Lisabi: A Legend Is Born Movie Review — Fierce Battles And The Price Of Legacy

The Oyo Empire’s grip on its territories was unyielding, maintained by a network of tribute collectors that kept towns and villages in check. But every empire meets its reckoning. Following the tragic loss of a friend and the relentless suffering of the Egba people, an uprising erupts, shaking the very foundation of the empire.

Lisabi: A Legend Is Born, the powerful sequel to The Uprising. This chapter dives deeper into the Egba people’s journey as they rise from the ashes of oppression to reclaim their community through fierce battles and unwavering determination. Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan (Wedding Party, The Prophetess, Chief Daddy), the film is an epic continuation of courage, strategy, and the fight for liberation.

Plot

Lisabi: A Legend Is Born catapults audiences into the chaos of war, beginning with the aftermath of Songodeyi’s death. The Egba youth strike a decisive blow against the Oyo Empire, taking down its garrison forces in Egba. Yet, the final war tests their resilience as neighbouring villages, initially allies, betray them by retreating in fear.

Facing the Empire’s infamous fighters, Lisabi and his warriors endure devastating losses. But just when hope seems lost, Ikeola, with the mystical aid of the land’s witches, turns the tide. Victory is hard-fought, and the Egba people finally triumph, celebrating their freedom in grand fashion. Lisa is honoured as a hero, showered with the spoils of war and tributes from neighbouring villages.

But glory has a price. As pride consumes Lisabi, a confrontation with Bejide tragically unravels his relationships. Friends and allies, once united by war, now conspire against him. The betrayal culminates in the death of Ikeola, leaving Lisabi shattered and disillusioned. A vision from his deities urges him to abandon the treachery of humankind and return home.

In a poignant twist, the youth plot to banish him under the pretence of crowning him their war leader. Lisabi, sensing their scheme, chooses a dignified exit. As he vanishes into the forest, his fate remains shrouded in mystery, leaving generations to speculate about the whereabouts of this legendary figure.

Cast

The cast includes exceptional actors like Adedimeji Abdullateef Adetola, Oyebade Adebimpe, and Odunlade Adeola. Others include Efe Irele, Olumide Oworu, Deyemi Okanlawon, Jide Awobona, and Gabriel Afolayan.

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Language

Lisabi: A Legend Is Born is a typical Yoruba film, conveyed through its dialogue, songs, incantations, and panegyrics. 

Summary

Picking up where Lisabi: The Uprising left off, Lisabi: A Legend Is Born throws us straight back into the heat of the action. The Egba people are still battling the Oyo Empire, and this time, they’re bringing the fight right to the garrison forces in Egba. The intensity is dialled up, and the energy is higher than ever. But while the action is gripping, the overall quality doesn’t always hit the mark.

The cinematography is a bit of a mixed bag—some scenes shine, while others feel a little off. It’s a rollercoaster that makes you wonder: Did we need this sequel? A lot of the storyline could’ve wrapped up in the first movie, and stretching it out feels a bit unnecessary. But since this is based on a pivotal piece of Nigerian history, we get why it exists. Still, sometimes less is more.

One area where this sequel scores points is in the backstory department. If you thought Lisabi’s jump from farmer to god-calling warrior in The Uprising came out of nowhere, this movie finally fills in those gaps. It gives his character more depth and makes his transformation feel earned.