I drank strong alcohol, went to graveyard to play role in ‘Gangs of Lagos’ – Tobi Bakre
Tobi Bakre, a former Big Brother Naija reality show star turned actor, has stated that he performed a variety of gritty things to fit into his role in ‘Gangs of Lagos,’ a fiery crime thriller.
Tobi portrayed Obalola, a street King (Eleniyi – the owner of men) who began life unremarkable, with wounds from his childhood.
It was his first time playing a lead part, and he stated it was the first time he truly let himself go to portray a character.
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He was featured in the most recent episode of the audiovisual podcast Menisms.
“For ‘Gangs of Lagos,’ that was challenging because for the first time… you know as guys now, we build so many walls like you’re mentally prepared for all the possible sad outcomes in life,” Tobi added. As if you’re unaware, but… I was now playing the role of a powerful man, yet in the same film, he had to be vulnerable at times. I had the most difficult time, bro. I had to knock down my defences.
“You know those [herbal bitters] plastic drinks, na? I drank two in less than five minutes. Because I didn’t feel anything, I just felt like I drank water. I was listening to the most depressing music. Celia by Tiwa Savage is the song I always remember from Gangs of Lagos. It’s an extremely moving song. I wasn’t attempting to impersonate my role. I needed to be truly sad in order to be present. So I imagined myself in the shoes of this character.
“I was thinking about myself. Right in front of where we were shooting was a graveyard. As a result, my thoughts were scattered. That sequence was eventually shot. Everyone remained silent after we shot it and they said “cut.” And there were sobs in the background. It was almost as though everyone forgot we were actors for that brief moment, and some individuals were truly crying.”
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To get into character, the ex-TV reality star said he rolled about on the floor and rubbed sand over his face.
However, he stated that the character’s vulnerability was his most difficult assignment.
He admitted that he hard to let go of the character after the film.
Tobi stated, “It [the persona] occasionally leads like my wife now when I first returned home… Certainly, fury is the last emotion you may have, but my outburst grew shorter. Because of the character I’m currently infusing, my fuss on the road is a little shorter. So, after the whole affair, I just had to ease out.”
Jade Osiberu’s ‘Gangs of Lagos’ is the first African Original for Amazon Prime’s video streaming platform.
The plot revolves around three friends, Obalola (Tobi Bakre), Gift (Adesua Etomi-Wellington), and Ify (Chike-Ezekpeazu Osebuka), who are growing up on the harsh and crowded streets of Isale Eko, Lagos.
