Biyi Bándélé’s Legacy Shines in His Final Novel Yorùbá Boy Running

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Biyi Bándélé was born in 1967 in Kafanchan, Nigeria, and began writing at a young age.
His diverse career included novels, plays, and films, showcasing his versatile storytelling.
*Yorùbá Boy Running* chronicles the life of Samuel Àjàyí Crowther, the first African Anglican bishop.
Bándélé’s unique narrative style combines anecdotal and archival elements to explore complex themes.
His legacy continues through *Yorùbá Boy Running*, seen as a culmination of his four-decade-long career.
The launch event for the novel in June 2024 celebrated Bándélé’s impact on literature and culture.

Biyi Bándélé’s Legacy: A Trailblazer in Nigerian Literature

Biyi Bándélé, a literary pioneer who left a lasting mark on Nigerian and global literature, crafted a legacy spanning many forms. His final work, “Yorùbá Boy Running,” stands as a remarkable example of his inventive storytelling and commitment to shedding light on often-overlooked pieces of African history.

The Man Behind the Words

Born in 1967 in Kafanchan, northern Nigeria, Bándélé began writing early, inspired by his family’s rich history. His father, Solomon Bandele-Thomas, a veteran of the Burma Campaign during World War II, sparked young Biyi’s interest in storytelling through their frequent conversations about the war (Wikipedia).

His talent blossomed at an early age. At 14, Bándélé won a short-story competition, signaling the start of his literary success. He later pursued drama studies at Obafemi Awolowo University. In the late 1980s, Bándélé’s star began to rise, winning the International Student Playscript competition in 1989 and the British Council Lagos Award for poetry in 1990.

In 1990, Bándélé made a bold move to London, bringing his early novels with him. This risk paid off when his debut novel, “The Man Who Came in From the Back of Beyond,” was published in 1991. His arrival introduced a unique and powerful voice to African literature.

A Literary Genius with Many Talents

Bándélé’s work showcases his creativity across many forms. He didn’t limit himself to a single genre but explored various ways to tell his stories, including novels, plays, and films. His works often combined different styles, such as melodrama and soap opera, to express deep human experiences (The Guardian).

Source: Wikipedia

His sense of humor and unique aesthetic added flair to his work, making it both surprising and engaging. Bándélé’s passion for pre-civil war and post-independence Nigeria is reflected throughout his stories. These works offer deep, complex narratives that challenge traditional views on African history and culture.

“Yorùbá Boy Running”: A Final Achievement

Bándélé’s last novel, “Yorùbá Boy Running,” highlights his storytelling talent and his drive to uncover forgotten stories from African history. The book tells the extraordinary story of Samuel Àjàyí Crowther, the first African bishop ordained by the Anglican Church (Brittle Paper).

The novel takes place in 19th-century West Africa, starting in 1821 with an attack on Crowther’s hometown by a Malian slave-raiding army. The story follows Crowther’s journey from slavery to freedom and his return to Nigeria as a key figure in the church.

What makes “Yorùbá Boy Running” stand out is Bándélé’s unique method of storytelling. He skillfully blends personal anecdotes, historical records, and investigative elements, drawing readers into the harsh realities of capture and displacement. This approach offers readers a new way of understanding a critical moment in African history.

The novel is more than a historical retelling—it’s a personal reflection. Inspired by the experiences of Bándélé’s great-great-grandfather, who faced similar struggles, the story feels genuine and emotionally moving. Bándélé’s portrayal of Crowther shows him as not just a public figure but also a father, son, and husband, adding depth to this historical figure.

A Lasting Legacy

Bándélé’s sudden passing in August 2022 sent ripples through the literary community. However, his legacy lives on through his works and the influence he had on his readers and peers. The release of “Yorùbá Boy Running” at Brixton House theatre in London in June 2024 was proof of the ongoing power of his writing.

His daughter, Temi Bándélé, shared that her father knew this would be his final story and ensured it was completed before his passing. This knowledge adds a touching layer to the novel, making it both a historical narrative and a farewell from a master storyteller.

Source: The Conversation

Bándélé’s family and colleagues hope that “Yorùbá Boy Running” will inspire discussions and continue his conversation with the world, even in his absence. The novel represents a capstone to Bándélé’s forty-year career, which spanned many forms and media, and it is expected to further solidify his place among Africa’s greatest writers.

Looking at Biyi Bándélé’s life and work, it’s clear that his influence goes far beyond the written word. He was a cultural ambassador and a voice for those often overlooked. Through his novels, plays, and films, Bándélé bridged cultural divides, challenged assumptions, and motivated a new generation of writers to tell their stories boldly.

In “Yorùbá Boy Running” and his complete body of work, Biyi Bándélé has left a rich heritage—a collection of stories that will continue to educate, entertain, and challenge us for generations. His unique voice, his creative methods, and his commitment to sharing the African experience will keep his legacy alive in literature and beyond for years to come.

FAQ

Q: Who was Biyi Bándélé?
A: Biyi Bándélé was a prominent Nigerian writer and cultural ambassador known for his significant contributions to literature, spanning novels, plays, and films. His final work, “Yorùbá Boy Running,” exemplifies his innovative storytelling.

Q: What themes are explored in Bándélé’s works?
A: Bándélé’s works often explore the complexities of African history and culture, focusing on themes such as identity, migration, and the impact of colonialism, particularly in narratives like “Burma Boy” and “Yorùbá Boy Running.”

Q: What is “Yorùbá Boy Running” about?
A: “Yorùbá Boy Running” tells the story of Samuel Àjàyí Crowther, the first African bishop ordained by the Anglican Church, tracing his journey from slavery to liberation and his significant role in history, set against 19th-century West Africa.

Q: What impact did Bándélé have on literature?
A: Bándélé elevated Nigerian culture globally, inspired new generations of writers, and garnered acclaim for his unique narratives that challenge traditional perspectives on African experiences.

Q: How did Bándélé approach storytelling?
A: Bándélé was known for blending various storytelling styles, often incorporating elements of melodrama and humor, resulting in rich narratives that engage readers and reflect multifaceted African experiences.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.