July 30 2022. Midnight. I was browsing the internet researching for an essay I was working on when I stumbled on a reference to Biyi Bandele.
As I continued reading, a photograph I had taken with the iconic writer, dramatist and filmmaker during the launch of his book, ‘Burma Boy’, in London, UK, on 21 June, 2007 popped out.
Fascinated by the discovery, I sent the picture to Biyi Bandele’s Facebook as well as to Molara Wood who had invited me to the event when she was based in the UK as a journalist.
A few days later, Biyi sent me a reply: “Wale Okediran I remember that reading at Lewisham Library. In the days of my youth! You were there with a friend, I remember.”
August 9 2022. Midnight. While checking my Whatsapp messages, I stumbled on the news of Biyi Bandele’s death. He was said to have died on August 7, 2022 in his house in Lagos.
Apart from being devastated by the terrible news, I was puzzled on how I could have chatted with someone I last met 13 years ago just 8 days to his death.
Was it a premonition of his forthcoming demise or was it just a farewell message from one writer to another?
Like many writers, I read Biyi Bandele before meeting him.
Born in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, Nigeria, Biyi studied drama in 1987 at the then University of Ife several years after I had also completed my medical education in the same university.
It was not until 2007, precisely 21 June 2007 at Lewisham Library in London, that I finally met the multi-talented author during the launch of his book, ‘Burma Boy’.
It was our first and only meeting.
I recollect that I had been invited to the event by the then UK-based journalist, Molara Wood who actually took the picture of Biyi and I.
As I struggled to piece this short treatise together, I try to remember Biyi as he was in ‘ the days of his youth’ dreadlocked and debonair in his traditional shirt and jeans attire.
I also recollect his wonderful juxtaposition of literary roles from the print to the stage and on to the screen.
He may have died young, but he lived a fulfilled life.
May the good Lord rest him.
* Dr. Okediran is the President, Pan African Writers Association (PAWA)
