Biyi Bandele Biography: Early Life
Biyi Bandele, born Biyi Bandele-Thomas on October 13, 1967, in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, Nigeria, was a prominent novelist, playwright, and filmmaker. He grew up in a Yoruba family; his father, Solomon Bandele-Thomas, was a veteran of the Burma Campaign during World War II. Bandele’s childhood was marked by discussions of war, which he later credited as a significant influence on his desire to become a writer. At the age of 14, he won a short-story competition, which foreshadowed his future in literature.
Bandele spent the first 18 years of his life in northern Nigeria before relocating to Lagos. In 1987, he enrolled at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he studied drama while simultaneously working on his first novel. His talent was recognized early on; he won the International Student Playscript competition in 1989 and received the British Council Lagos Award in 1990 for a collection of poems. In 1990, he moved to London with manuscripts of two novels in hand, eager to pursue his writing career.
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Biyi Bandele Biography: Education
Biyi Bandele’s formal education began in Nigeria, where he demonstrated early promise in writing. After completing his secondary education, he gained admission to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in 1987. Here, he studied drama, immersing himself in the world of performance and storytelling. During his time at university, Bandele began to cultivate his writing skills, working on plays and novels that would eventually establish his career. His academic achievements were complemented by his success in various writing competitions, including winning the International Student Playscript competition in 1989 and the British Council Lagos Award in 1990.
Family
Biyi Bandele was born into a loving Yoruba family, with his father, Solomon Bandele-Thomas, being a notable figure in his life. Solomon was a veteran of the Burma Campaign during World War II, and his experiences and stories about war deeply influenced Bandele’s worldview and aspirations as a writer. This familial backdrop provided a rich narrative environment that shaped his understanding of the complexities of life and culture in Nigeria.
While specific details about his immediate family are not widely publicized, it is known that Bandele was a family man. He had children and was involved in their lives, often emphasizing the importance of family connections. In his works, he frequently drew upon themes of family and community, reflecting the values instilled in him from an early age. His writings often highlight the significance of familial relationships and the interconnectedness of individuals within the broader cultural context.
Bandele’s family was supportive of his artistic endeavors, which allowed him to pursue his passions in literature and film. His legacy as a writer, filmmaker, and cultural figure continues to inspire his family and many others, reinforcing the idea that art can transcend personal experiences and connect with broader human themes.
Writing Career
Bandele’s literary works spanned various forms, including fiction, theatre, journalism, television, film, and radio. He made significant contributions to London’s Royal Court Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. His plays, such as Rain (1993), Marching for Fausa (1993), Resurrections in the Season of the Longest Drought (1994), and Oroonoko (an adaptation of Aphra Behn’s 17th-century novel), showcased his versatile talent. His adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart in 1997 further established him as a formidable playwright.
Bandele’s novels, including his debut The Man Who Came in From the Back of Beyond (1991) and The Street (1999), were noted for their surrealism, wit, and political engagement. His 2007 novel, Burma Boy, received critical acclaim for giving voice to previously unheard African experiences. At the time of his passing, he was working on a new novel titled Yorùbá Boy Running, inspired by his great-grandfather’s life, which was posthumously rescheduled for release in July 2024.
Filmmaking
Bandele transitioned into filmmaking with great success. His directorial debut, Half of a Yellow Sun, based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel, premiered at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, receiving a rapturous reception. He also directed the popular MTV drama series Shuga in 2013 and the 2015 film Fifty, which was showcased at the London Film Festival.
In 2022, Bandele directed the first Netflix Nigerian Original series, Blood Sisters, and helmed Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman, a screen adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s play, which made history as the first Yoruba-language film to premiere at TIFF.
Other Work
Beyond literature and film, Bandele’s creative pursuits included photography, with plans for exhibitions showcasing his work depicting street life in Lagos. His multifaceted career illustrated his deep connection to his Nigerian roots and his commitment to portraying African narratives across different mediums.
Death and Legacy
Tragically, Biyi Bandele passed away in Lagos on August 7, 2022, at the age of 54. The cause of death was confirmed as suicide. His funeral took place on September 23, 2022, with tributes from friends, family, and collaborators reflecting on his significant contributions to the arts.
On June 30, 2024, a memorial event titled A Night to Remember – Biyi Bándélé was held at Brixton House theatre in London, celebrating his life and work. Friends and colleagues gathered to honor his legacy, which included the launch of his final novel, Yorùbá Boy Running, underscoring his lasting impact on literature and film.
Disclaimer
The information in this article was curated from Wikipedia. All details cannot be independently verified by Daily News 24 or its editorial team
