Lisabi: A Legend Is Born | Review, Plot, Cast & FAQs

Table of Contents

Introduction

Lisabi: A Legend Is Born, the first installment in a two-part epic drama based on Yoruba history. Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan and co-written with Yinka Olaoye, the film seeks to bring the legendary story of Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala to life. Despite its cultural relevance and star-studded cast, Futhermore, mix of bold ambition and disappointing execution. While it shines in areas such as cultural authenticity and cinematography, it falters due to weak character development, uneven pacing, and unconvincing CGI.

Release Date and Streaming Details

Lisabi: A Legend Is Born was released on September 27, 2024, exclusively on Circuits. Despite its availability on the global streaming platform, viewers outside Nigeria initially reported limited access, dampening the international impact it could have had upon launch.

Cast and Crew

Director: Niyi Akinmolayan
Writers: Niyi Akinmolayan, Yinka Olaoye
Producers: Lateef Adedimeji, Anthill Studios
Language: Yoruba

Notable Cast Members:

Lateef Adedimeji as Lisabi
Ibrahim Chatta as Sangodeyi
Adebowale “Debo” Adedayo (Mr. Macaroni) as Osokenu
Roseline Afij (Liquorose) as Abebi
Margaret Bandela Olayinka (Iya Gbonkan)
Odunlade Adekola, Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji, Jide Awobona, Muyiwa Ademola, Gabriel Afolayan, Olumide Oworu, Jide Kosoko, Femi Adebayo, and Boma Akpore round out the ensemble.

In-Depth Review

Story and Themes

Lisabi: A Legend Is Born dives deep into the cultural fabric of the Egba people, dramatizing the real-life resistance movement led by Lisabi against the exploitative tribute system imposed by the Alaafin. The film attempts to highlight themes of unity, resistance, courage, and justice. While its symbolic and dramatized representation may deviate from historical accuracy, the message of resistance remains intact.

According to producer Lateef Adedimeji, the film aims to convey “the essence of resistance and cultural pride” rather than adhere strictly to historical records. However, this creative approach sometimes muddies the historical context, making it hard for viewers to distinguish fact from fiction.

Plot Execution

The film opens with a brutal display of tyranny, setting the tone for the uprising that follows. Tribute collectors led by the ruthless Sangodeyi terrorize the Egba, prompting Lisabi to step up. Despite this promising start, the character arc of Lisabi feels underdeveloped. His transformation from observer to leader lacks the emotional build-up required for audience investment.

Interestingly, Osokenu emerges as a more emotionally compelling character. Mr. Macaroni’s portrayal of the seemingly lazy farmer turned warrior adds a layer of intrigue. Yet, inconsistencies in character development, like his sudden ability to defeat multiple enemies, disrupt the narrative’s credibility.

The script is riddled with pacing issues and excessive use of slow-motion sequences that dilute the urgency and emotional impact of key scenes. These flaws collectively hinder Lisabi: A Legend Is Born from reaching its full potential.

Performances

The ensemble cast features some of Nollywood’s biggest names, which is both a strength and a limitation. While individual performances—especially from Ibrahim Chatta, Mr. Macaroni, and Iya Gbonkan—are commendable, the familiarity of faces in Yoruba epics reduces novelty and may cause audience fatigue.

Ibrahim Chatta steals the show with his intense portrayal of Sangodeyi.
Mr. Macaroni proves his acting range with a nuanced performance as Osokenu.
Liquorose, despite language challenges, holds her own as Abebi.
Lateef Adedimeji, though passionate in his role as Lisabi, is hindered by a script that doesn’t allow his character to fully develop.

A recurring flaw lies in the inconsistent fluency of the Ẹgba-Yoruba dialect among the cast. This lack of linguistic authenticity detracts from the immersive experience the film attempts to create.

Technical Execution

Cinematography & Production Design

One of the film’s standout aspects is its visual appeal. Directors of Photography Barnabas Emordi and Nora Awolowo craft breathtaking scenes that bring 18th-century Egba to life. From costumes to set designs built from scratch, Lisabi: A Legend Is Born offers a visual spectacle.

Music & Sound Design

The soundtrack and traditional Yoruba score do well to heighten emotions and underscore cultural significance. However, these audio highs are often let down by poor pacing and inconsistent scene direction.

CGI & Visual Effects

For a film with a budget exceeding 200 million naira, the CGI falls short. The visual effects, especially in the film’s third act, look out of place and detract from otherwise convincing production design. These shortcomings are particularly glaring given Anthill Studios’ track record in technological innovation within Nollywood.

Cultural Representation

The film attempts to honor Yoruba culture and history, and while it gets many things right in costume, music, and language usage, it falls short in delivering authentic dialect representation. This inconsistency undermines the film’s cultural integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is Lisabi: A Legend Is Born based on a true story?
Yes, it is inspired by the historical figure Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, though the film takes significant creative liberties.

Q2: Where can I watch Lisabi: A Legend Is Born?
The film is available on circuits, although initial reports indicated it was not accessible to the diaspora audience on release day.

Q3: Is there a sequel to Lisabi: A Legend Is Born?
Yes, the film is the first of a two-part series. The sequel is expected to address narrative and technical flaws.

Q4: Who delivered the most notable performance in the film?
Ibrahim Chatta’s portrayal of Sangodeyi has been widely praised as the film’s standout performance.

Q5: What is the primary language of the film?
The film is primarily in Yoruba, with emphasis on the Egba dialect.

Conclusion

Lisabi: A Legend Is Born is an ambitious cinematic endeavor that partially succeeds in its goal to honor Yoruba heritage. While the film is rich in culture and visual beauty, it struggles with poor character development, underwhelming CGI, and inconsistent pacing. These shortcomings prevent it from becoming the legendary epic it aspires to be.

However, there is still hope for the sequel to redeem the narrative and technical missteps. If the filmmakers can balance storytelling with high production value, then perhaps the legend of Lisabi can truly be born anew.

Despite its flaws, Lisabi: A Legend Is Born marks an important step in Nollywood’s evolution, showing that local stories with global appeal are within reach—provided they are told with greater coherence and technical finesse.

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