Awon Boyz

Awon Boyz is an engaging documentary film directed by Tolulope Itegboje and produced by Zero Degrees in 2019. The film navigates through the vibrant and spirited city of Lagos, Nigeria, offering viewers a deeply human and revealing narrative that unravels the lives of the city's street hustling culture.

The film’s title, ‘Awon Boyz’, is Yoruba slang for 'those boys,' which is colloquially used in particular contexts to refer to groups of young men who exhibit particular kinds of behaviours, often seen as somewhat rebellious or non-conforming. In the film, the term 'Awon Boyz' represents the group of street urban hustlers, often looked down upon, who come to life through this gripping artistic creation.

The documentary capture the vibrant spirit of Lagos through the relentless energy and sprawling megacity's resilience. Tolulope Itegboje zooms in on eight individuals and presents their diversion from the stereotyped gang persona. Through each individual's personal encounters, the film meticulously peels off the layers of stigmas associated with Lagos's street boys and exposes the dreams and spirits that lie beneath their rugged exteriors.

Each character in the film carries a unique story, ripe with raw emotions and passionate dreams. They defy the odds, hustle on the streets and tread on the path of survival but bear aspirations that are too big to be contained within the labyrinths of Lagos city. From a roadside mechanic living on the edge but hoping to make it big in the music industry, to a newspaper vendor dreaming of becoming a lawyer, their tales of ambition and resilience echo through the chaotic symphony of Lagos city life.

As the film traverses the labyrinthine terrain of Lagos, it strongly underpins the city's paradoxical charm through a mix of human stories and urban portraits. The buzzing marketplaces, colourful cultural events, hectic traffic, sketchy bridges, street vendors, and other aspects of popular street culture become essential characters in the film, framing the essence of its setting.

Awon Boyz works powerfully to humanize these often-overlooked figures in society, allowing their stories to not only evoke empathy but also challenge preconceived notions attached to them. The film gives voice to the marginalised and the stereotyped, putting into question deep-seated prejudices clouded by societal perspectives.

The cinematography in the movie blends aesthetic visuals and candid shots to create a realistic atmosphere. The expressions, environment, mannerisms, silence, and cultural idioms are captured with creativity and authenticity, adding unsaid layers to the storytelling. The musical arrangement, rhythm and blues of Lagos, adds another layer of vibrancy to the narrative.

However, Awon Boyz is not just a tale of travails and survival. It's also a tribute to the unyielding spirit of the Lagosian youth who continue to dream big and hustle hard despite their circumstances. Moreover, it's a critique of a socio-economic system where dreams and ambitions are often cage-bound.

The director’s objective in Awon Boyz is not to romanticize the hardship but to illustrate the power of dreams, the strength of character, and the indomitable spirit of survival that defines these boys. They represent the millions of disadvantaged youth who, despite the odds, dream of a better future. The narrative remains authentic, focusing on the stories of its subjects, while avoiding any judgements or overarching conclusion.

Awon Boyz allows the viewer to see these individuals not as mere inhabitants of the city’s underbelly but as the real driving force of Lagos itself. With its gripping screen portrayals and its challenging appeal to societal perspectives, the film ultimately evokes feelings of empathy and respect for these young men, their unwavering spirit and their undying hopes.

In its entirety, Awon Boyz stands as a striking documentary that offers an immersive chronicle of life, dreams, and survival on the chaotic streets of Lagos. It is a mirror that reflects the city's resilience through the lives of its everyday heroes, while representing a broader interpretation of the street culture in many megacities across the globe. With its compelling storytelling and raw authenticity, ‘Awon Boyz’ is an eye-opening journey into a world seldom explored.