It was a sad day in Hollywood on Tuesday as Nigerian novelist and playwright, Biyi Bandele was confirmed dead.
The death of the director of ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ and co-director of ‘Blood Sisters’ was confirmed in a statement released via his Facebook page by his daughter, Temi Bandele.
Living a great a life and leaving behind a great work is another attribute for him to be called a Legend, Passing at the age of 54, Biyi Bandele, was said to be a copacetic man and the kind hearted person with a great passion for his job.
His daughter Temi Bandele posted a notice about his passing on her Facebook page on Monday night. She said:
“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,” the statement disclosed.
She added, “Biyi was a prodigiously talented writer and filmmaker, 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.”
Temi added, “He was taken from us much too soon. He had already said so much so beautifully and had so much more to say. We wish everyone to please respect the privacy of his family and friends as we grieve his loss.”
The news of Bandele’s death has shocked his fans and colleagues as they put up his picture to mourn him.
See reactions below……
Acclaimed novelist and filmmaker Biyi Bandele has died aged 54https://t.co/pShlKCXtjw
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) August 9, 2022
The death of Biyi Bandele is a great loss to Nigeria. That man is a storyteller extraordinaire. May he find rest in the finest of heavens and may God grant his family the fortitude to bear this loss.
— awwal abdullahi (@theawwalabdul) August 9, 2022
RIP Biyi Bandele. Thank you for the work you left us with.
— The (@DamiElebe) August 9, 2022
It is with great shock that we mourn the death of Biyi Bandele, the prolific playwright, writer and filmmaker.
Biyi was one of our very first clients and will be a huge loss to the creative industry.
We wish his family strength, succour and fortitude at this difficult time. 💔 pic.twitter.com/PRNsYW8qQf
— TMC (@TheTempleCo) August 9, 2022
Last night I went to bed with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart… RIP Egbon Biyi Bandele 🙏🏾
— DeyemiTheActor (@_deyemi) August 9, 2022
Biyi Bandele. My goodness. 💔
He was so kind to me. This life…— Adesua Etomi-Wellington (@AdesuaEtomiW) August 9, 2022
I am saddened to hear of the death of ace filmmaker, Biyi Bandele. His death leaves a gap in the industry that will be impossible to fill. On behalf of my family, I extend our sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, fans and colleagues. May his soul Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/Bly7hdEV0n
— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) August 9, 2022
Biyi Bandele, the International filmmaker, novelist, playwright and director of instant hit films including Half of a Yellow Sun, Fifty and more recently the Netflix Original, Blood Sisters has died at the age of 54. pic.twitter.com/jsOEzZWXaS
— BOUNCE (@bouncenetworks) August 8, 2022
"He told stories which made a profound impact and inspired many all over the world. His legacy will live on through his work." —Temi Bandele
Today we mourn the sudden loss of acclaimed novelist and filmmaker Biyi Bandele. pic.twitter.com/PToMgEjvJk
— TIFF (@TIFF_NET) August 9, 2022
I still remember the excitement at the premiere of HALF OF A YELLOW SUN at #TIFF13. With that film and THE KING'S HORSEMAN, Biyi Bandele was doing something so rare in world cinema: large-scale adaptations of African literature meant for the whole world. He will be missed. https://t.co/CV002cdcUr
— Cameron Bailey (@cameron_tiff) August 9, 2022
Biyi Bandele’s passing is a monumental loss to Nigeria’s film and creative industry. He will be remembered as a powerhouse who made some of the finest films out of Africa. As we mourn him, we commiserate with his family, friends and colleagues. May he rest in power. pic.twitter.com/ip7C5tV1pE
— Netflix Nigeria (@NetflixNaija) August 9, 2022
He was an accomplished multi-hyphenate. Novels. Plays. Films. Photographs too. I found his colourful street photography of the Lagos on Facebook so warm. Rest Easy #BiyiBandele may God comfort his loved ones.
— Dami Ajayi (@JollyPaps1) 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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