By Ademuyiwa Balikis
The epic historical film, Lisabi (The Uprising), has secured seven nominations at the 2025 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), reaffirming its place as one of the most celebrated African productions of the year.
Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan and produced by Anthill Studios, Lisabi tells the powerful story of the legendary Egba warrior, Lisabi, who led his people in a revolt against oppression and tyranny in the late 18th century. The film, rich in Yoruba language and culture, has been praised for its compelling storytelling, cultural authenticity, and technical excellence.
At the AMAA nomination announcement held ahead of the main ceremony, Lisabi (The Uprising) earned nods in seven key categories including Best Film, Best Director (Niyi Akinmolayan), Best Actor (Lateef Adedimeji), Achievement in Makeup, Achievement in Visual Effects, Best Film in an African Language, and the Best Nigerian Film (NFVCB Award).
The film stands among the top contenders this year, following closely behind Burkina Faso’s Katanga, Dance of the Scorpions, which leads with ten nominations.
Reacting to the news, lead actor and co-producer, Lateef Adedimeji, expressed gratitude to the Africa Movie Academy Awards and appreciated the cast, crew, and creative team behind the project. He described the nominations as a recognition of hard work, sacrifice, and the spirit of African storytelling.
The 21st edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards is scheduled to hold on November 9, 2025, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Lagos, where winners in all categories will be announced.
Since its release, Lisabi (The Uprising) has received widespread acclaim for bringing to life a significant part of Yoruba history, combining strong performances, visual effects, and traditional aesthetics to create a cinematic retelling that resonates with audiences across Africa.
