Beyond the surface themes of friendship, family ties and betrayal, Gangs of Lagos takes a closer look at thuggery and politically affiliated gang culture in Nigeria, exploring the country’s historically overlooked backstories.
On 07 April 2023, Gangs of Lagos premiered on Amazon Prime Video, making history as the platform’s first original African film.
Directed by Jàde Osiberu, Gangs of Lagos, on the surface, follows the story of Obalola (played by Tobi Bakre) and his friends, Gift (played by Adesua Etomi-Wellington) and Ify (played by Chike-Ezekpeazu Osebuka), who grew up on the rough and vibrant streets of Isale Eko, Lagos.
However, beyond the surface themes of friendship, family ties and betrayal, the film, based on true stories from Isale Eko, takes a closer look at thuggery and politically affiliated gang culture in Nigeria, exploring backstories that many have historically overlooked.
There is no doubt that Obalola’s childhood years have been fraught with numerous obstacles, especially regarding the fates of the parental figures in his life. But as he shows more grit and critical thinking than what one would expect from a child his age, Obalola quickly wins the favour and the respect of the adults around him.
As a young adult however, it becomes clear that Obalola is a full blown thug—chairman of the Road Workers Union, Kazeem’s (played by Olarotimi Fakunle) henchman—with an obvious penchant for violence and intimidation. Obalola appears to have a moral compass and yet, due to his loyalty to Kazeem, he is willing to perpetuate violence on Kazeem’s behalf and even turn a blind eye to his murderous ways. We are made aware of Kazeem’s plans to run for office and his willingness to do just about anything to assume the coveted position of power, aided and abetted of course, by Obalola, Gift and Ify, among other henchmen.
Despite this, as the viewers, we see life in Isale Eko mostly from Obalola’s perspective, we are privy to his inner thoughts and desires and, as a result, we find ourselves rooting for him because of his apparent depth and sensitivity.
Filename: Gangs.of.Lagos.2023.720p.Esub.EAC3.5.1.[movie].mkv
Filesize: 1.05 GB
Duration: 02:04:37
Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19704612/
Genre: Crime
Director: Jadesola Osiberu
Stars: Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Chike Osebuka, Chioma Chukwuka, Iyabo Ojo
Subtitle: English
