Imagine growing up in a world where survival means fighting, loyalty means standing by your people no matter what, and trouble is almost like a daily visitor. Now imagine being thrown into a completely different world where people care about social status, proper behaviour and maintaining appearances. What happens when these two worlds collide in one family?
That is the interesting situation in the movie Omo Ghetto The Saga.
Funke Akindele plays twin sisters, Lefty also called Shalewa and Ayomide, who grow up in very different circumstances. Ayomide is raised in affluence, while Lefty grows up in the ghetto, surrounded by street life, a notorious female gang and the kind of environment that shaped how she speaks, thinks and handles conflict.
Lefty is not your regular soft-spoken lady. She is loud, fearless, confrontational and very protective of her people. Her gang members, including Nikky (Bimbo Thomas) and Busty (Eniola Badmus), are practically her family. Their friendship came with plenty of street drama, arguments, fights and hilarious moments that make you wonder how they manage to get themselves into so much trouble.
Things take a different turn when Lefty reconnects with her wealthy family and had to adjust to a lifestyle that is almost the opposite of everything she had known before but moving into a high-class environment does not automatically change the person she has become. Her street habits followed her, creating uncomfortable situations, family tension and some of the movie's funniest scenes.
Unfortunately, her problems did not end with the culture clash. Lefty also got caught up in trouble involving Mogambo played Yemi Alade, a dangerous figure in the drug business. Her boyfriend, Femi Stone played by Deyemi Okanlawon, and his associates became entangled in the situation, bringing crime, rivalries and police trouble into an already chaotic story and just when you think the drama has settled, another problem seems ready to surface.
What I enjoyed most was the energy of the cast. Funke Akindele's ability to switch between the two sisters is impressive, while Chioma Akpotha, Eniola Badmus and Bimbo Thomas contribute to the film's comic appeal. The mix of Nigerian languages, street expressions, music and familiar social behaviours also gave the movie a very local identity.
However, the movie sometimes confuses noise with comedy. There are scenes where the shouting, fighting and exaggerated behaviour become excessive, and the many celebrity appearances occasionally distract from the main story. Some of the criminal elements could also have been explored with more depth.
Directed by Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz, the 2020 comedy movie blends family drama, crime, action and humour. It is messy in places, but it knows how to keep things moving and entertain its audience.
Beyond the laughter, I found the contrast between the sisters interesting. Our environment can shape our behaviour, but changing our environment does not automatically erase the habits we have learned to survive.
Omo Ghetto The Saga is worth watching if you enjoy lively Nigerian comedies with plenty of drama, memorable characters and a strong dose of street culture. Just be prepared for a lot of noise along the way!
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All images are for the movie
Rating: 91/100
