Renowned Nigerian filmmaker, music producer, and playwright Obafemi “Femi” Lasode has sadly passed away at the age of 69.

Lasode died in the early hours of Friday, July 25, following a prolonged illness. His death was confirmed by celebrated flutist and former PMAN president Tee Mac Omatshola, who revealed he received the news from a family member.

Femi Lasode rose to national and international prominence for directing the classic 1997 Yoruba epic, “Sango”, a film that made history by opening the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Film Festival in 2002.

He was the founder of Afrika ’n Vogue/Even-Ezra Studios, one of Nigeria’s pioneering media production companies, which he established in the 1990s to promote African narratives and music.

Originally from Ogun State, Lasode was born in Port Harcourt and lived a life immersed in creativity and advocacy. Beyond filmmaking, he was a songwriter, cultural ambassador, and social critic, known for using his platform to challenge social norms and elevate African heritage.

Lasode earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Communication Arts from Brooklyn College, City University of New York, equipping him with the tools to impact Nigeria’s entertainment industry profoundly.