A viral video in 2020 transformed the life of Nigerian teenager Anthony Madu. Captured dancing ballet in the dusty streets of Lagos, Madu’s passion propelled him from his hometown to the prestigious halls of Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham, England.
This extraordinary journey is documented in the new documentary “Madu,” premiering on Disney+. The film chronicles Madu’s experiences between 2021 and 2022 as he leaves his family behind to pursue his dreams. While expressing pride in his accomplishment, Madu acknowledges the surreal nature of his situation. “Why me?” he ponders, attributing his success to a touch of fate.
Madu’s rise to fame began with a viral video showcasing his pirouettes amidst the harsh realities of life in Lagos, a city of 20 million. This captured the attention of Elmhurst Ballet School, earning him the nickname “Nigerian Billy Elliot” – a reference to the 2000 film about a working-class boy’s passion for ballet. For Madu, ballet represents freedom and a sense of belonging.
Despite the triumphs, Madu faces challenges. The cultural gap between his new life in Britain and his home in Nigeria creates tension. A phone call with his mother reveals a shift in his accent, prompting her to jokingly remark that he “talks like a white man.” Madu’s frustration with this cultural disconnect is evident when he responds with a request for a therapist instead of a visit to a prophet upon returning home.
At 14, Madu’s dreams remain boundless. He acknowledges the uncertainty of the future but holds fast to his aspirations, his family, and his Nigerian roots. “Nigeria will always be my home,” he affirms.
Directed by the collaborative team of Nigerian filmmaker Joel Kachi Benson and American director Matthew Ogens, “Madu” serves as an inspiration. Benson emphasizes the film’s message for young viewers: “Don’t be afraid to dream… your aspirations are very valid, don’t let anyone say it’s impossible.”
