This is a really special review for me in quite a number of ways. The feeling I had after watching “Under Siege” was visceral – a wholesome, profound satisfaction I’m yet to fully understand or digest. In a sense, it’s a dream come true. This is because I’ve long advocated for gospel filmmaking to venture into uncharted territories, and the musical genre has topped that list. This isn’t the very first attempt – Seyi Obembe has consistently given us the hybrid DraMusiComedy genre since 2017. There have also been impressive Mount Zion Institute group short film projects The Chair (2019) and Sing U-lah (2021) that explored similar terrain. I myself was privileged to borrow elements from this genre in Zion (2023) which I produced, and Code Jacob (2024) produced by Femi Fakayode (Zionhome Drama Outreach Ministry). However, this is the first musical feature from Mount Zion Film Productions – and it’s quite something, to say the least.
As a whole, I am blessed, impressed and amazed at the sheer amount of effort that went into this. I genuinely believe that no cost or favour was spared, and the final output was more than worth it. The star power here is palpable – from veterans in the drama ministry to young talents in both drama and music ministries, everyone brought their A-game. Kayode Owojori, Broda Martyns and Kayode Babalola all had the chance to flex their singing muscles, while standout renditions came from Greatman Takit, Jay-Mikee, Gaise Baba, Darasimi Oyor and Mike Abdul. I wish I could highlight every major and minor role, but suffice it to say that there were great performances across board.
Greatman Takit gives a strong protagonist account of Kolade, a young man yearning to pursue his passion and fulfill his calling. Having a complex relationship with his father, he unfortunately gets entangled with the wrong company. The stakes are raised when he wants out of the price he feels is too high to pay. I feel this is strong storytelling – relatable and relevant. I believe there’s something for both parents and their young adult children here: “Under Siege” navigates themes such as passion, profession and calling, parental expectations, service to God, and the all-too-familiar desire to “blow.” I hope this movie provides perspective to many, making it clear that our gifts are meant for the One who gave them to us.
The music…oh, that’s an entire album – literally. And for the first time, I think a Mount Zion movie features full song credits. I urge the ministry to continue this practice, even for non-musical films. Every artiste here sprinkled their stardust over the scores, which, in my opinion, culminate in the two final numbers. (I especially loved the reference to “Esu to ba Gbe mi” from Just A Little Sin [1998].) For ringtone lovers like me, multiple tracks from this film will be contenders.
By the way, for those wondering who was being mourned in the last scene – since Kolade was alive – I believe that it was the music star played by Funso Davids, who was killed in the opening scene. That suggests that he might have been a member of Reverend Emmanuel’s church, warranting the service in his honour. That “honour” didn’t feel entirely earned though, and points to a few other plot hitches. One or two scenes dragged slightly, and the crime subplot felt underdeveloped. Also, since Kate turns out to be more than a bit-part character, I opine that she should have been physically introduced earlier – certainly before the halfway point. Of course, this is partly due to the phenomenal width that “Under Siege” tries to cover, and I mention it only so that future productions can aim for tighter plotting. It’s worth noting however, that this motion picture is infused with Damilola Mike-Bamiloye’s signature humour, perfectly balanced across its 127-minute runtime.
In conclusion, the production value of “Under Siege” is high. From the majestic sets at The Jagz Ibadan, to the hills where Kolade performs “Made for This” (captured through exquisite cinematography and shaped by effective editing), the film carries an epic tone. It’s a movie I’ll revisit just to experience specific scenes again. More importantly, it showcases God’s power to deliver anyone from satanic bondage, and I believe that this is a win for gospel film production in Nigeria. Long may it continue.
The link to the movie is https://youtu.be/11FQQv81hDw?si=mE3tlFsipdeLgID_
Till the next review, stay blessed!
Film Credits
UNDER SIEGE (June 22, 2025)
127 minutes
Mount Zion Film Productions
Cast
Greatman Takit as Kolade
Joshua Mike-Bamiloye as Timi
Gaise Baba as Samuel
Broda Martyns as Officer Pitan
Mike Bamiloye as Rev. Emmanuel
Mike Abdul as Gasper
Darasimi Oyor as Kate
Kayode Babalola as Elder
Crew
Screenplay
Damilola Mike-Bamiloye
Director of Photography
Tofunmi Ojo
Editor
Victor Otegbade
Music
Joshua Mike-Bamiloye
Director
Damilola Mike-Bamiloye
Music Director
Joshua Mike-Bamiloye
