Lisabi The Uprising: A Netflix Nigerian Epic Brings Yoruba History To Life
Netflix's latest addition to its growing catalog of African narratives, is an epic tale set during the 18th century in Nigeria’s Oyo Empire. Released on September 27, 2024, this historical drama traces the life of Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, a legendary Egba leader who rallied his people to rise against the Oyo Empire’s oppression. Under the direction of celebrated filmmaker Niyi Akinmolayan, the film explores themes of resilience, unity, and the spirit of independence—qualities embodied by the Yoruba hero Lisabi.
By Asteroid Media
The Oyo Empire, once one of West Africa’s most powerful kingdoms, controlled many neighboring territories, including the Egba community. To maintain their dominance, Oyo officials imposed heavy tributes, and Songodeyi, the merciless head of the tribute collectors, brutally enforced these demands. The Egba people endured escalating violence, extortion, and indignities at the hands of Oyo soldiers, ultimately setting the stage for rebellion.
At the heart of the resistance is Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala, a farmer with a gift for leadership and strategy, played by Lateef Adedimeji. To challenge the Oyo Empire’s might, Lisabi forms the Aaro society, a disguised labor union that becomes a secret organizing body for the Egba rebellion. This group, initially gathered for communal support, transforms into a revolutionary force. Lisabi’s resourceful tactics and alliances allow him to outmaneuver the empire’s forces, igniting a fierce battle that ultimately leads to the Egba people’s victory and independence from Oyo’s rule.
Lisabi boasts a strong ensemble cast of Nigerian actors, including Gabriel Afolayan as a loyal Aaro society member, Shaffy Bello in the role of Lisabi’s confidant, and Kanayo O. Kanayo as a powerful elder aiding in the rebellion. Adedimeji’s portrayal of Lisabi has earned acclaim for capturing both the character’s strategic brilliance and his compassionate nature, balancing heroism with humility.
The film’s director, Niyi Akinmolayan, whose work on The Wedding Party 2 and The Arbitration was widely praised, brings a cinematic approach that balances historical accuracy with visual storytelling. The film’s attention to detail, from traditional costumes to the cinematography capturing expansive landscapes, helps immerse the viewer in 18th-century Yoruba life, transporting audiences to a time of monumental change.
Since its debut, Lisabi has received significant attention, quickly topping Netflix’s streaming charts in countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, and Mauritius. Critics have praised the film’s unique storytelling and historical importance, noting it as a refreshing divergence from the typical narratives in Nigerian cinema. Technext describes Lisabi as a “masterclass in historical storytelling,” highlighting how the film successfully bridges modern filmmaking with Nigerian historical themes
Further acclaim has come for Adedimeji’s portrayal of Lisabi, with Pulse Nigeria calling it “an inspiring and nuanced performance that brings new life to one of Yoruba history’s most revered figures.” However, some critics have noted that the film’s pacing slows in the middle, and its ambitious attempt to cover multiple historical events in a single feature leaves some details unexplored. Despite this, the film is widely regarded as a landmark achievement in Nollywood, providing a glimpse into an underrepresented aspect of African history
In addition to being a brilliant historical epic, Lisabi: The Uprising is a potent reminder of the resilience of African communities when they band together to resist injustice. Lisabi stands out as a celebration of Yoruba tradition and evidence of Nollywood’s ability to introduce African history to viewers throughout the world as Nigerian cinema continues to gain popularity on the international front. The story of this Yoruba hero is expected to continue inspiring audiences of all ages and backgrounds with the January 2025 announcement of a sequel, Lisabi: A Legend is Born.