Aburo (2024)

Aburo

When Jade Osiberu introduced us to a talented Maleek from the Ikorodu Bois fame in Gangs of Lagos in 2023, it was his performance as a conflicted street teen that won our hearts which earned him an AMAA award the same year. And now, playing another role of a troubled street-smart kid in Aburo, a tender heartwarming tale about courage and destiny, this time he is with an exceptional athletic gift.

Aburo is set in present-day Lagos against its class divide and follows the story of Aburo, a gifted teenager who might just be plucked from obscurity into potential stardom by Mide; a former celebrated athlete. The life of Aburo takes a sharp turn after he mistakenly steals from Mide (Efa Iwara), one afternoon when naive about street violence and tactics Mide loses his wallet to Aburo while trying to separate two boys fighting. Being a former athlete himself, Mide sees this hot pursuit for his wallet as just another reason why he should pay more attention to Aburos talent.

Mide is fascinated by what he saw during their chase that afternoon; He believes there’s so much more still hiding behind those sprinting skills untapped reserves of ability which only need guidance from someone like him who already knows so much about professional sports training methods! He dreams big too: “If nurtured rightly”, says coach;“I think this boy could become world famous.” Then on wards henceforth never again does he treat himself merely as one person involved but instead sees himself also partly responsible for realizing all these potentials inherent within young athletes such as this amazing Kenyan runner whom others only see running without ever asking themselves why or where they are going.

From now on therefore starting today even tonight if possible moving forward forevermore always thenceforth eternallymore every single day until death do us part hereafter posthumously henceforward subsequently and unto the end of time after this point evermore from that day on Aburo shall always regard himself as belonging under Mide’s guidance. As a result, he will start following his new mentor’s advice more closely with passion and dedication to become not just a good athlete but also disciplined person in all aspects of life including those outside sports only.

But what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? Aburo is caught between two worlds his newfound higher purpose and the street life that raised him. He can either stay loyal to the streets or abandon them for good by choosing a path which will lead him away from family, friends and even an angry mob lord who will stop at nothing until they find out why Aburo decided to betray them.

The movies by Yemi ‘Filmboy’ Morafa have always dealt with complex characters trying to navigate through life. The Wait (2022), Silence (2023) and Something Wicked (2017) are just some examples of this director’s works where we see people facing different challenges in their lives. This same pattern can be seen in Aburo which tells us about such relatable individuals living their own lives too. It shows everything from thief-street boy perspective all way up till becoming professional athlete storyline unfolded entirely through one character named “Aburo” so were most If not all other ones before it made out by Yemi himself.

Although being a sports movie at heart, what makes Aburo transcend beyond being just another feature-length sports drama has got more to do with its overall tone that troubled street teen transforming himself into something better than anyone expected while still remaining true towards those around him who supported throughout

Our hero or main character, Maleek Sanni (Aburo), gives a brilliant performance that is far better than his previous attempt in Gangs of Lagos where he made a shorter appearance. Rofi, Aburo’s sister is portrayed by the always dazzling Darasimi Nadi who wowed us in the 2022 musical drama O’baram. Efa Iwara does not have his best performance here (A Naija Christmas) but he does bring emotional depth to the story as a failed athlete yearning for love and redemption. Wumi Toriola shines through this film as Aburos well meaning Aunt even though her relationship with him is filled with ups and downs.

Good acting should seem real, even when it’s subtle it can still say a lot with one quiet look. Wumi Toriola does this with her character which is something I haven’t seen from her before maybe because she has been getting smaller parts in bigger movies lately like Ada Omo Daddy, Battle on Buka Street and Orisa. Yemi Cregx tries hard but falls flat on creating an unforgettable character as a street lord, Toni Tones (Edak) and veteran Charles Inojie (Old Soldier) both bring their usual flare to the film.

While the future may hold great things for Aburo outside of the ghetto, he finds it difficult letting go of obligations that come with being tied down to ones home. This however brings forth more obstacles that stand against him as an inner city raised teenager who cares about where he grew up at. The sibling dynamic between Aburo and Rofiat offers audiences a deeply emotional journey until everything changes. The performances given by Maleek and Darasimi keep you entertained throughout the movie. Unfortunately there are some things wrong with this movie such as; dialogue being too dramatic or not believable enough , some dragged out scenes which slow down momentum.

That being said though what makes Aburo so good is its writing, the script does a great job of mixing the known with unknown in a not your average Nollywood storyline way which gives the film freshness. The non linear/fragmented narrative still manages to stay together and wrap up without feeling forced. At the end of it all Aburo is an inspiring testament to how strong people can be when faced against peril, this strength is shown through many different characters’ journeys in the movie. The films examination of family relations mixed street life plus solid acting from young cast members makes for satisfying cinema.

Watch Aburo For Free On Gomovies.