Gangs of Lagos: Obalola and Malcolm X [NFTW #40]

What’s good everyone? I hope we’re all doing well. Hope the bank holiday weekend has been good to you so far and you’ll be enjoying today. Today is a light one as I wanted to develop a comparison I had while I was watching Gangs of Lagos recently. In other news, the Big Four series has come to an end. You’ll find the final edition to the series below.

Malcolm and Obalola

I remember listening to a podcast that featured Shaka Senghor—he mentioned that one of the most widely read and requested books in the U.S. penitentiary system is The Autobiography of Malcolm X. My understanding of Malcolm X has evolved over time. Initially when I was first presented with him it was presented in direct opposition to the person and beliefs of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As a Christian I somewhat felt more comfortable with accepting the ideals of Dr. King. But in hindsight I was being presented with a false dichotomy. While it’s certainly true and well documented that Dr. King and Malcolm X had their disagreements about one another’s protest styles they were different sides of the same coin. Their intentions were both the same: a restoration of respect and dignity for black Americans in a nation that sought to deny them of this right.

When I remember the life of Malcolm X I see the story of redemption and the ability for a man to self-determine the trajectory of your life. It is important to remember that Malcolm X had a troubled past as a convicted criminal before he became an influential civil rights leader. While serving a prison sentence, he underwent a profound transformation that led him to reject his past criminal lifestyle and embrace the teachings of the Nation of Islam. This transformation led him to become a powerful advocate for black liberation and an inspiration to many. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that his past mistakes do not define him, and his journey from a criminal to a civil rights leader demonstrates the potential for personal growth and change. It is important to recognize that Malcolm X's life serves as a reminder that everyone deserves a second chance and that redemption is possible.

For people who are incarcerated I can understand why his story would resonate so deeply. During his six-year imprisonment, Malcolm X became deeply involved in the Nation of Islam (NOI) and its teachings, which has a profound impact on his life and beliefs. As I watched Gangs of Lagos I saw a similar story to Malcolm X in Obalola, the young protagonist who is trying to shape his way in a world that has put in front of him so many opposing forces.

As I watched Obalola venture through the unforgiving streets of Isale Eko whilst still holding on to his dreams of learning computer science in San Francisco—I was reminded of the truth of redemption. There are moments where he recognises that he was being used as a thankless pawn in another person’s game. In real time it is difficult to recognise this context and even more difficult to make the adequate changes required to change the circumstance. However, the awareness to recognise that is an important step in the right direction. There is a particular moment in the film in which Obalola tasked with chaperoning and providing security for the daughter of his boss provides an impassioned monologue in which he articulates with clarity and frustration the situation he and people like him find themselves in. Not just the youths that have been recruited into the organised gangs but also the market women and shop owners they exact racketeering fees from. It is the expression of this grievance that lays the groundwork for the organisation we see later on in the film.

I won’t spoil the film but in some ways Malcolm and Obalola’s arc is similar — they both recognised the importance of freedom in determine one’s own affairs. But more importantly they both recognised the importance of freedom in helping their people determine their affairs collectively. The combination of the two provides real freedom.

If you haven’t seen Gangs of Lagos yet I wouldn’t definitely say it’s worth the watch. Showing now on Amazon Prime.

The Big Four Series - Investing in South Africa

Final edition of The Big Four series is now live on my YouTube channel: Investing in South Africa! In this video I take a look at the economic landscape, public and private markets of South Africa and discuss the nation's viability for investment. If you're interested in learning more about the capital markets landscape on the African continent feel free to check it out.

This was a really cool series for me to research and film for. Hope it’s been helpful to those of you that have checked it out. For a little bit of context for this video in particular—I was in a race against time as I had to leave to the airport. I made it so it’s all good.

Until next week. Peace.

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