Gangs of Lagos Producers, Amazon Prime Apologize to Isale Eko Over Cultural Misrepresentation

Nearly two years after a lawsuit was filed against them, the producers of Gangs of Lagos and Amazon Prime have issued a public apology to the Isale Eko Descendants Union over the film’s controversial depiction of the Isale Eko community and the revered Eyo masquerade.

The lawsuit, initiated in 2023, accused the filmmakers of misrepresenting the cultural heritage of Isale Eko by portraying the Eyo masquerade as assassins and depicting the historic community as a hub for criminal activities. The Lagos State Government and traditional leaders had also condemned the film, sparking widespread outrage among cultural custodians.

On Wednesday, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Chairman of the Isale Eko Descendants Union, Adeniji Kazeem, confirmed that a legal settlement had been reached. The Lagos High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square, presided over by Justice Idowu Alakija, delivered a consent judgment finalizing the agreement between the Isale Eko Descendants Union and the defendants, including Amazon Web Services and the film’s producers.

Terms of Settlement

As part of the settlement, Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited is required to issue an official statement acknowledging that Gangs of Lagos misrepresented the Isale Eko community and the sacred Eyo masquerade.

Additionally, the film’s producers, including Greoh Limited, Jadesola Osiberu, Kemi Akindoju, and other executive producers, must tender a joint apology recognizing the concerns of the Isale Eko Descendants Union.

The apology serves as a significant victory for the cultural custodians who had demanded accountability over the misrepresentation of their heritage. The Isale Eko community views the Eyo masquerade as a symbol of honor and tradition, and its wrongful depiction as a criminal entity sparked an intense legal and cultural battle.

While it remains unclear whether Gangs of Lagos will face further restrictions or edits, this landmark settlement underscores the importance of respecting indigenous cultures in cinematic portrayals. The resolution also sets a precedent for how Nigerian filmmakers handle cultural narratives in the future.

Saida Boj Slams Burna Boy for Mocking Sophia Egbueje Over ‘Lambo’ Incident at Kenyan Show

The controversial ‘Lambo’ scandal involving Burna Boy and socialite Sophia Egbueje has taken another dramatic turn as popular influencer Saida Boj berates the Grammy-winning singer for using the incident as freestyle material during his recent show in Kenya.

The saga began when reports emerged that Burna Boy had allegedly promised Sophia a Lamborghini in exchange for an intimate encounter but later reneged on his promise, sparking outrage and widespread online discourse. The issue had barely simmered down before Burna Boy decided to bring it back into the spotlight, freestyling about the controversy on stage while entertaining his Kenyan audience.

Saida Boj did not hold back in her criticism, calling out Burna Boy for shaming Sophia instead of owning up to his alleged wrongdoing and making amends.

In a video that has since gone viral, she chastised him for his actions, saying:

“NO be to the sing song for the girl. You no buy Lambo, you buy that one. When you f-up, accept your f-up. Normal OG like you no suppose dey do that kind thing. Na small boy doings be that. You no fit get bear bear full face dey behave like 12-year pikin.”

Her comments have sparked a heated debate on social media, with fans and critics alike weighing in on the controversy.

One user, @official_ose007, dismissed the outrage, saying: “Olosho’s just dey cry for the past 3 days now….”

Another, @adaigwe__, poked fun at Saida’s appearance rather than addressing the issue, commenting: “I’m more concerned about the white thing on her head. Na cellotape? .”

Meanwhile, @huncho___gram took a different stance, stating: “Only a housewife or fiancé deserve such gift, not some general pekus.”

As reactions continue to flood social media, Burna Boy has yet to respond to Saida Boj’s remarks. However, the incident has further fueled the controversy surrounding his handling of the situation and his perceived attitude toward women.

With tensions running high, industry watchers are keen to see whether Burna Boy will address the backlash or let the storm pass. One thing is certain—the ‘Lambo’ saga is far from over.

DYKKE: The Chartered Accountant Making Waves in the Music Industry

In the ever-evolving Nigerian music industry, many artists come from diverse backgrounds, bringing unique experiences into their craft. One such rising star is Dike Ubochioma Chukwuebuka, popularly known as DYKKE, whose journey from the world of finance to the music scene is as inspiring as it is intriguing.

From Accounting to Afrobeat

Hailing from Rivers State, Nigeria, DYKKE is the youngest of seven siblings. He grew up in Port Harcourt, where he completed his education and became a Chartered Accountant, holding a BSc, MSc, and ACA certification. However, despite his academic achievements, music remained a deep passion—a passion nurtured by his elder brothers.

“As a child, I watched my brothers buy songbooks, sing, and rap different kinds of songs,” he recalls. “At some point, I joined them, and over time, I developed the ability to write and perform my own music.”

DYKKE’s creative process is a blend of personal experience, emotions, and external influences. “I get inspiration from life experiences, other people’s stories, topics I want to discuss, and even the sounds I hear around me,” he explains. “Sometimes, it happens subconsciously.”

Like many independent musicians, DYKKE faces the challenge of getting his music to a wider audience. “Promoting my songs without a major label or sponsor is a challenge,” he admits. “I’m still working on building partnerships to ease the process.”

When asked about his biggest influences, DYKKE credits the Afrobeat stars who continue to push boundaries with their creativity. He has also explored collaborations with other artists, describing the experience as “amazing.”

DYKKE recently released Call Jehovah, which is available on all streaming platforms, with the official music video on YouTube. “I’m also working on a new song that I’ll be announcing soon. Stay tuned!” he teases.

A Message to Fans

Grateful for the support he has received so far, DYKKE assures his fans that he will continue to deliver great music. “Thank you so much for your love and support. I will keep dropping hits and amazing songs.”

Fans can connect with DYKKE on social media:

TikTok, Instagram, Threads: @Dykieofficial

Facebook, X (Twitter): @Amurdykie