A Lagos Love Story tells the tale of two sisters trying to navigate life after the death of their mother, who left them to care for their ailing father. One sister is involved in the world of fashion, while the other unexpectedly ventures into artiste management. During her journey, she meets King Kator, a rising Afrobeat star. Their initially controversial encounter soon blossoms into romance, leading to the realization of their dreams.
What stands out in this film is its refreshing blend of music and romance, a combination that feels new and exciting. The portrayal of King Kator’s life as an Afrobeat artist is exactly how one might imagine it to be—glamorous, fast-paced, and full of intrigue. However, despite its promising concept, the film falls into familiar territory, echoing the age-old storyline of a poor girl meeting a rich man, with the predictable romantic twist.
The Lagos Love Story is reminiscent of other films like Love in Every Word, where a woman’s fortune changes through her encounter with a wealthy man. While this may be an entertaining fantasy for some, it risks perpetuating an unrealistic “Prince Charming” mentality among young girls, who might believe that the answer to their struggles lies in meeting an extraordinarily rich man.
Directed by Chinaza Onuzo, the movie stars Jemima Osunde, Susan Pwajok, Mike Afolarin, Chimezie Imo, Uche Montana, Veeiye, Ihuoma Linda Ejiofor, IK Osakioduwa, and Uti Nwachukwu.
The opening scene, where King Kator and Promise meet by accident and fall into each other’s arms, feels overly staged and contrived, almost reminiscent of a Bollywood-style romance. It was a jarring moment that didn’t quite land well. However, the costume design, especially King Kator’s styling, deserves recognition for capturing the vibe of Afrobeat stars like Asake. Mike Afolarin does an excellent job of embodying the swagger of a true Afrobeat artist, and his stage performances are convincing—so much so that his portrayal had me thinking of Asake.
As for Uti Nwachukwu, his role as King Kator’s manager felt misplaced. It’s unclear what role would suit him best, but this one didn’t quite work. On the other hand, Jemima Osunde does a solid job, though her performance didn’t leave me completely in awe. The actress playing her sister, however, was a standout, especially in the emotional scenes. I’d love to see more of her in future roles. Itele d Icon also shines in his scene, with his “Omo Ita” persona feeling natural and unforced, which added authenticity to the film.
While there were no major technical standout moments, the street party scene was a definite highlight. The choreography, energy, and the local vibe gave the scene a real, authentic feel. It transported me to the festive street jams you’d find across Nigeria during the Christmas season. However, I was curious about the use of fireworks in that scene, given that they’ve been banned in Lagos since 2021. Perhaps the scene was filmed elsewhere or before the ban.
In the end, A Lagos Love Story is a feel-good movie that, while not groundbreaking, offers an enjoyable escape. Its predictable nature may not leave a lasting impact, but it’s still worth a watch. I’d rate it 6/10.
