Femi Lasode, ‘Sango’ Director, Dies at 69 After Protracted Illness

Abeokuta, Ogun State – The Nigerian creative industry is mourning the loss of a titan, Obafemi Lasode, the acclaimed musician, filmmaker, and cultural icon, who passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the age of 69. Reports from close family members, as confirmed by former President of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Omatshola Iseli (Dr. Tee Mac), indicate that Lasode died in the early hours of Friday after a protracted illness.

Born Obafemi Bandele Lasode in Port Harcourt on December 4, 1955, and hailing from Abeokuta, Ogun State, he was a multifaceted talent known for his profound contributions to music and film. Lasode rose to prominence in the 1990s as the producer and director of the celebrated cultural film ‘Sango’. Co-written by Wale Ogunyemi, ‘Sango’ became one of Nigeria’s early cinematic exports, gaining international acclaim and being screened at prestigious festivals and institutions, including the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

A dedicated advocate for the preservation of African heritage, Lasode consistently used his art to promote Yoruba culture and values. He founded Afrika ‘n Vogue/Even-Ezra Studios, which stood as one of Nigeria’s pioneering indigenous production houses for African-themed content. His academic background included a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kogod Business School, American University, and a Master of Arts in Communication Arts from Brooklyn College, City University of New York, with additional studies at the New York Institute of Technology. He also authored the influential book, “Television Broadcasting: The Nigerian Experience (1959–1992).”

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Before his groundbreaking work in film, Lasode honed his skills in New York, notably as a Promotions Coordinator for Inner City Broadcasting Corporation, where he famously brought Nigerian music legend Sonny Okosuns to the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem in 1984. Upon returning to Nigeria, he launched “Afrika in Vogue” on Radio Nigeria 2, one of the first programs dedicated to elevating African sounds.

Obafemi Lasode’s passing marks the end of an era in the Nigerian entertainment industry. He leaves behind a rich legacy of creativity, innovation, and cultural preservation, having inspired countless artists and filmmakers. He is survived by his family, friends, and a generation of creatives who continue to be influenced by his pioneering works.