Mercy Johnson joins the growing list of veteran Nollywood actors getting behind the camera and taking on producing and directing duties. She produces and stars in The Legend of Inikpi, a period drama that tells a compelling tale of two kingdoms—ancient Igala and Bini—on the brink of war.
When the Oracle informs King Attah of Igala kingdom of the human sacrifice demanded by the ghosts of his past, this is a sacrifice he is not prepared to give!
Johnson plays Queen Omole, who seems to be a pivotal character in the story. In the teaser, we see her in labor, and shortly after delivery, the kingdom’s priest lifts her baby to the sky—is he the sacrifice demanded by the gods?
“I have always wanted to tell Nigerian stories,” Johnson writes on her Instagram. “Particularly stories about women who did great things and who are even still doing great things which is the story of The Legend of Inikpi is dear to me.”
The film is directed by Frank Rajah Arase (who helmed Iyore). The star-studded cast features Sam Dede, Odunlade Adekola, Saheed Balogun, Paul Obazele and Nancy Ameh. The Legend of Inikpi hits cinemas in January 2020.