Yhemolee and Zlatan Ibile Star in Amazon Prime’s Gang of Lagos: A New Era of Nollywood Action Drama

By: Tayo Adedolapo

Amazon Prime continues its ambitious expansion into Nollywood, Africa’s fast-growing film industry, with its latest release, Gang of Lagos, an action-packed movie that features an all-star cast of Tobi Bakre, Adesua Etomi, Chioma Akpotha, Damilola Ogunsi, Tayo Faniran, Zlatan Ibile, Bimbo Ademoye, Yvonne Jegede, Yinka Quadri, Chike, Pasuma, Idowu Adeyemi and a host of others. Among the standout roles are popular Nigerian influencer, musician, and actor Yhemolee, who plays the formidable character Muri Toronto, and Afrobeats superstar Zlatan Ibile as Kash.

Yhemolee as Muri Toronto:

A Rising Star Yhemolee also known as Idowu Adeyemi, known for his vibrant online personality and music, brings a fresh yet commanding presence to the screen as Muri Toronto. His portrayal of a streetwise leader navigating the gritty underworld of Lagos resonates with his fans and movie critics alike. In the role, Yhemolee encapsulates the hustle and vibrant energy of Lagos, portraying a character shaped by the city’s challenges and opportunities. Muri Toronto is fearless, resourceful, and often morally conflicted, reflecting the complexity of life in the bustling metropolis. For Yhemolee, this role marks a significant leap in his acting career, transitioning from social media fame and music into full-fledged film stardom Idowu Adeyemi has also steered in movies like _Traffic (2020), Reach (2020), Hotel Labamba (2023)_. His performance in Gang of Lagos has already sparked buzz as one of the breakout moments of the movie, blending his natural charisma with a raw, intense portrayal of life in the fast lane.

*Zlatan Ibile as Kash:* An Electrifying RoleZlatan Ibile, an icon in Nigeria’s music scene, known for his infectious energy and street anthems, shines as Kash in Gang of Lagos. His portrayal is intense, portraying a hard-edged, unpredictable gangster with ambitions that challenge even the most powerful figures in Lagos’ underworld. Kash’s role is central to the movie’s tension, providing a contrast to Yhemolee’s Muri Toronto with his fiery personality and no-nonsense approach to the dangers of the street. Zlatan’s performance in the film marks his return to acting after dabbling in the industry with minor roles, and he brings a palpable energy to the screen. Fans of his music will appreciate seeing him step into this new role, where he maintains his larger-than-life persona while tackling the complexities of a character navigating power, loyalty, and survival.

*Gang of Lagos: A High-Stakes Thriller* _Gang of Lagos_  is a crime drama set against the vibrant yet perilous backdrop of Lagos, Nigeria. It delves into the intertwining lives of street gangs, political intrigue, and personal ambition. Directed by an acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker, the movie presents a raw, realistic look at the city’s challenges, from crime and poverty to loyalty and betrayal. Amazon Prime’s collaboration with Nollywood has opened a new chapter for Nigerian filmmakers, and Gang of Lagos is one of its most anticipated releases. The platform’s push into Nigerian cinema has provided filmmakers the resources to create stories with higher production values, attracting A-list talents like Yhemolee, Chike, and Zlatan Ibile.

Nollywood on the Rise

As Nollywood continues to expand its influence globally, projects like Gang of Lagos are pushing the boundaries of storytelling and production quality in the industry. The casting of music stars like Zlatan and social media influencers like Yhemolee shows the industry’s ability to blend various elements of Nigerian pop culture into cinema, creating a hybrid form of entertainment that resonates deeply with local audiences and increasingly, with global ones.

The film is set to be a major hit, with its release on Amazon Prime making it easily accessible to audiences worldwide, further elevating Nigeria’s profile in the global entertainment scene. With stars like Yhemolee, Chike, and Zlatan Ibile at the helm, _Gang of Lagos_  is not just a film it’s a symbol of the power and potential of Nollywood as it breaks into new frontiers.