Trade by Bata

Name: Trade by Bata (2026) Review
Item: Trade by Bata
Rating: 7.1
Author: Lana Emmanuel

Director Biodun Stephen Year 2026 Runtime 1h 48m Country Nigeria Genre Drama, Comedy

7.1 /10

GREAT

Editor Score

Lana Emmanuel

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"A warm diaspora homecoming story elevated by Bimbo Ademoye. Biodun Stephen continues her quiet evolution as a filmmaker."
— Lana Emmanuel, NaijaSabi

Score Breakdown

Storyline & Writing 25% 6.5

Direction 20% 7.0

Acting Performance 25% 8.0

Cinematography 15% 7.0

Soundtrack & Score 15% 6.5

Director: Biodun Stephen
Cast: Bimbo Ademoye, Jide Kosoko, Femi Adebayo
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Where to Watch: Cinema release
NaijaSabi Score: 70/100
Box Office / Awards: Cinema release, April 2026

Trade by Bata follows a Nigerian-American woman who travels to her late father’s village to claim her inheritance, only to find a community and a version of herself she was not prepared for. Rather than treating village life as the punchline, the film uses the protagonist’s disorientation to reveal what has been lost in the diaspora pipeline.

Bimbo Ademoye carries the film on her expressive face. Jide Kosoko offers a masterclass in delivering exposition as character. The inheritance plot mechanics are clunky, but the third act recovery is earned.

Verdict: A warm, well-crafted diaspora homecoming story. Biodun Stephen continues to grow as a filmmaker.

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