The director and producer of Gangs of Lagos, Jade Osiberu has opened up on how the Prime Video original was inspired by activities on Isale Eko area of Lagos Island.

Explaining how she came up with the idea for feature in a brief chat, Osiberu said: “ Twelve years ago, while I was shooting a series called Giddy Up in Isale Eko, across the window from where we were, I could see into another building’s window section and the people living there.

Immediately, they became characters in my story. I saw a mother cooking dinner and feeding her children. I thought about what it would feel like to live in Isale Eko, stuck there yet desiring more for yourself and your children. I wanted to humanise people who live the lives we don’t understand. It’s a revelatory film. It shows political thuggery. It’s a story about empathy, dreams, and love. I also hope people are entertained.”

Gangs of Lagos is a high-stakes, gritty, and hard-hitting action crime-thriller, with an authentic storyline centred on a group of childhood friends who each have to navigate destiny, growing up on the bustling streets and neighbourhood of Isale Eko, Lagos.

The feature film features Tobi Bakare, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Chike Osebuka, Chioma Chukwuka, Iyabo Ojo, Olarotimi Fakunle, Alabi Pasuma, Funke Williams, Mr. Marcaroni, and Zlatan amongst many others.