Gangs of Lagos is a movie about 3 friends dreaming of a life away from the crime slum called Isale Eko in Lagos.

A young Obalola (Maleek Sanni) thought his life was taking a new turn when he was adopted by Nino (Tayo Faniran) who was the head honcho in the streets. Nino was quite impressed with the young man who was fearless and bold.

Although Nino was a gangster, he was king. The people loved him and respected him because he was a good man. He was going to send Obalola and his friends to school to get a better life but tragedy struck as always when Nino was murdered. The young man and his friends had to serve the greedy and wicked Kazeem.

Obalola (Tobi Bakre) had dreams of leaving the street life. The man wanted to make for himself a new life in San Francisco after a couple of twists that kept him on the street. He wanted better for himself and his friends Ify (Chike) and Gift (Adesua Wellington). After the betrayal that led to the murder of his friend Ify, Obalola and Gift were filled with vengeance.  With vengeance comes  wrath, and with wrath, power. So they sought it.

THE CAST

Maleek Sanni

Watching this young man in a movie was really refreshing. Coming from all his exploits with group, ‘Ikorodu Bois’ a content creation group recognized by Hollywood. Maleek didn’t disappoint at all, he portrayed the “street smart” required to play the role, he was awesome.

Tobi Bakre:

He totally deserves an award for his role. No one could have played it any better than he did. Tough, feisty, energetic and commanding, he did a good job as Obalola and he was great all through.

Adesua Wellington:

Seeing her as some sort of tomboy was really interesting. We are all used to seeing the dolled up Queen on the screens but on this one she was a tough tomboy. Her smile was limited and you could tell she was angry a lot of the time.

Chike:

He totally did an amazing job (unlike what Mr P did in Shanty Town), Chike didn’t look out of place at all and he definitely justified his inclusion.

Ify wasn’t all tough and street smart like his friends he just wanted to catch cruise, have fun, make music and hustle for his future. He was a victim of society and Isale Eko happened to him.

Olarotimi Fakunle:

Kazeem was the villain of the movie. Smart, greedy and venomous, he used people and ruled them with fear. The gang leader was not loved, but no one dared do otherwise when he speaks his betrayal was the breaking point.

Bimbo Ademoye:

Teni had little screen time all through the movie. Besides the fact that she was Obalola’s crush from way back and Kazeem’s daughter, the love thing wasn’t necessary I think. Did he even love her? He took revenge without even thinking of her. Revenge leads to more revenge, with the look of pain and hate in her eyes, she might seek revenge if this project continues in future.

VERDICT

Jadesola Osiberu might just be increasing the standard of Nollywood movies. The cinematography, the editing, the fighting scenes on gangs of Lagos was great. I feel the movie should have been some sort of series. Everything just felt a bit rushed, it would have developed slowly. The life’s of the characters would have been x-rayed alot more.

I’ll rate this movie an 8.5/10.

Nollywood movies are coming of age and gangs of Lagos is a step higher than the previous ones taken, hopefully higher steps will keep building until we get to the very top.