Prolific Nigerian filmmaker, Playwright and director, Biyi Bandele is dead, He died in Lagos, on Sunday, 7th August, 2022, according to the information released by his daughter, Temi Bandele, on Facebook.
She wrote;
“I am heartbroken to share the sudden and unexpected death on Sunday 7th of August in Lagos of my father Biyi Bandele.
“Biyi was a prodigiously talented writer and film-maker, as well as a loyal friend and beloved father. He was a storyteller to his bones, with an unblinking perspective, singular voice and wisdom which spoke boldly through all of his art, in poetry, novels, plays and on screen. He told stories which made a profound impact and inspired many all over the world. His legacy will live on through his work.
“He was taken from us much too soon. He had already said so much so beautifully, and had so much more to say.
“We ask everyone to please respect the privacy of his family and friends as we grieve his loss“, her post read.
The shocking news comes barely weeks to the historical Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) premiere of Netflix and EbonyLife’s ‘Elesin Oba’ which he directed and adapted for the screen, his film ‘Fifty’, is included in the 2015 London Film Festival. He also directed the third season of the popular MTV drama series, ‘shuga’.
Bandele was renowned for directing the 2013 film adaptation of Chimamanda classic novel ‘Half Of A Yellow Sun’ starring Thandiwe Newton and Chiwetel Ejiofor , The Ethnic and Multicultural Media Award for Best Play “ Oroonoko” in 2000. Blood Sisters is the latest series which he had directed.
Biyi, worked with the Royal Court Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare company, as well as writing radio drama and screenplay for television.
Biyi was a novelist, playwright,-and filmmaker, was born on the 13 October 1967, in Kafanchan, Kaduna State to parents from Abeokuta ,Ogun State. He studied drama at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile -Ife. he has gone to win awards for several of his works. He lived in London where he moved to in 1990. He is survived by his son Korede and daughter Temi.
Story: Hilda Katu