Last Friday, Lisabi: A Legend is Born shot back to the number one spot on Netflix Nigeria, captivating audiences worldwide just as its prequel did last year. Released on January 10, this 90-minute masterpiece has sparked global conversations about the power of storytelling in preserving African culture and history.
The film continues the journey of Lisabi, the legendary warrior who led the Egba people to liberation from the Oyo Empire in the 18th century. Fans have lauded the sequel for spotlighting a lesser-known African hero while delivering themes of unity, resilience, and justice. “Watching Lisabi felt like a journey into our roots,” one viewer shared. “It reminded me of the rich heritage we sometimes overlook.”
A Premiere to Remember
Before its Netflix debut, Lisabi: A Legend is Born premiered on January 9 at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Lagos. The event was a dazzling tribute to Yoruba heritage, with celebrities like Iyabo Ojo, Odunlade Adekola, and Femi Adebayo donning royal African attire. The highlight of the evening was a roundtable discussion, Echoes of Heritage: Celebrating the Yoruba Legacy, moderated by Qudus Onineku, CEO of the John Randle Centre.
Panelists included Lateef Adedimeji, the film’s star and executive producer, Bibi Bakare-Yusuf of Cassava Republic Press, and Olalekan Fabilola, host of the Masoyinbo show. They emphasized the significance of preserving history through authentic storytelling. Adedimeji noted, “We’ve forgotten our own heroes and embraced foreign ones. This film reclaims that narrative.”
Adding a modern twist, the premiere featured a silent-disco-style film screening. Attendees donned headphones, immersing themselves deeply in the story and its cultural essence.
More Than a Film: A Cultural Movement
Lisabi transcends entertainment; it’s a call to action. Adedimeji highlighted the importance of authentic narratives: “Hollywood often mishandles African stories. We owe it to ourselves to tell them right.”
Bibi Bakare-Yusuf added, “Films like Lisabi bridge generations, sparking curiosity about our roots.”
The movie celebrates Lisabi’s visionary leadership, particularly his creation of Africa’s first cooperative farming society. “Lisabi showed that leadership is about collective good, not self-interest,” Adedimeji reflected. “That lesson is timeless.”
As the sequel dominates Netflix charts, it underscores the rising global appetite for stories that honor African heritage. Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan of Anthill Studios and produced by AL Notions Studios—founded by Adedimeji and his wife, Adebimpe Oyebade—the film showcases Yoruba history with authenticity and cinematic brilliance.
With its rich narrative and cultural depth, Lisabi: A Legend is Born is not just a film; it’s a movement. A rallying cry to remember, celebrate, and reclaim the stories that shape our identity.
