Gidi Blues is a love story at its core. Akin (Gideon Okeke) meets Nkem (Hauwa Allahbura) in the middle of crowded Idumota in Lagos when Nkem’s bag is stolen in the middle of the market. Gideon chases the thief and rescues her bag after he is almost robbed himself. Where the audience expects an instant romantic connection, their love story is a slow burn.
Instead, at Idumota, Simbi (Lepacious Bose) uses the opportunity to try to hit on Akin’s friend Jaiye (Daniel Lloyd). Akin shows himself to be a smooth-talking player pampered by an overbearing mother, the complete opposite to Nkem, who works hard for a living and has her feet firmly planted in the reality of Lagos life. In the sub-plot, Simbi throws herself at Jaiye, who appears to be more interested in a fictitious character, Susan that Simbi created just to get his attention. He continuously rejects her.
Why this film is unique from the regular Nollywood fare is that it humanises Lagos in such a way that it is much more than the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, posh parties, nice clothes or a seedy underbelly. Movies tend to be either-or, but not Gidi Blues. It spotlights the craziness of Idumota in a wholly believable way.
The scenes are beautifully shot and framed, with smooth transitions. While the chemistry between Nkem and Akin tends to be a bit lukewarm, it is not from a lack of trying on Akin’s part. The story itself is easy-going and pleasing to watch, it does get a bit difficult to follow, especially the scenes between the two lead characters because their chemistry just does not gel. That is the only standout flaw of the movie.
Gidi Blues is currently on Netflix and I recommend you see it.
Didi Dan-Asisah is an art enthusiast and critic. She lives in Lagos.
Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.
