Biyi Bandele, director of ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’, dies at 54

Biyi Bandele, the filmmaker famous for directing the movie adaptation of ‘Half Of A Yellow Sun’, Chimamanda Adichie’s classic novel, has passed on.

Temi Bandele, the daughter of the novelist, announced his death in a statement shared on Facebook on Monday evening.

It was gathered that the playwright died on Sunday — although the cause of death remains unknown.

He was 54 years old.

“I am heartbroken to share the sudden and unexpected death on Sunday 7th of August in Lagos of my father Biyi Bandele,” the statement reads.

“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.

“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.”

Biyi was also credited for co-directing ‘Blood Sisters’, a four-part Netflix Original series by EbonyLife Films.

He was the director of the TV series ‘SHUGA: What’s Your Reality’.

He also directed ‘FELA – Father of Afrobeat’ (2018), a TV special documentary for the BBC; and his self-produced TV-movie documentary, ‘Africa States of Independence’ (2010).

His recent work included ‘Elesin Oba, the King’s Horseman’ (2022), which he adapted from Wole Soyinka’s classic drama ‘Death & The King’s Horseman’.