Movie Title: Lisabi: The Uprising
Language: Yoruba
Duration: 1 hour 47 minutes
Release date: 2024
Streaming platform: Netflix
Director: Niyi Akinmolayan
Cast: Lateef Adedimeji, Adebimpe Oyebade, Ibrahim Itele, Olarotimi Fakunle, Odunlade Adekola, Jide Awobona, Gabriel Afolayan, Ibrahim Chatta, Seun Akindele, Kelvin Ikeduba, Olumide Oworu, Boma Akpore, Kola Ajeyemi, Roseline Afije.
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The oppression between the leaders and the masses among fellow Nigerians did not begin today; It has deep historical roots. For generations, the power dynamics between rulers and the people have often been marked by exploitation and inequality.
However, throughout history, only the bold and brave have dared to stand up and challenge these oppressive systems to pursue independence.
The story of Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala and the Egba people exemplifies this struggle. Their fight against the powerful Oyo Empire in the 18th century highlights how bravery and unity can ensure independence.
Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala was a skilled military strategist and farmer who united several Yoruba groups to launch an attack against the Oyo Empire between 1775 and 1780. Before gaining their independence, communities such as Ijaiye, Gbagura and Igbeyin were all under the control of the Empire Heard.
Lateef Adedimeji has brought this powerful story to life through a drama that shows the oppression faced by the Egba people and how Lisabi led their liberation.
Set in the 18th century Oyo Empire, 'Lisabi the Uprising' tells the story of Lisabi, a resourceful Egba farmer who organized a rebellion against the oppressive rulers of Oyo. He used the collective strength of his fellow farmers and called for the support of the deities to liberate the Egba people from tyranny.
Lisabi The uprising plot
The film begins with King Olodan being beaten and dragged to Alaafin Palace after refusing to pay tribute. These taxes, which consist of money and agricultural products, are collected from the town's businesses. Enraged, the Alaafin order the execution of King Olodan for his rebellion.
Songodeyi, the chief tribute collector, and his subordinates terrorize the people of Egba land despite their loyalty to paying tribute. Beyond collecting payments, these collectors unleash even greater cruelty, often raping young women and killing anyone who dares to stand in their way.
Day by day, the oppression becomes worse and more unbearable for the farmers and people of Egba.
Oshokenu, a close friend of Lisabi, a hardworking farmer, witnesses a disturbing incident where debt collectors take away a businesswoman's daughter even after taking all her money.
Outraged, Oshokenu boldly questioned them, saying: “What's wrong? Why do you only take women? Men should go with them too.” Because of this statement, tribute collectors marked his face.
Oshokenu, a lazy farmer, decides to marry Abebi, a beautiful light-skinned woman from Egba. He asks his friend, Lisabi, to help him win her over, and things progress smoothly when Abebi agrees to marry him.
The tribute collectors realize that Oshokenu is getting married and decide to cause him pain. Abebi, the briber, is attacked on her way to her husband's house, and Songodeyi rapes her on the spot. Unable to bear the trauma and shame, Abebi tragically takes his own life.
Upon learning that the collectors have done something terrible with their bribery, Oshokenu is enraged. Determined to take revenge, he sets out to kill Songodeyi. In the process, he manages to kill ten of the tribute collectors before being shot. With his last breath, Oshokenu pleads with Lisabi, who rushes to the scene, asking him not to let his blood be in vain.
Moved by his friend's last words, Lisabi gathers the farmers and suggests that they join together to grow crops for each other and give the gatherers a large amount of agricultural products that will not cause them further harm. Lisabi, however, has an inner motive to unite the people: to unite the people for a much greater uprising against their oppressors.
King Olodan about to be killed Character analysis
No one other than Ibrahim Chatta could have perfectly embodied the ruthless tribute collector Songodeyi in this film. His energy radiated pure intensity, delivering 100 percent action. Chatta infused the character with life, suspense and power, giving the audience a life-like performance that left no room for improvement: it exceeded all expectations.
Lateef Adedimeji played the protagonist, Lisabi, the brave leader who united the Egba people against the oppressive Oyo Empire. Congratulations to Adedimeji for his stellar production and outstanding performance. He took every opportunity to deliver a remarkable performance, making this film one of the standout Nollywood productions of 2024.
Odunlade Adekola played the Alaafin of Oyo in this film. His performance, as always, is daring and commendable. His first appearance gave the film an exciting sense of what was to come.
Roseline Afij (Liquorose) showed her talent again, demonstrating her versatility as Abebi. Despite being an Edo girl, she convincingly portrayed a Yoruba woman, delivering a solid performance that added depth to the film.
All the other actors brought their A-game to make this movie memorable and engaging.
Lateef Adedimeji plays Lisabi Movie Review
'Lisabi the Uprising', directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, is a historical epic about Lisabi and the uprising of the Egba people against the Oyo Empire. Although it is a biographical film, it explores the themes of oppression, unity, hard work and love.
Exploring biopics is rare in Nollywood, but it is an exciting way to tell the story and convey a message. This film addresses political oppression between the leaders and the masses and how unity can liberate the people. The Uprising doesn't just entertain; educates and inspires.
From the beginning of the movie, you realize it's going to be good viewing, and you're blown away by the end. The ending is both surprising and brilliant, as Lisabi manages to kill Songodeyi.
The creativity of the entire production, from script writing to plot, structure, sets and props, is top-notch. Let's not forget that a good plot can have a bad execution, but 'Lisabi the Uprising' ate and left no crumbs.
Actors like Ibrahim Chatta and Lateef Adedimeji deserve an award for delivering such performances. The actors did exceptionally well. From their emotions and performance it is clear that they are happy with the project and willing to immerse themselves in giving us a show to remember. This movie is unforgettable because you will always remember the movie even after watching it.
Oshokenu and Lisabi
The cinematography, lighting, camera angles, effects and video quality are excellent, giving the film a cinematic feel from start to finish. The makeup and costumes are also worthy of praise.
The Egba accent is quite good and obviously a lot of work was put into achieving it. However, the actors may improve the accent further in the upcoming sequel, which will be released in January 2025.
This film is one of the best Nollywood epics of 2024 and joins the ranks of notable films like “House of Ga'a”.
The acting, direction and gripping story make it a must-see film for lovers of historical dramas.
Lisabi The Uprising is now showing on Netflix
Verdict
8/10