Gangs of Lagos: An appeal for calm

I’ve just gone to watch the film.

I must say, the debate here (both for and against) have merits. Both sides simply have to sit back and relax and understand where the other is coming from.

Let me try and point out a few:

ALSO READ: Gangs of Lagos: A terrible symbolic representation

Despite the usual caveats, films are made to depict reality as much as possible… (I like the accompanying narrative in the film 👌🏼)

Yes, that opening narrative about Eyo being the “1st Gang of Lagos…” is a controversial statement and of course should be modified appropriately by the filmmaker (if possible). The Eyo is definitely NOT a Gang by whatever stretch of imagination or definition. 👎🏼

The other part of the narrative explaining when and why the Eyo masquerade is celebrated, resonates well. 👍🏽

The filmmakers could have done better in their two depictions of the assailants, by showing that these elements were “Masquerading” as Eyos. Very important. That is, make a clear distinction between the adherents and these other assailants in disguise! I think that is another major misunderstanding that could have been avoided. 👎🏼

As someone who grew up on the Island with a rich experience of the Eyo masquerade celebration, the filmmakers could have done better. Let me give an example:

That opening scene (the 1st assassination) where the lone Eyo masquerade entered a house and shot the man, is a little farfetched. He did not even observe the usual salutations… Also, there is usually a crowd or at least a small gathering of people (tenants) who are often gathered at the entrance of every street… (If not building)

ALSO READ: Custodians kick as Jade Osiberu, Banky W, others desecrate Eyo masquerade for money

In Isale Eko, he won’t do that or go scot-free 😊.

We watch other cultures being celebrated in films from other climes, and we can all see the detail involved in their depiction, be it “Day of the Dead” in Mexico, or Halloween in US or the Rio Carnival in Brazil. We can all remember the James Bond films where two of these were used.

So, all in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the film and everything about it except for those cultural glitches which should be amended (if possible). I don’t think the filmmakers meant anything bad or disrespectful though. The limitations could have been a factor of the production budget.

As to the cultural guardians, Ejebure . “Omode o le mo Eko je, ki o ma ra lowo.”🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

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