What to Watch in West Africa This September

This month’s watch list is filled with stirring drama, comedy flicks, thrillers and documentaries on fascinating African figures.

Actor Odunalde Adekola smiling menacingly at the camera while wearing traditional garb.

A still from ‘Lisabi’ showing actor Odunlade Adekola.

Photo courtesy of Netflix.

This month’s streaming guide brings together films from Senegal and Nigeria. The list features stirring drama, folklore-inspired epic, docu-fiction, comedy and thriller. You’ll find in this list, a documentary about Senegal’s third president, Me Abdoulaye Wade, a comedy about an inept street thug whose attempt at a quick robbery turns him into an accidental kidnapper and a whodunit story featuring teenagers at a prestigious high school. Check out which films made our streaming guide this September.

‘Lisabi’ (Nigeria)

Lisabi is a folklore-inspired epic following the legend and legacy of a Yoruba hero, Liasbi. Starring Lateef Adedimeji (Jagun Jagun, Ayinla, Breaded Life, Strangers), Odunlade Adekola (Orisa, Beast of Two Worlds, King of Thieves), Ibrahim Chatta (House of Ga’a, Adire, October 1, Eti Keta), Mo Bimpe, Eniola Ajao (The Vendor, 77 Bullets, Ajibade) and others, Lisabi joins a growing list of epic films coming out of Nigeria in recent months. Lisabi, is a story of rebellion, of everyday people finding the strength and courage to stand up to institutional powers. Once known as an Ebga farmer, the story follows Lisabi’s journey as he successfully galvanizes people around him to secure Egba’s independence, freeing his people from years of subjugation. While the story is striking enough, the brilliant acting and alluring representation of 18th-century Yoruba land, will leave a lasting impression.

Where to watch: Netflix

‘1776! Thierno Souleymane Baal’ (Senegal)

In Moe Sow’s docu-drama, 1776! Thierno Souleymane Baal, the life of Theirno Souleymane Baal is brought into sharp focus. An 18th-century warrior, leader and Islamic scholar hailing from the Futa Toro region in today’s Senegal, this stirring docu-drama artfully explores Baal’s spiritual and political legacy, while following his journey to leading the Fouta Revolution of 1776. 1776! Thierno Souleymane Baal stars Oris Erhuero (A Sunday Affair, Sometimes In April, Road To Yesterday, Redcon:1, Orah), Mentor Bâ (Saloum, Golden, Sër Bi (Les tissus blancs), Amadou Birane Mangane and others. While the film is moved by its fight scenes, 1776! triumphs in quiet moments and cinematography that prioritize the complicated humanness of the characters.

Where to watch: The Pathé cinema in Dakar from September 6.

‘Muri & Ko’ (Nigeria)

In this comedy film, Kunle Remi (Anikulapo, A Naija Christmas, Ijakumo, Introducing The Kujus, Love, Lust and Other Things) plays an inept street thug who accidentally kidnaps a famous celebrity’s child. Thrilling, funny and subtly attentive to matters of class and societal prejudices, Muri & Ko ultimately makes a light, yet insightful watch. Directed by Biodun Stephen (Looking for Baami, Miz Behavior, The Visit), whose films often carry didactic elements delivered intelligently, the story follows the unprecedented journey of a street thug drawn to an instinct of protection against his own survival. It also features Bisola Aiyeola (Sugar Rush, A Simple Lie, Breaded Life, This Lady Called Life, Palava!), Bucci Franklin (The One For Sarah, 5:55, Far From Home, The Weekend) and others.

Where to watch: Prime Video

‘Me Wade: Un Homme, Un Itinéraire’ (Senegal)

This Cheikh Tidiane Ndiaye documentary Me Wade: Un Homme, Un Itinéraire follows the journey of former Senegal President Me Abdoulaye Wade. Narrated by the former president himself, the documentary is a necessary and deeply insightful look into his life and work in the political sphere. The founder of the Senegalese Democratic Party, Wade becomes a subject and anchor in this work where a man can assess, comment on and interrogate his storied legacy.

Where to watch: The Pathé cinema in Dakar from September 10.

‘All Of Us’ (Nigeria)

What happens when a group of teenage students find a teacher dead at their illicit back-to-school house party? The whirlwind of emotions, uncertainties, betrayal, love and reconciliation that follows this revelation is what makes up the premise for the series All Of Us. Biting and ambitious with its story, All Of Using brings an entertaining twist to a classic whodunit story while craftily taking viewers for a ride where nothing is what it seems and the truth is never straightforward. Created by newcomer Enioluwa Adeoluwa, All Of Us stars a mix of established and fairly new actors, making for interesting and often surprising acting. The four-part series stars Jemima Osunde (Beyond The Veil, Water and Garri, New Money), Kate Henshaw (Chief Daddy, 4th Republic, Bank Alert, The Set Up 2, The Ghost and The House of Truth), Tomi Ojo (Adire, Leaked, Far From Home, Ada Omo Daddy), Iyabo Ojo (Gangs of Lagos, Jenifa, Momiwa, Under The Carpet), Adeoluwa and a slew of fresh faces.

Where to watch: YouTube.

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