The Nigerian entertainment industry was thrown into another round of mourning when the untimely death of veteran novelist and filmmaker, Biyi Bandele was announced by his family, on Monday, August 8.
The Film Conversation earlier reported that the filmmaker died at the age of 54.
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In a Facebook post, Temi Bandele, the deceased’s daughter described her father as a loyal friend and father who told stories that inspired many all over the world.
The statement read, “As Biyi’s daughter, 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.”
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He is best known for directing the 2013 film adaption of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie‘s classic book ‘Half of a Yellow Sun‘, as well as Wole Soyinka’s EbonyLife‘s ‘Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman‘ and ‘Blood Sisters.’
Meanwhile, colleagues have continued to pay tributes to the veteran novelist and filmmaker.
EbonyLife Studios wrote, “It is with deep sadness that we commiserate with the family of Biyi Bandele who died on Sunday, 7th August 2022 in Lagos. Biyi worked with us at EbonyLife Media, directing several of our projects, including ‘Fifty’ (2015), ‘Blood Sisters’, episodes 1 & 2 (2022) and the forthcoming film Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman, for which he wrote the screenplay.”
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My heart is heavy. We were planning to make his book Burma Boy into a major Motion Picture. There were many others in the works.
RIP Biyi Bandele.
Thank you for being a friend, mentor, therapist and supporter.
— Kenneth Gyang (@kennethgyang) August 9, 2022
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Such devastating news to wake up to. Wow 💔
Rest In Perfect Peace, Biyi Bandele.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
— Beverly Naya (@BeverlyNaya) August 9, 2022
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I pause to mourn soulful Biyi Bandele, eponymous scion of the Burma Boy, Solomon Bamidele Thomas, aka Tommy Sparkle, grandson of railways man of rustic Kafanchan. Biyi was a time machine in a dreamy realm called Nigeria where tragedy and triumph twin to meet a world at war. Adieu pic.twitter.com/Fhk1FOB0An
— Adewole Adebayo ESQ (@Pres_Adebayo) August 8, 2022
Shocked and greatly saddened to hear that author, playwright, poet and filmmaker #BiyiBandele has left us so soon, too soon. My heart goes out to his loved ones, and the creative communities he touched and enriched with his talent and generosity. 🕊
— Lọlá Shónẹ́yìn (@lolashoneyin) August 9, 2022
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