Essential Ndubuisi
Former Big Brother Naija reality star and actor, Tobi Bakre, has revealed that he resorted to consuming strong alcohol to prepare for his lead role in the crime movie, ‘Gangs of Lagos’. Bakre, who played Obalola in the movie, admitted that it was the first time he played a leading character, and that he let himself go to fully embody the role.
In an interview on Menisms’ audiovisual podcast with Olumurewa and Michael Sonariwo, Bakre stated that his role in ‘Gangs of Lagos’ was particularly challenging, as it required him to play a strong character who also had vulnerable moments. In order to fully immerse himself in the role, Bakre resorted to consuming two plastic bottles of herbal bitters in five minutes, while listening to the saddest music he could find.
Bakre revealed that he needed to be in a certain emotional state to deliver his lines, and to be able to convey the character’s vulnerability. The actor also recounted a particularly emotional scene in the movie, which elicited real tears from members of the cast and crew.
‘Gangs of Lagos’ is the first African original production for the streaming platform, Amazon Prime. The movie, which was produced and directed by Jade Osiberu, was released on April 7, 2023. It follows the story of three friends growing up on the tough streets of Lagos, as they each navigate their own destiny.
