Watch The Takeover

The Takeover is a film from 2015, directed by Seyi Babatope and starring Ikenna Obi, Ini Dima-Okojie, and Adunni Ade. It is a romantic comedy that follows the story of two ambitious young musicians, TY and Temi, as they navigate their way through the cutthroat music industry in Lagos, Nigeria. TY and Temi are both looking for their big break in the industry, but they have very different approaches. TY is a laid-back guy who prefers to make music for the love of it, while Temi is driven and ambitious, with a clear plan for success. When they meet at a music competition, Temi is impressed by TY's talent and convinces him to join her band.

The two hit it off immediately, and soon they are making beautiful music together. However, they face countless hurdles as they try to make it in an industry that is dominated by powerful and corrupt record label executives. Temi is determined to succeed at any cost, but TY begins to feel like his music has lost its soul as they compromise their art to please the industry.

As TY and Temi become more successful, they find themselves on the radar of a powerful record label executive who is desperate to sign them. But when they refuse to sign with him, he turns to ruthless tactics to bring them down.

Throughout the film, we see TY and Temi struggle to maintain their integrity and stay true to their music while also trying to navigate the treacherous waters of the music industry. The film is a wry and insightful look at the challenges facing young musicians in Nigeria and the difficult choices they must make in order to succeed.

The Takeover is notable for its strong performances from its young cast, especially Ikenna Obi and Ini Dima-Okojie as TY and Temi. They both bring a lot of depth and nuance to their characters, making them feel like real people rather than just stock types. The film also features strong supporting performances from Adunni Ade as the record label executive and Dele Odule as TY's wise mentor.

One of the film's strengths is its depiction of Nigeria's vibrant music scene. Director Seyi Babatope clearly has a deep love and understanding of the music and culture of his country, and he brings that passion to the screen. The film is full of great music, from afrobeats to highlife, and it's clear that the music is just as important a character as any of the actors.

The film also has a lot to say about the corrupt nature of the music industry and the ways in which record labels exploit young artists. While the film is ultimately light-hearted and entertaining, it doesn't shy away from the darker side of the industry or the difficult choices that artists must make in order to succeed.

Overall, The Takeover is an entertaining, insightful, and highly enjoyable romantic comedy with a lot of heart. It's a film that will appeal to music lovers, fans of Nigerian cinema, and anyone who enjoys a good underdog story.

The Takeover is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes.