Gangs of Lagos

Gangs of Lagos is a 2023 Nigerian thriller crime film directed by Jadesola Osiberu and Co-written by Kay Jegede and Osiberu. The First African Prime Video Movie. The ensemble cast also features Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi, Chike, Iyabo Ojo, Chioma Chukwuka, Zlatan, Bimbo Ademoye, Yvonne Jegede, Yinka Quadri, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, and Yhemolee. The story involves three friends Obalola, Ify, and Gift, who grew up in Ìsàlẹ̀ Èkó, a neighborhood controlled by politically connected gangs. As rival factions clash and violence erupts, they became entangled in the escalating gang warfare. The writer Osiberu developed the idea of Gang of Lagos during the production of her earlier project, Gidi Up in 2016, inspired by observing residents' daily lives through the windows of neighboring buildings. Principal photography, which involved the use of RED Digital Cinema DSMC2 MONSTRO 8K VV, and took place two years prior to its 2023 release from 2021 to 2023 in Isale Eko, a neighborhood on Lagos Island. The score was composed by Tolu Obanro, with Chike contributing lyrics for some of the songs. Principal photography was conducted on Lagos Island. The film was screened on 4 September 2022 during the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. And released into theaters by Amazon MGM Studios through Prime Video on 7 April 2023. The film covers themes such as loyalty and ambition and rivalry within the criminal world. Gangs of Lagos also won several accolades at the 2023 Africa Movie Academy Awards. Chioma Chukwuka Won An Africa International Film Festival Award (AFRIFF) for her performance in the movie which trended on all social media platforms. The movie caused a stir upon release and has remained so ever since. It was described as "derogatory to the Lagos culture" and was subsequently asked to be banned from Nollywood media by the Lagos State government. Gang of Lagos remains one of the most successful Nigerian film productions in the Nigerian cinema industry having earned more than ₦230 million. The film was also recognized as one of the top 10 most watched locally-produced movies on Prime Video outside the country of origin.