Lisabi: The Uprising
| Lisabi: The Uprising | |
|---|---|
| Screenplay by | Niyi Akinmolayan Yinka Olaoye |
| Story by | Lateef Adedimeji Adebayo Tijani |
| Directed by | Niyi Akinmolayan |
| Starring | |
| Country of origin | Nigeria |
| Original languages | Yoruba English |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Lateef Adedimeji |
| Producers | Oyebade Adebimpe Adedimeji Victoria Akujobi |
| Running time | 120 minutes |
| Production companies | Al Notions Studios Anthill Studios |
| Original release | |
| Network | Netflix |
| Release | 27 September 2024 |
Lisabi: The Uprising is a 2024 Nigerian historical drama film directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, produced by Adebimpe Oyebade and Victoria Akujobi, and written by Yinka Olaoye and Niyi Akinmolayan. It features an ensemble cast led by Lateef Adedimeji, Adebimpe Oyebade, Ibrahim Yekini Itele, Jide Awobona, Eniola Ajao , and Olumide Oworu. It is loosely based on the legendary Lisabi Rebellion of the late 18th century in Abeokuta, Nigeria, vividly recounting the story of Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, an Egba warrior who led a successful revolt against the oppressive rule of the Oyo Empire.
Plot
[edit]Lisabi, a determined leader who rose from humble beginnings to lead the Egba people in their courageous fights for freedom from the oppressive rule of the Oyo Empire. The story begins with King Olodan, who after refusing to pay the heavy tributes demanded by the Alaafin, is savagely beaten and dragged to the palace. The tributes, consisting of money and farm produce, are forcibly taken from the people's hard-earned businesses. Enraged by Olodan's rebellion, the Alaafin of Oyo (played by Odunlade Adekola), orders his execution, making him an example for any who dare to resist.
Songodeyi, the ruthless head of the tribute collectors, alongside his brutal subordinates, terrorizes the Egba people, despite their compliance with the tribute demands. Their cruelty has no bounds—they take more than what is owed, rape young women, and kill anyone who dares to resist their tyranny. As their oppression worsens day by day, life becomes unbearable for the farmers and villagers of Egba land.
Oshokenu, a close friend of the hardworking farmer Lisabi, witnesses a disturbing incident where the collectors, after seizing all the money from a businesswoman, take her daughter as well. Outraged by their cruelty, Oshokenu boldly questions the injustice, asking, "Why do you take only women Men should go with them too." For his defiance, the tribute collectors brutally punished him, marking his face in a public display of their power.
Though known as a lazy farmer, Oshokenu seeks to marry Abebi (played by Liquorose), a beautiful, light-skinned woman from Egba. With Lisabi's help, he successfully wins her over, and Abebi agrees to the marriage. However, Songodeyi and his men, determined to crush Oshokenu's spirit, target him on his wedding day. As Abebi makes her way to her new home, she is ambushed by Songodeyi and viciously raped. Devastated by the trauma and shame, Abebi tragically takes her own life.
Enraged by Abebi's fate, Oshokenu sets out on a mission for revenge. In a dramatic confrontation, he manages to kill ten of the tribute collectors before being fatally shot. As he lies dying, Lisabi arrives at the scene. With his last breath, Oshokenu pleads with his friend. Moved by his friend's dying wish, Lisabi takes it upon himself to lead the Egba people in their fight for justice. He devises a plan for the farmers to work together in a communal farming effort, giving the illusion of unity and compliance to avoid suspicion from the Oyo forces. However, beneath this facade, Lisabi harbors a greater intention—uniting the Egba people for a full-scale rebellion against their oppressors.
With his strategic brilliance and leadership, Lisabi forms the Aaro society, a communal work group that secretly becomes the backbone of the uprising. As tensions rise between the Egba and their Oyo overlords, Lisabi organizes a covert rebellion. The uprising reaches its climax in a series of fierce and dramatic battles, where the Egba successfully overthrow the Oyo forces, securing their long-awaited independence.
Lisabi's rebellion marks a turning point in Egba's history, as he leads his people to victory and freedom from the Oyo Empire's domination, cementing his legacy as a hero and liberator.
Cast
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- Lateef Adedimeji as Lisabi Agbongbo Akala[1]
- Oyebade Adebimpe Adedimeji as Ikeola
- Ibrahim Yekini Icon as Salako
- Adebowale Adedayo as Osokenu
- Olarotimi Michael Fakunle as Ogunlana
- Jide Awobona as Osobande
- Odunlade Adekola as Alaafin of Oyo
- Gabriel Afolayan as Odunbamitefa
- Kola Ajeyemi as Akinolu
- Boma Akpore as Osogbenro
- Olumide Oworu as Bejide
- Kevin Ikeduba as Obimodede
- Seun Akindele as Oduyale
- Femi Adebayo as Olu Olodan
- Muyiwa Ademola as Alake
- Roseline Afije "Liquorose" as Abebi
- Namisi Govin Emma as Sangu
Production
[edit]The production of The Lisabi: The Uprising commenced took place in various locations across Nigeria, including Abeokuta and its surrounding areas. The producers prioritized an authentic recreation of pre-colonial southwestern Nigeria, using meticulously designed sets and costumes to capture the historical period. Director Niyi Akinmolayan, who is known for films like The Wedding Party 2 (2017), Chief Daddy (2018), Prophetess (2021), My Village People (2021), and The Set Up (2019), revealed that the entire production crew consisted of Nigerians. The film was produced by Al Notions Studios and Anthill Studios, with Oyebade Adebimpe Adedimeji, Victoria Akujobi, and Lateef Adedimeji serving as producers.[2]
The Nigerian Film Corporation and other cultural organizations supported the film aiming to promote Nigerian history and culture to a global audience.[3]
Reception
[edit]Audience viewership
The film climbed to the number one spot on Netflix's nigeria film chart in Nigeria within just three days of its release, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).[4]
Critical response
Confidence Cletus of Premium Times lauded Ibrahim Chatta's powerful portrayal of the ruthless tribute collector, Songodeyi, in his review. He remarked that Chatta's performance "radiated pure intensity, delivering 100 percent action." Cletus emphasized how Chatta infused the character with life, suspense, and a commanding presence, surpassing all expectations and leaving "no room for improvement." Cletus also highlighted Lateef Adedimeji's performance as Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, commending his stellar production and acting. He noted that Adedimeji "seized every opportunity to deliver a remarkable performance," contributing to what he described as one of the standout Nollywood films of 2024. Overall, Cletus awarded the film a commendable 8/10 rating, recognizing its exceptional performances and production quality.[5]
Release
[edit]On August 23, 2024, Netflix announced its acquisition of the distribution rights for Niyi Akinmolayan's latest film, Lisabi: The Uprising, which was originally slated for release on September 22, 2024, at the June 12 Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State.[6][3] In the same statement, Netflix revealed that a sequel titled Lisabi: A Legend is Born is scheduled for release in January 2025.[7][8] The film was released on September 27, 2024
Historical accuracy
[edit]The Oyo Empire, one of the most powerful West African states at the time, exerted significant control over many neighboring peoples, including the Egba. This control was marked by heavy tribute demands and forced labor. The Egba people, residing primarily in what is now southwestern Nigeria, were subjected to various forms of exploitation by the Oyo rulers, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and a desire for autonomy.[9]
The Rise of Lisabi
[edit]
Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, a prominent Egba leader, emerged as a key figure during this period of resistance. Born in Itoku, a district in Abeokuta, Lisabi was noted for his intelligence, leadership skills, and military prowess.[10] He secretly organized the Aaro, a traditional Egba age-group society, to serve as the core of the resistance movement. Under the guise of traditional communal work, Lisabi trained and armed the Egba men, preparing them for a large-scale revolt against Oyo domination.[11]
The Uprising
[edit]The uprising, known as Lisabi's Rebellion, was strategically planned and executed. In a coordinated attack, Lisabi and his followers launched a series of strikes against the Oyo Empire's garrison forces stationed in Egba territory. These surprise attacks were swift and devastating, resulting in the decimation of Oyo's local power and infrastructure in the region.[12][13]
Lisabi's strategy relied on guerilla tactics, which involved a combination of ambushes and hit-and-run raids, making it difficult for the Oyo forces to retaliate effectively. Within a short period, the Egba people had overthrown Oyo's control and declared their independence.[14]
In present-day Nigeria, Lisabi is a revered historical figure, particularly among the Egba people. His story is taught in schools, and his role in Egba's history is celebrated through cultural events, monuments, and storytelling.[9] The annual Lisabi Festival is marked by traditional music, dances, and reenactments of the uprising, serving as both a celebration of Egba heritage and a reminder of the importance of self-determination.[15]
References
[edit]- ^ BellaNaija.com (2024-08-21). ""Lisabi": Adedimeji Lateef's Star-Studded Biopic Set to Reconnect Audiences with Yoruba Heritage". BellaNaija. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
- ^ Udugba, Anthony (2024-09-09). "All-Nigerian crew on 'Lisabi' challenges Nollywood's reliance on foreign expertise". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
- ^ a b Ogunnaike, James (September 17, 2024). ""Lisabi", A film by ace artiste, Adedimeji sets for premiere Sunday".
- ^ dolotop (2024-09-29). "'Lisabi: The Uprising' tops Netflix Nigeria chart". National Accord Newspaper. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
- ^ Cletus, Confidence (2024-09-28). "MOVIE REVIEW: 'Lisabi the Uprising' is Nollywood's best epic yet". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
- ^ Lifestyle, TheCable (2024-08-21). "Two-part epic starring Femi Adebayo, Lateef Adedimeji set for debut". TheCable Lifestyle. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
- ^ "Two-Part Film Lisabi Set to Debut on Netflix, Sequel Out 2025 – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2024-09-29.
- ^ Bada, Gbenga (August 23, 2024). "Lisabi: The Uprising set to make Netflix debut next month".
- ^ a b Victor Ebimomi, Akinwunmi King, Anthonia Soyingbe (10 March 2009). "Lisabi Day - a Cultural Revolution of Egba People".
- ^ Okùnadé, Johnson (2024-08-23). "Lisabi Agbongbo Akala: The Heroic Guardian of Egba Legacy". Johnson Okunade Afro-Cultural Hub. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
- ^ "Ìtàn Mánigbàgbé: Àáró tó yẹ kí Lisabi gbà, ló fi bẹ ọ̀wẹ̀ láti kọlu Ìlàrí Ọlọyọ fún ìdáǹdè Ẹ́gbá". BBC News Yorùbá (in Yoruba). 2019-11-22. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
- ^ Lipschutz, Mark R.; Rasmussen, R. Kent (1986). Dictionary of African Historical Biography. University of California Press. p. 123. ISBN 978-0-520-06611-3.
- ^ Ajiṣafẹ, Ajayi Kọlawọlẹ (1948). History of Abẹokuta: With Illustrations ... and a Short Biography with Important Events During the Reign of Ọba Alaiyeluwa Ademọla II, Alake of Abẹokuta. Kash & Klare Bookshop. pp. 8–10.
- ^ Balogun, Olanrewaju. "DOCUMENTING AFRICAN HEROISM IN OLU OWOLABI'S LISABI AGBONGBO AKALA". academia.edu.
- ^ "Lisabi Festival: A unifying feast". thenationonlineng. April 15, 2015.