Nigerian media mogul and CEO of EBONYLIFE GROUP, Mo Abudu has joined other Nigerians and celebrities alike, to mourn the death of Biyi Bandele, the renowned novelist, playwright and filmmaker behind 2013’s “Half of a Yellow Sun” and upcoming film “The King’s Horseman,” “Blood Sisters,” and others.
Bandele died on Sunday in Lagos at the age of 54, according to a Facebook post from his daughter, Temi Bandele. A cause of death was not given.
Taking to her official social media handle on Tuesday, Mo Abudu posted a photo of Biyi where she commiserated with the family on his passing.
She said:
“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.
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. Mo Abudu CEO EBONYLIFE GROUP,” she said.
Bandele had recently finished his latest film entitled “The King’s Horseman.” Inspired by Nigerian Nobel Prize-winning writer Wole Soyinka’s anti-colonial play “Death and the King’s Horseman,” the drama is set to have its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival next month. The film, billed as the first Yoruba-language feature film to premiere at TIFF, was produced by Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Films for Netflix.
Biyi Bandele also co-directed this year’s “Blood Sisters” for Netflix. The streamer’s first Nigerian original series follows friends Sarah and Kemi as they are forced to go on the run after a wealthy groom disappears during his engagement party. Netflix paid tribute to Bandele via a Twitter post, saying, “May he rest in power.”