-
Vector Criticizes Use Of Eyo Masquerade In “Gangs Of Lagos” Movie.
-
Vector expresses disapproval of how the “Gangs of Lagos” movie depicts the Eyo Masquerade.
Ogunmefun Olanrewaju, better known by his stage name Vector, has voiced his unhappiness with some of the actions in the renowned Nigerian film “Gangs of Lagos.”
With a star-studded cast that includes Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Chike Osebuka, Chioma Akpotha, and Iyabo Ojo, the Jade Osiberu movie, which debuted on Prime Video on April 7, 2023, has been the talk of the town ever since and has topped charts in a number of different nations.
The movie, which was a part of Osiberu’s three-year overall deal with the streaming service and the first African Original for Prime Video, featured a tale of the criminal activities on Lagos Island in the state of Lagos.
A part of the entities used to tell the story in the movie was the sacred Eyo Masquerade.
On April 12th, 2023, Vector tha Viper, who was raised in the Lafiaji neighbourhood of Lagos Island and took to Instagram, utilised his platform to inform the world about the Eyo Masquerade and highlight the fact that it is a celebration of peace and prosperity.
In the lengthy article, Vector continued by criticising the use of the Eyo as a gang or criminal organisation in the film, claiming that the movie would still have been enjoyable even if the Eyo had not been utilised in the manner it was in the blockbuster production.
Accompanying the post with a video of himself during one of the Eyo festivals, he wrote:
I was born at the Onikan health center, lafiaji, Lagos island and all i have seen during the Eyo festival every time they’re out is, they stop by at ours and prayed wishing prosperity for my family.
Most of our friends like the Olugbani’s who are direct Eyo Ologede gatekeepers ( @hypeengine_mcbalo ) are not gun shooting criminals using culture as a disguise.
As teenagers, i’ve had friends (underneath the regalia )chase me with the staff ( Opambata ) because i knew they would take advantage and show me shege lol.
My idea of what the Bajulaiye is is totally different from murderous criminality.
Going by what the term gang means, it is disrespectful to define the Eyo in the same light.
In light of what i have experienced about Eyo, i wish prosperity to the hands that have labored although the movie would still be good without referring to Eyo as a (criminal) “gang” in lagos.
There is a reason they say “mo yo fun e, mo yo fun araa mi”
in English,
rejoicing with you,
Is rejoicing with myself.
Eyo is not a criminal organization.
View this post on Instagram