Reviewing the performance of music stars in 'Gangs of Lagos'

Chike, Zlatan and Pasuma, among others, dazzle in 'Gangs of Lagos' as they replicated their studio magic on stage.

Gangs of Lagos is the talk of the town and the significant roles that Nigerian artistes played in the movie deserve review.

Gangs of Lagos debuted on April 7, 2023

It makes a strong case to be the movie of 2023 as many have praised its costume, language use, setting, cinematography and plot.

Equally, Jade Osiberu, who also directed the 2022 blockbuster Brotherhood, deserves applause for the cast’s action and she seemed to have gone all out in choosing the cast for this movie given that even minor roles got competent actors.

Let’s review the performance of the musicians that left the studio briefly to dazzle on set. Chike plays Ify; Zlatan as Kash and Wasiu ‘Pasuma’ Alabi as Tajudeen Londoner. 

Gangs of Lagos at a glance

Gang of Lagos delves into the centre of the Lagos underworld where power turns the heart of all men and makes them do despicable things. Brothers turn on brothers while Obalola tries to fight fate - or destiny - which says he would live and die on the streets like his father.

From left, Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi-Wellington and Chike Osebuka

The story spans from Lagos in the early 2000s to the present day where virtually nothing has changed. Some even whisper that the story might have borrowed some real-life political figures in Lagos to inspire its characters but ssshhh, you did not hear it from us.

Gangs of Lagos Review: How good is Chike?

Chike plays a member of the Obalola-led three musketeers along with Adesua Etomi-Wellington (Gift).

For someone who has only been on the big screen twice after his performance as Mayowa Badmus in Battleground series, Chike holds his ground next to these seasoned actors with the air of innocence, naivety and playboy attitude that his character embodies.

Chike boosts his acting portfolio with ‘Gangs of Lagos’

With a cute face and an innate rhythm, no one would have guessed the man playing peaceful Ify is more familiar with a studio microphone than with a director's cue call. 

Legwork on stage

Zlatan Ibile has been strutting his stuff as a rapper in the music space for more than five years before making his acting debut in Gangs of Lagos. He plays Kashope, the son of a gang leader in Isale Eko and the rival of the protagonist, Obalola.

Zlatan at the premiere of Gangs of Lagos

Zlatan's reputation as a street music lord must have prepared him for the role he totally owns. Unfortunately, there are parts where his amateurism flashes but his brilliance in other parts makes up for it.

With a decent debut, he can follow in the footsteps of artistes who successfully crossed over into acting like Banky W and Reminisce.

Ferocious Oganla Fuji

Wasiu ‘Pasuma’ Alabi, also known as Oganla Fuji, has featured in a lot of Yoruba films since he gained popularity as a Fuji musician in Nigeria but only a few of those roles will ever be as highly praised as his performance as Tajudeen Londoner.

Gangs of Lagos: Pasuma in action

Pasuma leveraged his legendary status as a street icon to act as a street lord in the movie and made his screen presence felt until his last appearance. The scene where he wielded a club and knocked down his gang rivals was interesting to see.

Shoutout to Mustapha Abdulazeez who joins the AfroDives team as a content writer.