The small-time thug Muntu (Bernard Safari) has just been released from prison in the fictional African country of Nakara. Shortly after, he falls in love with a preacher's daughter, and loathe to tell her of his dark past he pretends to be a successful businessman. From there the lie spins into him taking on the guise of the military captain Nakara, leading to changes not only for him, but also for the whole nation.