Lifestyle & Entertainment

Director Of ‘Blood Sisters’, Biyi Bandele Is Dead

Published

2 years ago

August 9, 2022

NewTimes

Director Of Blood Sisters, Biyi Bandele Is Dead

By John Michael Ojo
Nigerian playwright, novelist and director of Nollywood blockbuster movie, ‘Blood Sisters’, Biyi Bandele is dead.

His death was announced by his daughter, Temi Bandele, via a statement posted on her Facebook page on Monday night.

A heartbroken Timi who disclosed that the 54-year-filmmaker died on Sunday in Lagos State wrote: “As Biyi’s Daughter, 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.

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“He was taken from us much too soon. He had already said so much so beautifully and had so much more to say. We wish everyone to please respect the privacy of his family and friends as we grieve his loss,” she added.

Also, while commiserating with the deceased’s family, EbonyLife Group CEO and executive producer of ‘Blood Sisters’, Mo Abudu, said “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.”

She added that “Elesin Oba will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Biyi had an eye for a story, was always passionate about his work, and had a great love for Yoruba culture.”

Biyi will always be remembered for his role as director of great movies such as ‘Half of a yellow Sun’, ‘Blood Sisters’, ‘Fifty’, ‘Nigerian Prince’ and the soon-to-be-released ‘Elesin Oba’ on Netflix.

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Lifestyle & Entertainment

Soludo Reveals How Daughter’s Marriage Broke 142 Years Family Jinx

Published

4 months ago

August 11, 2024

NewTimes

By John Michael Ojo

The governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has revealed that the traditional marriage ceremony held on Saturday between his daughter Ifeatu Adaora Soludo and Arinze Ibekwe in Aguata Local Government Area of the state, was the first of its kind among the Soludo’s family.

The elated former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and a father of four girls, who stated this in a post via his verified Facebook account said the birth of female children had been a major challenge in the family until he was blessed by God through four of such beautiful children.

The now viral post reads: “In the presence of my family, kinsmen, friends, and my in-laws from Onitsha, I gave out my lovely daughter, Ifeatu Adaora Soludo, to her heartthrob after all traditional rites had been met and certified in line with the customs of the Isuofia community.

“I celebrate this historic event for two reasons. First, God has graciously blessed the larger Soludo family with another such marital union after 142 years.

“This is largely due to the fact that female children have been a rarity in the past three generations of the Soludo family.

“To break that “jinx,” God has mercifully provided me with four beautiful daughters, whom I celebrate every day,” he added.

Lifestyle & Entertainment

Popular Musician Onyeka Onwenu Dies At 72

Published

5 months ago

July 31, 2024

NewTimes

By John Michael Ojo

Popular musician, Onyeja Onwenu is dead

Onyeka, 72, is said to have slumped on Tuesday night shortly perfuming at Mrs Stella Okoli’s birthday party in Lagos state.

It was also revealed that she was thereafter rushed to Reddington Hospital where she gave up the ghost.

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Though the deceased family is yet to issue any statement regarding the death of the singer as at the time of filing this report, an eyewitness who gave an account of what transpired, said: “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli today (Tuesday, July 30, 2024), and after performing, she slumped.

“She was taken to Reddington Hospital and she couldn’t make it.”

Onyeka Onwenu, born 31 January 1952, was a multi-talented singer/songwriter, actress, human rights and social activist, journalist, politician, and former X Factor series judge.

Onwenu will be remembered for her roles in movies such as government house, tyrant, half of a yellow sun and recently obara’m amongst others.

She is survived by two children – Tijani Charles and Abraham.

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Lifestyle & Entertainment

VIDEO: Nollywood Actor Olu Jacobs Is Not Dead – Family

Published

6 months ago

June 30, 2024

NewTimes

By John Michael Ojo

The family of multiple award-winning Nollywood Actor, Olu Jacobs has debunked the rumors making rounds social media that the 82-year-veteran who has been dealing with dementia is dead.

This was made known by the family in a now viral clip to support their claims.

Also collaborating with the family claims via her official X handle formerly called Twitter, Kate Henshaw, a veteran in the Nigerian make believe industry asked why Nigerians keep wishing the thespian dead despite his contribution in the movie industry.

“HOW YOU PEOPLE PUT UP RIP POSTS ABOUT SOMEONE WHO IS STILL ALIVE, YEAR IN YEAR OUT IS VERY SICKENING, TBH!!!

“You do this to this great man and his family ALL THE TIME!!

“It is all shades of wrong!!

” Stop for goodness sake!!

” UNCLE OLU JACOBS is ALIVE!!!,” she maintained.

On his part, Shehu Sani, a former Senator of the the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the seventh assembly simply wrote: “Thank God for the news that Olu Jacobs is alive.”

Click link to watch video:

https://x.com/abazwhyllzz/status/1807437270309327010?t=AhOHUpZl4_w5zZsRqwgbsg&s=19