Beyond the Screen: “Gangs of Lagos” Settlement Highlights the Importance of Cultural Sensitivity in Filmmaking
[1]The vibrant world of entertainment thrives on creativity, innovation, and pushing boundaries. But where does artistic license end and cultural appropriation begin?[2] The recent resolution of the “Gangs of Lagos” movie dispute, culminating in an apology for the depiction of the Eyo masquerade, offers a vital lesson for the entertainment industry. This case underscores the complex interplay between artistic expression, cultural heritage, and the responsibility that filmmakers bear when portraying traditions and beliefs on screen.
The heart of the controversy stemmed from the perceived disrespect or inappropriate portrayal of the Eyo masquerade, a significant symbol of Lagosian identity and a deeply rooted cultural practice.[3] The agreement by the producers to issue an apology reflects a growing awareness within the industry of the potential harm that can arise from insensitive or misinformed depictions of cultural symbols.
A Broader Conversation: Protecting Cultural Symbols and Balancing Artistic Freedom
This incident is not an isolated event; it sparks a wider conversation about the ethical considerations inherent in filmmaking.[4]
- Protecting Cultural Symbols:[5] How do we ensure the sacred symbols and traditions of a community are portrayed with respect and understanding in film and media? The Eyo masquerade holds deep spiritual and historical significance; its misuse can cause significant offense and undermine its cultural value.
- Balancing Artistic License and Cultural Sensitivity:[6] Where is the line between creative freedom and cultural appropriation? Filmmakers need to navigate this tension thoughtfully, considering the potential impact of their work on the communities they depict.
- The Power of Apology and Reconciliation:[7] The willingness of the “Gangs of Lagos” producers to apologize signals a commitment to acknowledging the harm caused and taking steps toward reconciliation. This sets a positive precedent for the industry.
The resolution sets a positive precedent, highlighting the importance of dialogue and accountability. However, it also raises crucial questions about the responsibilities of filmmakers in navigating cultural sensitivities.[8]
Echoes of Similar Disputes: Lessons from Around the World
The “Gangs of Lagos” case is not unique. Similar controversies have erupted globally, underscoring the universal need for greater cultural awareness in the entertainment industry.
- The Coco Controversy (Disney/Pixar): Before its release, Pixar’s “Coco,” a film celebrating Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), faced criticism for its initial attempt to trademark the holiday.[9] While Pixar engaged with the Mexican community and ultimately made significant efforts to ensure authentic representation, the initial trademark attempt sparked outrage and accusations of cultural appropriation.
- Gucci’s Blackface Sweater: The luxury fashion brand faced intense backlash for releasing a sweater that resembled blackface imagery.[10] The controversy highlighted the importance of brands being aware of the historical context and potential impact of their designs, even if unintended.
- Cultural Appropriation in Music:[11] Cultural appropriation in the music industry has sparked numerous debates, with artists being accused of adopting elements from other cultures without proper understanding or respect. This includes everything from musical styles to traditional hairstyles, emphasizing the need for artists to engage with the cultures they draw inspiration from in a responsible and informed manner. For instance, in 2020, Adele[12] faced criticism for wearing Bantu knots, a traditional African hairstyle, paired with a Jamaican flag bikini top during the Notting Hill Carnival. Many viewed this as cultural appropriation, arguing that it reduced meaningful cultural symbols to mere fashion statements. Similarly, in 2013, Miley Cyrus sparked controversy during her MTV Video Music Awards performance, where she incorporated twerking a dance with deep roots in African American culture, into her act. Critics accused her of exploiting Black culture for shock value without acknowledging its origins. These instances highlight the importance of cultural sensitivity in the music industry. While cultural exchange can be enriching, it should always be approached with respect, acknowledgment, and a deeper understanding of the traditions being borrowed.
Key Takeaways for Filmmakers and Content Creators:
The “Gangs of Lagos” case, along with these other examples, provides valuable lessons for filmmakers and content creators:
- Deep Research is Non-Negotiable:[13] Before incorporating cultural elements into your work, invest in thorough research and consultation with community stakeholders.
- Seek Guidance and Collaboration:[14] Partner with cultural experts and community leaders to ensure accurate and respectful representation. Don’t assume you understand the nuances; ask!
- Acknowledge and Rectify Mistakes: If a mistake is made, own it, apologize sincerely, and take corrective action to repair the damage.
Moving Forward: A Call for Ethical Storytelling
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it’s imperative that filmmakers prioritise cultural sensitivity and ethical storytelling.[15] By prioritising formally engaging with communities, conducting thorough research, working with historians , use of data and archives and seeking guidance from cultural experts, we can create films and media that are not only entertaining but also respectful, inclusive, and authentically representative of the diverse world we live in. The “Gangs of Lagos” case serves as a potent reminder that cultural sensitivity is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a fundamental responsibility.
REFERENCES
[1] Henry Ojelu (2025)Gangs of Lagos: Court orders producers to apologise for misrepresentation of culture accessed on March 13, 2025 from
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/gangs-of-lagos-court-orders-producers-to-apologise-for-misrepresentation-of-culture/
[2] Keith Aoki, Distributive and Syncretic Motives in Intellectual Property Law (with Special Reference to Coercion, Agency, and Development), 40 UC DAVIS L. REV. 717, 719 (2007)
[3] Gbenga Oloniniran(2025)Gangs of Lagos’ producers to apologise over Eyo portrayal accessed
13th March 2025 from https://punchng.com/author/gbenga/
[4]James boyle, Shamans, Software, and Spleens: Law and the Construction of the Information Society (1996); rosemary j. coombe, The Cultural Life of Intellectual Properties: Authorship, Appropriation, and Law 58 (1998).
[5]Zahra Al-Zadjali (2024) The Significance of Art in Revealing a Culture’s Identity and Multiculturalism,
published by Open Journal of Social Sciences, Vol.12 No.1, 2024
[6]Sesigür, A., & Günel, E. (2022). Culturally sensitive visual arts teaching. Journal of Innovative Research in Teacher Education, 3(3), 300-320. https://doi.org/10.29329/jirte.2022.479.4
[7] Ibid
[8] Reski Kurniawan (2023 ) Balancing Freedom of Expression and Cultural Sensitivity in West Java, Indonesia E-ISSN 2985-6043 Vol 1 issue 2 2023 page. 1-6
[9] Anisa, S. (2021) “The Representation of Mexican Culture in Disney Pixar’s Movie Entitled ‘Coco,’” Journal of English Language and Literature (JELL). Sekolah Tinggi Bahasa Asing IEC Jakarta.
[10] Yuliya Talmazan and Caroline Radnofsky (2019) Gucci apologizes and stops selling $890 ‘blackface’ sweater accessed on 14th March 2025 from https://www.npr.org/2019/02/07/692314950/gucci-apologizes-and-removes-sweater-following-blackface-backlash
[11]Nadra Kareem Nittle (2020)Cultural Appropriation in Music: From Madonna to Miley Cyrus accessed on 13th March 2025 from https://www.thoughtco.com/cultural-appropriation-in-music-2834650
[12]Adele (2020) Adele accused of cultural appropriation over Instagram picture accessed on 13th march 2025 from https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/sep/01/adele-accused-of-cultural-appropriation-over-instagram-picture?utm_source=chatgpt.com
[13]Graham PW, Kim MM, Clinton-Sherrod AM, Yaros A, Richmond AN, Jackson M, Corbie-Smith G. What is the role of culture, diversity, and community engagement in transdisciplinary translational science? Transl Behav Med. 2016 Mar;6(1):115-24. doi: 10.1007/s13142-015-0368-2. PMID: 27012259; PMCID: PMC4807193.
[14] Lazarus Obed Livingstone Banda, Chigonjetso Victoria Banda, Jane Thokozani Banda, Tapiwa Singini,
Preserving cultural heritage: A community-centric approach to safeguarding the Khulubvi Traditional Temple Malawi,Heliyon, Volume 10, Issue 18, 2024, e37610,ISSN 2405-8440, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37610. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024136419)
[15] Emma SaddAlice Barley and Vicky Ferguson
(2023)Ethical storytelling: power, principles and conversation accessed on 13th March, 2025 from https://www.bond.org.uk/news/2023/01/ethical-storytelling-power-principles-and-conversation/
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