
Amazon Prime Issues Apology for Eyo Masquerade Depiction
Producers of the film Gangs of Lagos and Amazon Prime Video have agreed to issue a public apology for their portrayal of the Eyo masquerade and the Isale Eko community. The film depicted the Eyo masquerade, a significant cultural symbol in Lagos, as a group involved in criminal activities, which led to widespread criticism from cultural and traditional leaders.
The settlement requires both the producers and Amazon Prime to formally acknowledge that their depiction misrepresented the cultural heritage of the Isale Eko community and the Eyo masquerade. This apology aims to address concerns about the film’s impact on the reputation and perception of these cultural elements.
Previously, the Oba of Lagos had condemned the film, labeling it as defamatory and sacrilegious due to its portrayal of the Eyo masquerade. He called for the removal of all representations of the Eyo from the movie.
The Gangs of Lagos controversy highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity in media productions, especially when depicting elements deeply rooted in a community’s identity and traditions.
For more insights into the discussion surrounding the portrayal of the Eyo masquerade in Gangs of Lagos, you might find this interview informative: