Obafemi Lasode death at 69 mourned by Nigeria’s creative industry. Known for Sango and cultural advocacy, his legacy remains a pillar of African storytelling

Obafemi Lasode death at the age of 69 has sent waves of grief across Nigeria’s creative community. A revered filmmaker, broadcaster, and music executive, Lasode passed away peacefully on Thursday in Lagos, according to family sources.

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Best known for his iconic film Sango (1997), Lasode spent decades shaping the cultural landscape of Nigeria through both film and music. He was a visionary whose works bridged tradition and modernity.

Lasode’s career began in New York, where he worked with Inner City Broadcasting and famously brought Sonny Okosun to the Apollo Theatre in 1984. “We were claiming space,” he said of that landmark performance.

Upon returning to Nigeria, he launched Afrika in Vogue on Radio Nigeria 2, elevating African music at a critical time. His studio, Afrika ’n Vogue/Even-Ezra, nurtured countless West African creatives.

His academic contribution, Television Broadcasting: The Nigerian Experience (1959–1992), remains a staple in media studies.

Tributes have poured in from across the industry, including the Directors Guild of Nigeria and Prof. Ahmed Yerima, who called Sango “a statement, not just a movie.”

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Lasode is remembered not just for his art, but for creating space for African voices.