Bloodshed and Ballot Boxes ‘Gangs of Lagos’ (2023) Review

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...

 

Every year, The Republic publishes the most ambitious writing focused on Africa, from news and analysis to long-form features.

To continue reading this article, Subscribe or Register for a Free Pass.

Already a subscriber? Log in.