Gang of Lagos: Amazon claims film not injurious to anyone". vanguardngr. July 7, 2023.
  45. ^ "AMAA 2023 Nominations List - Africa Movie Academy Awards". 2023-12-23. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  46. ^ Adeduyite, Okiki (2024-05-11). "[ICMYI]FULL LIST: AMVCA 2024 nominations". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  47. ^ Nigeria, Guardian (2023-10-28). "AMAA 2023: Who wins Best Actor and Actress in a leading role crest?". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  48. ^ "Gangs of Lagos (2023) Awards & Festivals". mubi.com. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  49. ^ Anichukwueze, Donatus (September 21, 2023). "FULL LIST: Gangs Of Lagos, Anikulapo, Brotherhood, Others For 2023 AMAA Awards". Channels TV. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
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