Biyi Bandele was a UK-based Nigerian, who was the director of Half of a Yellow Sun and the acclaimed novel Burma Boy.

The news of his passing was reportedly announced on his Facebook page by his daughter Temi Bandele, on the 7th of August.

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

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 Bandele was the writer-in-residence with Talawa Theatre Company from 1994 to 1995. He worked with the Royal Court, Theatre, and the Royal Shakespeare Company, and wrote radio dramas and screenplays for television. In 2022, he directed the Nigerian Netflix original series Blood Sister. While his latest work, Elesin Oba (The King’s Horseman), is yet to be premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2022, he will be missed by family, friends, and fans.