New Details Emerge on the Death of Nigerian Novelist and Filmmaker Biyi Bandele

 

New information has come to light regarding the death of acclaimed Nigerian novelist and filmmaker Biyi Bandele. His daughter, Temi Bandele, initially announced his passing in August 2022 at the age of 54, but the cause was not disclosed at that time.

According to a recent report by The Guardian UK, Bandele tragically took his own life shortly after discussing his latest work, Yorùbá Boy Running, with his editor, Hannah Chukwu. The report states that he sent her a revised version of the manuscript before his death, which occurred the following day.

The Guardian highlighted Bandele's diverse and significant contributions to literature and film, including the film adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun, which took seven years to complete. His extensive body of work also encompasses stage adaptations of classics such as Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, Aphra Behn’s Oroonoko, and Federico García Lorca’s Yerma. Additionally, he authored several novels, including Burma Boy, which reflects his father's harrowing experiences as a British soldier during World War II.

Temi Bandele believes her father found fulfillment in his last work, stating that he was aware it would be his final project. She noted, "He wanted it to be the beginning of multiple conversations that would happen when he wasn’t here," emphasizing the significance of his creative vision.

Biyi Bandele's unexpected death sent shockwaves through the literary and film communities, prompting an outpouring of grief from family, friends, and colleagues around the world.

Born in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, Bandele grew up in a family from Abeokuta, Ogun State. He pursued his passion for the arts by studying Dramatic Arts at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in Ile Ife. His talent shone through when he won the BBC Playwriting Competition, leading him to relocate to England, where he achieved notable success.

In the year of his death, he directed and adapted the screenplay for Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman, based on Wole Soyinka’s classic play, Death and the King’s Horseman. This adaptation, produced for EbonyLife Films, was released on October 28, 2022.