DAGRIN'S GHETTO DREAMZ MOVIE: MY TAKE

GRIM reality stared me in the face as I proceeded into Silverbird Cinema, venue of Dagrin movie biopic. This was as a result of my unpreparedness to see the now write off, ill fated car that claimed his life.
It dawned on me that someone must have had a good sense of preserving the antique which will serve as a constant reminder for youths as regards driving and safety considerations, celebrity or not. The premiere of Ghetto Dreamz was a watershed in the history of the Nigerian entertainment industry (as regards biopics), which I hope will serve as a catalyst for the celebration of talented and hard working individuals who excel in their chosen fields; living or dead in Nigeria.

The introductory scene confirms the dexterity of the director (Daniel Ademinokan), whose use of cinematography was creative and commendable throughout the entire movie. The use of sound in the movie was creditable, but more could have been done in the area of sound use as a tool of storytelling.

The casting for the biopic movie was encouraging and one must give also give credit to the cast, but worthy of particular mention would be Rachel Oniga. She delivered a sterling performance as mother to Dagrin and PA Kasunmu did not disappoint as father too. Gabriel Afolayan's heartwarming effort as Nosa (friend to Dagrin), was heartwarming and every scene he played offered itself for commendations, which the crowd happily obliged all through the movie.
Upcoming musician who nipped the role of Dagrin gave a commendable performance considering his greenhorn status as an actor. And Kelechi Udegbe was apt for his role as friend too.

The writers of Ghetto Dreams must be praised for the for the way the plot was sequenced which was very bold. Although, I was worried about a scene concerning the love interest of Dagrin which was placed curiously before the downward spiral of the enigma the biopic hopes to immortalise in our memories. My worry was rooted in my perception of how some fans might interpret it, as regards the causation of his death, if we take into consideration the timeming the biopic puts forward. I had to basically harass the producer and Director who were both confident of the information put out and the integrity of their research (dramatic necessities considered). The character of Chi Chi (Girl friend of Dagrin), was well interpreted by Doris Simeon.

In all serious societies,most movies, musics, documents, etc, are relevant sources of educational materials; they are known to be opinion moulders and perception definers. Moreso necessary for a movie as this with a potentially global appeal, considering the fame Dagrin commands as a musician dead or alive.

The costume was fine, but the makeup was great, so much that a lot of emotions and sentiments flowed freely from the crowd inside the over flowing cinema hall and for real reasons too, in specific scenes.

Dagrins biopic is more than a valid addition to the increasing numbers of quality movies being churned out by serious minded Nollywood practitioners today.

I recommend Ghetto Dreams to my friends, fans and the general public this Easter- a season of love. And may the labour of love by Ope Banwo, Daniel Ademinokan and Stingomania team not be in vain.

Watch one. Watch all.

David Nnaji is an actor and historian.