Nigerian Film Director and Author, Biyi Bandele has passed on at the age of 54.
Biyi Bandele died on Sunday in Lagos, his daughter, Temi announced in a statement, stating that “he was taken from us much too soon.
“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.”
Bandele was renowned for his work as the director of the 2013 film, “Half of a Yellow Sun,” based from the novel by Nigerian Author Chimamanda Adichie.
He also directed Fifty, about modern African womanhood, which was screened at the 2015 London Film Festival. Later projects included directing two episodes of the Blood Sisters series on Netflix.
His friends and colleagues have described him as hardworking and committed.
“Biyi had an eye for a story, was always passionate about his work and had a great love for Yoruba culture. We will miss his dedication, cheerful spirit and collaborative nature. Rest in peace, dear friend,” said Mo Abudu, the CEO of Ebony Life group, on Instagram.
Filmmaker Kenneth Gyang tweeted: “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.”
