The Nigerian film industry is in shock following the death of celebrated filmmaker and director Dimeji Ajibola, known for his pioneering work in Nollywood. News of Ajibola’s passing was confirmed on Sunday by Nigerian director Samuel Olatunji, who shared his grief over the loss on social media. Describing Ajibola as both a client and friend, Olatunji wrote, “Dimeji Ajibola was my client and friend. So sad to hear this news. Rest in peace to a great guy! Sad Sunday as the director of Shanty Town passed away.”
Although details surrounding Ajibola’s death remain unclear, reports suggest he had been battling illness prior to his passing. His death is a significant loss to Nollywood, where he was widely respected as a visionary and multi-talented entrepreneur in the entertainment industry. Over the years, Ajibola gained recognition for his expertise across multiple disciplines, including filmmaking, animation, virtual reality, visual effects, digital media, and music production.
A globally trained artist, Ajibola’s educational background was as diverse as his skill set. He studied filmmaking and cinematography at the prestigious New York Film Academy, advanced character animation at Animation Mentor in San Francisco, and honed his visual effects expertise at VFXLearning. His academic and professional training allowed him to blend international standards with Nigerian storytelling, creating works that resonated with audiences both locally and abroad.
Ajibola’s body of work includes several high-profile films and series, such as Shanty Town, Slum King, Hoodrush, Ovy’s Voice, and Wura. His debut film, Hoodrush, holds a special place in Nigerian cinematic history as the country’s first urban musical film. Hoodrush earned multiple accolades, including Best Movie at the 2012 Green Me Film Festival in Germany, Best Actor and Best Soundtrack at the Nollywood Movies Awards, and a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the AMAA Awards. His later works, particularly Shanty Town and Slum King, continued to showcase his unique storytelling style, merging gritty realism with intricate narratives that highlighted socio-economic themes within Nigerian society.
Ajibola’s contributions to Nollywood extended beyond directing; he was instrumental in introducing new technologies and techniques to the industry, bringing his expertise in animation and VFX to projects that pushed the boundaries of Nollywood’s visual landscape. His influence and innovation elevated Nollywood’s standing globally, making him a beloved figure among peers, fans, and aspiring filmmakers.
The passing of Dimeji Ajibola is a profound loss to the Nigerian film industry. His legacy, however, lives on through his work and the mark he left on Nollywood as a visionary director, storyteller, and advocate for artistic innovation.
