The Last time I was actually thrilled by a Nigerian movie was at early age watching “Egg of Life”, nevertheless, the Nigerian movie industry has gradually improved itself in a bid to attract international audience. King of Boys stars Sola Sobowale (as Eniola Salami) who seeks political power – a position traditionally reserved for men after controlling the grassroots and being just a mere political muscle in the underworld.
Sola Sobowale as Eniola Salami in the film can described as gruesome and skillful fusion of feminism and power. King of Boys itself can be liken to “The God Father” feminist esque movie.
The Story begins with a young Eniola ( played by Toni Tones) who gets a taste of power after running away from home -with two children to take of (her friends daughter and her biological son) she schemes her way to the top of the criminal ladder and holds on to the position of Oba (translated as King) of the underworld.
Trouble unfolds for the older Eniola when she decides to to seek power and prominence of a different kind. Pushed aside by the King maker, Aare Akinwande (Akin Lewis) after doing the dirty work she is now forced to battle Aare who believes she had a hand in the robbery of looted funds which he cant report to the police and MAKANI (played by award-winning rapper Reminisce) who wants to overthrow her rule as King Of Boys.
This results to an all out war which leads to the death of her daughter & side kick (played by Adesua Etomi) with her son, whom she only hoped would feel the shoes of a man instead of wasting his life on drugs.
Power, Ambition and Karma are the subject matter in this movie and are particularly evident through out. Salami’s rise and fall is what we call “you reap what you sow” and “he who lives by the gun” dies by the gun.
For a duration of 3 hours, the film keeps you glued to your screens. I personally love the fusion of different tribes in the film. The storyline highlighted the past and present ongoing issues in Nigeria, while giving an exposé of dirty games surrounding Nigerian politics.
I’m sure the producers required an actress who could match the skillful acting of Eniola hence Toni Tone but the physical characteristics between the two were far to wide. One, while the young Eniola was dark in complexion and tall the older was far and average in height. Felt as if the movie was giving a thumbs up to bleaching which should be highly discouraged in today’s society due to its alarming consequence. Her (Toni Tones) performance though could make any one believe that she had actually grown up to become Sobowale’s older Eniola.
While most scenes where enjoyable and suspense filled i just wished it didn’t drag too long.
Even so, “King of Boys” is one Nigeria’s finest and absolutely worth your 3 hours. The display realistic emotions especially by Sola Sobowale was through the roof. Sola Sobowale as Eniola was impressive and worth accolades. You can’t deny that she’s blessed with screen presence and a master of facial emotions that speaks a thousand word. s
Movie Grade: A+
It is undeniably true that the Nigerian movie industry is still upcoming but King of Boys exceeds other movies. Kemi Adetiba outdid herself and we can only pray for more bold directors to take the stage.
Cast
Sola Sobowale … Eniola Salami
Remilekun Reminisce Safaru … Makanaki
Adesua Etomi-Wellington … Kemi Salami (as Adesua Etomi)
Paul Sambo … Nurudeen Gobir
IllBliss … Odogwu Malay
Toni Tones … Young Eniola
Ademola Adedoyin … Kitan Salami
Sani MU’AZU… Inspector Shehu
Jide Kosoko … Alhaji Salami
Sharon Ooja … Amaka
Osas Ighodaro … Sade Bello (as Osas Ighodaro Ajibade)
Akin Lewis … Aare Akinwande
Lami Philips … Eniola’s mother
Produced by
| Kemi Adetiba | … | executive producer / producer |
| Remi Adetiba | … | executive producer / producer |
| Kene Okwuosa | … | producer |
 who seeks political power - a position traditionally reserved for men after controlling the grassroots ..){kind=link}