‘Half A Yellow Sun’ director Biyi Bandele dies

Biyi Bandele at the 2014 Zanzibar International Film Festival PIC: Peter Bennett / ZIFF

Prominent Nigerian novelist and filmmaker Biyi Bandele has died.

The news was confirmed by his daughter Temi.

“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,” she said.

“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,” the statement further read.

Bandele was 54.

Some of his work include Half of a Yellow Sun (Shareman Media & State Films, 2013) adapted from Chimamanda Adichie’s novel of same title, co-directing Blood Sisters, a 4-part Netflix-original television drama series, directing the highly successful Television Series, SHUGA: What’s Your Reality.

Bandele’s most recent work Elesin Oba, the King’s Horseman (2022), which he adapted from Wole Soyinka’s classic drama, Death & The King’s Horseman, and directed for EbonyLife Films.