# Gangs of Lagos

Gangs of Lagos is a 2023 Nigerian thriller crime film produced and directed by Jadesola Osiberu. It stars Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi, Chike, Iyabo Ojo, Chioma Chukwuka, Zlatan, Bimbo Ademoye, Yvonne Jegede, Yinka Quadri, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, and Yhemolee. The film portrays the story of three friends Obalola, Ify, and Gift, who grew up in Isale Eko, a neighborhood controlled by politically connected gangs. As rival factions clash and violence erupts, they became entangled in the escalating gang warfare.
Creative director and writer Jadesola Osiberu developed the idea during the production of her earlier project, Gidi Up, inspired by observing residents' daily lives through the windows of neighboring buildings. The score was composed by Tolu Obanro, with Chike contributing lyrics for some of the songs. Principal photography was conducted on Lagos Island.
Gangs of Lagos was screened on 4 September 2022 at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. It was released theatrically by Amazon MGM Studios through Prime Video on 7 April 2023. The film explores the themes of loyalty and ambition and struggles within the criminal underworld. The film also won several awards at the 2023 Africa Movie Academy Awards.
The film stirred controversy upon its release and has remained so ever since. It has been described as "derogatory to the Lagos culture" and was subsequently asked to be banned from Nollywood media by the Lagos State government. The Oba of Lagos and the Kosoko family condemned the film for its depiction of Eyo masquerades as violent criminal gangs responsible for gruesome murders and the terrorization of innocent citizens. Gang of Lagos remains one of the highest-grossing Nigerian film productions in Nigerian cinema, grossing over ₦230 million. It was also recognized among Prime Video’s top 10 globally most-watched non-English language local originals, based on its performance outside its country of origin as of the time of it release.

## Plot summary

Obalola, Gift, and Ify are three friends born and raised in Isale Eko, a community dominated by political, criminal, and gang violence, theft, and struggle of power. Obalola, as a child, sees his father - the former king of the community - tragically shot to death by Eyo masquerades. While on traffic, the three friends steals a bag from a woman, containing cash and international passport. The woman reports the incident to Alaye Bam Bam, a powerful street kingpin and influential political godfather in Isale Eko. After capturing Obalola, and seeing his brave response, he puts him and others into his work, corruption and theft.
Obalola’s bravery and street smarts catch the attention of Nino, a gang leader on the rise to becoming the next Eleniyan (a title for the foremost gang leader in Isale Eko). Nino, seeing potential in Obalola, takes him under his wing and becomes a foster father figure, offering a temporary escape from the abuse of Obalola’s hyper-religious mother. Nino’s home provides solace, and Obalola develops a crush on Teni, Nino’s neighbor and Kazeem’s daughter.
Tragedy strikes when Nino is brutally murdered, shattering Obalola’s hope for a better life. With Nino gone, Obalola and his friends are drawn into working for Kazeem, a greedy and ruthless gang leader deeply entrenched in Lagos politics. Kazeem presents himself as a father figure to Obalola, but his manipulative nature and criminal influence demand a steep price.
As the trio grows older, their circumstances worsen, and their paths diverge. Obalola becomes Kazeem’s trusted enforcer, motivated by a desire to provide for his family and avenge Nino’s death. Gift fully embraces gang life, finding power and identity in the chaos, while Ify clings to dreams of becoming a musician, though his loyalty to his friends keeps pulling him back into the underworld.
A pivotal mission orchestrated by Kazeem leads to a violent clash with rival gangs over territory and political control. Reluctantly, Ify joins the operation to support his friends. However, the mission goes wrong, resulting in a chaotic shootout where Ify is killed. His sudden and brutal death devastates Obalola and Gift, leaving them grappling with the senseless loss.
The death of Ify triggers further bloodshed in Isale Eko, as his mother, Mama Ify, demands vengeance. In the aftermath, Obalola discovers that Kazeem was responsible for Nino’s murder. leads a bloody gang war to seek revenge on Kazeem. Fueled by grief and a thirst for justice a bloody gang war erupted. Obalola confronts Kazeem in a climactic fight, ultimately killing him. This act of revenge brings Obalola’s journey full circle, as he confronts the cycle of violence that has defined his life and seeks a way to break free from it.

## Cast

* Tobi Bakre as Obalola a young man drawn into the chaotic and violent world of gangs on Lagos Island. Raised in the slums, Obalola struggles with his destiny, loyalty, and morality as he rises in the ranks of the gang hierarchy.
** Maleek Sanni as Young Obalola
* Adesua Etomi as Gift Obalola's childhood friend and a vital member of their close-knit group.
** Small Mummy as Young Gift
* Chike as Ify another of Obalola’s close friends. whose dream is to become an Afrobeat star.
** Nifemi Lawal as Young Ify
* Tayo Faniran as Nino Obaloba's adopted street father a complex character whose relationship with Obalola and Kazeem creates tension and conflict.
* Olarotimi Fakunle as Kazeem the ruthless gang leader who mentors Obalola and ushers him into a life of crime. His character embodies the harsh and unrelenting realities of gang leadership.
* Iyabo Ojo as Mama Obalola the protagonist's mother.
* Chioma Akpotha as Mama Ify , Mother of Ify a single parent trying to shield her child from the grim realities of their environment.
* Toyin Abraham as Bamidele
* Zlatan Ibile as Kash a gang member whose actions add an unpredictable edge to the story.
* Yhemolee as Muri Toronto , a close associate of Ify and Obalola, who was also Gift's fiancé.
* Pasuma as London another key player in the gang.
* Mr Macaroni as Wemimo
* Funke Williams as Blessing
* Bimbo Ademoye as Teni, Kazeem's daughter who along the line fells in love with Obalola after returning to Nigeria.
* Damilola Ogunsi as Ekun
* Demi Banwo as Bolaji
* Funke Williams as Blessing
* Black Kamoru as Terrible
* Yinka Quadri as Olorogun

## Production
### Development and filming

The development of Gangs of Lagos was influenced by Jade Osiberu's observations of life in Isale Eko, Lagos. During the production of her earlier project, Gidi Up, she witnessed residents' daily lives through the windows of neighboring buildings. One scene, in particular, involving a mother preparing dinner for her children, sparked her curiosity about the socio-economic realities of the area. This event set the stage for a narrative that humanized people frequently misunderstood. It examined themes of ambition, poverty, and surviving in Lagos's contrast of luxury and misery. Osiberu sought to move beyond the violence typically associated with gang culture, focusing on the emotional and societal dimensions of growing up in a challenging environment. The film delves into the impact of political thuggery on everyday lives, aiming to evoke empathy while entertaining. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Osiberu cited influences such as Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee, whose gangster classics shaped her storytelling. She explained, “I always knew I wanted to tell a story about a child growing up in this world who is not able to get out,” highlighting the deeply human core of the film’s narrative.
   "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. "
Gangs of Lagos marked a significant milestone in Nigerian cinema as it became the first Amazon Original film from Africa, highlighting the growing global interest in Africa. Directed by Jadesola Osiberu, known for her works such as Isoken (2017), Sugar Rush (2019), and Brotherhood (2022), the film was co-produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju and created under a strategic three-year partnership between Amazon Prime Video and Osiberu's production company, Greoh Studios. Osiberu collaborated with Kemi Lala Akindoju and K. I. Jegede to develop a screenplay that authentically represents Lagos' urban culture.
Principal photography for Gangs of Lagos began in 2021 and continued over several months. The majority of the filming took place in Isale Eko, a neighborhood on Lagos Island known for its historic significance and vibrant atmosphere. 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. 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.
Casting
The film employed local talents both in front of and behind the camera. Cast members, including Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, and Chike, brought their performances to life, supported by a production team capturing the city's essence. In June 2021, Pulse NG reported that the shortlist had expanded to include Pasuma. During a movie interaction, Osiberu explained her decision to add Pasuma and Zlatan to the cast, saying, "Pasuma has a long history of acting. Since we shot in Isale Eko, who else could fit better? Pasuma is perfect for that world."
In an interview with Daily Post, Tobi shared insights about preparing for his role as Obalola in Gangs of Lagos. He revealed that it was his first time playing a lead character and fully immersing himself to embody a role. Reflecting on his process before filming, he said: "For Gangs of Lagos, it was challenging because, for the first time, I let myself go completely. I was listening to the saddest music to connect with the character's emotions. One song that stands out for me is 'Celia's Song' by Tiwa Savage—it's very emotional. I wasn’t trying to fake it [my role]; I needed to genuinely feel the sadness and put myself in the character’s scenario."

### Production design and challenges

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. The cinematography, led by Olumuyiwa Oyedele, 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.
During the production, the filmmakers faced challenges while shooting in some of the more sensitive areas of Lagos, particularly the ghettos. 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.

## Music

Tolu Obanro composed the score for the film, which was released by Greoh Studios. The opening musical cue received praise, with Native Magazine describing it as "spectacular." Reflecting on his creative process, Obanro stated, "I wanted to create a score that felt massive and huge." The soundtrack also features an additional song by Chike.

## Release and distribution

it was screened at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival on 11 September 2022. Gang of Lagos had a limited theatrical release on 7 April 2023, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. It is one of the first Nigerian original films released directly on the platform as part of Amazon's investment in Nollywood. 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.

## Reception
### Box office

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.

### Critical response

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".
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. 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.
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. 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."

### Accolades

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. Adesua Etomi-Wellington won the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. In total, the film received five nominations and won three awards, notably for Best Visual Effects and Best Young/Promising Actor, awarded to Maleek Sanni.
List of accolades received by Gangs of Lagos :
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
| 2023 | African Movie Academy Awards | Best Actress in a Leading Role - Adesua Etomi-Wellington | Won |
| 2023 | African Movie Academy Awards | Best Young/Promising Actor - Maleek Sanni | Won |
| 2023 | African Movie Academy Awards | Best Visual Effects - Emmanuel Bassey | Won |
| 2023 | African Movie Academy Awards | Best Make-Up - Omowunmi Okungbure | Nominated |
| 2023 | African Movie Academy Awards | Best Nigerian Film - Gang Of Lagos | Nominated |
| 2023 | National Film and Video Censors Board Award | Best Nigerian Film - Gang Of Lagos | Nominated |

## Controversy

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. One group of Lagosians threatened a lawsuit in response, and another followed through and took the matter to court.
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?"
Amongst those who also condemned the film on these grounds were the Lagos State government, the Kosoko royal family of Lagos, Chief Adebola Dosunmu of the Dosunmu royal family, and Nollywood veteran Prince Jide Kosoko acting in a private capacity. 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.
In April 2023, the Lagos State Government and traditional leaders criticized the film Gangs of Lagos for its portrayal of the state's cultural heritage. The government condemned the production as "unprofessional and misleading," asserting that it depicted Lagos culture in a derogatory manner. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, expressed concern over the film's portrayal, stating it mocked Lagos' history and traditions and unjustly profiled its people as barbaric. She highlighted the sacred nature of the Eyo Festival, emphasizing that it is a rare traditional rite of passage for esteemed Lagosians.
Similarly, the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Aremu Akiolu, labeled the film defamatory and sacrilegious, criticizing its depiction of the Eyo as violent gangs involved in murders and terrorizing citizens. He demanded that Amazon Web Services, Greoh Studios, and the film's producers remove all representations of the Eyo from the movie.
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 by The Isale Eko Descendants’ Union. 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.