Nigerian filmmaker Dimeji Ajibola, known for his groundbreaking work on the series Shanty Town and the award-winning film Hoodrush, has passed away after a brief illness. His innovative contributions to film, animation, and visual effects have left a lasting impact on the Nigerian entertainment industry.
The Nigerian film industry mourns the loss of talented filmmaker Dimeji Ajibola, who passed away on November 3 after battling an undisclosed illness. Ajibola, celebrated for his creative vision, was renowned for his work on the popular series Shanty Town and was known for seamlessly merging traditional and digital art forms. His contributions spanned film, animation, visual effects (VFX), virtual worlds, and interactive media, establishing him as a versatile and innovative creator in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape.
Ajibola's educational background reflected his commitment to mastering his craft. He studied filmmaking and cinematography at the New York Film Academy in Universal Studios, character animation at Animation Mentor in San Francisco, and visual effects at VFXLearning. His 2012 film Hoodrush, an urban musical, won multiple awards, including Best Movie at the Green Me Film Festival in Germany, along with several accolades at the Nollywood Movies Awards and AMAA Awards.
The filmmaker’s untimely death is a significant loss to Nigeria's creative community, which admired his work and passion. He will be remembered for pushing boundaries and contributing greatly to the evolution of Nigerian cinema. May he rest in peace.