Cultural Misrepresentation of Eyo Festival Masquerade in the Movie, Gangs of Lagos

 The modern Lagos lifestyle was sufficiently captured in the movie "Gangs of Lagos," which was released on Amazon Prime Video on April 7, 2023. However, the major backlash was on how the Eyo Masquerade was portrayed in the movie. The first scene leading to the montage, which was a masterful display of the Eyo Festival, however it ends up showing an Eyo Masquerade assassinating a man in his own home in the presence of his wife and newborn baby. The climax of the movie was at the end when the character, ‘Terrible’ revealed that Kazeem was the one who disguised as an Eyo masquerade to murder Oba’s father. This ultimately led to Oba, the protagonist, using the same Eyo masquerade regalia at London’s funeral to assassinate Kazeem and his clique to avenge both Pana and his father’s death. Eyo masquerades were known to come out to pay respect whenever a notable Isale Eko indigene has passed away. The backlash against the movie was from the King of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, other kings in the Isale Eko community, many cultural scholars, the Ministry of Art and Culture, Lagos State, as well as the Lagos state government.

The plot of the movie, "Gangs of Lagos," revolves around a group of friends whose lives have revolved around crime and violence since their childhood in the Isale Eko area of Lagos, Nigeria. Amidst this criminal backdrop, the portrayal of the Eyo Masquerade as a tool of violence raises important questions about cultural representation and the influence of streaming services on recent Nollywood movies which have potentials to reach a global audience.

Streaming platforms have brought about a revolution in the entertainment industry. With the ability to reach a global audience, they have attracted large investments and significantly impacted content creation and distribution. However, this newfound power comes with responsibilities, especially when dealing with cultural elements. The portrayal of the Eyo Masquerade as a gangster in "Gangs of Lagos" highlights the potential pitfalls of such influence.

The Eyo Masquerade Festival, also known as the Adamu-Orisha masquerade, has deep historical and cultural significance to the people of Lagos Island. Its origin dates back to the 18th century, and it is staged in memory of illustrious deceased individuals. The festival is a cherished tradition that symbolizes renewal, purification, and honoring the ancestors. 

The Eyo Masquerades hold a prestigious place in arts, literature, music, and folklore. It has been portrayed in music by the Fuji music icon K1 the Ultimate, in artworks at different galleries all over Lagos and the world, statues have also been commissioned all over Lagos especially in Isale Eko to venerate the Masquerade, and in literature related to Lagos history and lifestyle such as journal articles on tourism and novels. "Gangs of Lagos" marks the first time the Eyo masquerade was portrayed in a movie that presents the masquerade to the world. 

For the first time in history, the iconic and glamorous traditional heritage of the people of Isale Eko, Lagos Island, the Eyo masquerade, is presented as a criminal organization in the movie "Gangs of Lagos." This portrayal has sparked outrage and condemnation from cultural custodians and leaders who view it as a distortion and degradation of their cultural legacy. It is quite unfortunate that the symbol of Lagos Heritage was violated for cheap and unnecessary attention to a global audience.

 

One possible influence behind this misrepresentation is the need to create sensational and attention-grabbing content that caters to a global audience. Streaming platforms thrive on diverse and engaging content that can capture viewers' attention and generate discussions. However, this pursuit of attention should not come at the expense of cultural sensitivity and accuracy.

Moreover, the financial investments from streaming platforms can sometimes lead to an imbalance in creative control. The saying "he who pays the piper dictates the tune" holds true in the entertainment industry. Financial backers often have a say in the creative decisions of a production, which can result in alterations that prioritize marketability over authenticity.

The streaming platforms' influence on content creation extends to marketing and promotion. The need to create compelling trailers and promotional materials can lead to sensationalizing certain aspects of the content, often oversimplifying cultural elements for mass appeal.

In the case of "Gangs of Lagos," the decision to portray the Eyo Masquerade as gangsters might have been driven by a desire to create an intriguing storyline that blends traditional culture with modern crime elements. However, this portrayal neglects the deep-rooted symbolism and historical significance of the Eyo Festival, ultimately perpetuating a misinformed narrative.

The controversy surrounding the movie highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and authenticity in storytelling. While entertainment is meant to entertain and sometimes challenge norms, it should not be at the expense of cultural heritage and identity. Streaming platforms have the responsibility to ensure that the content they promote is respectful and accurate, especially when dealing with cultural elements that hold great value to communities.

As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve with the rise of streaming platforms, content creators must strike a balance between creative freedom and cultural respect. Collaborating with cultural experts, historians, and community representatives can help ensure that stories are told in a way that honors tradition while engaging audiences worldwide.

In conclusion, the portrayal of the Eyo Masquerade as gangsters in the movie "Gangs of Lagos" raises important questions about the influence of streaming platforms on cultural representation. While these platforms offer immense opportunities for content creators, they also come with responsibilities to respect and accurately portray cultural heritage. The misrepresentation of the Eyo Festival in the film serves as a reminder that creative decisions should be guided by cultural sensitivity and authenticity, rather than solely catering to market trends and sensationalism. As streaming services continue to shape the landscape of entertainment, it is crucial to prioritize the preservation and respectful portrayal of cultural traditions.