IN the vibrant tapestry of Nigerian arts, some threads shine brighter, yet their full brilliance often goes unacknowledged. Femi Lasode, born Obafemi Bandele Lasode, was one such luminary — a multi-talented force who wove his passion for music, film, and culture into an enduring legacy. More than just a musician or filmmaker, Lasode was a visionary who sought to elevate Nigerian narratives on the global stage.
From New York to Nigerian airwaves
Lasode’s journey began in Port Harcourt in 1955, though his roots traced back to Abeokuta, Ogun State. His academic pursuits took him to the United States, where he earned degrees in Business Administration and Communication Arts. It was in New York City, working as a Promotions Coordinator for Inner City Broadcasting Corporation in the 1980s, that he began to hone his craft and shape his understanding of media.
Returning to Nigeria, Lasode brought a fresh perspective. He wasn’t content with just performing; he wanted to build. He produced the insightful African music program “Afrika in Vogue” on Radio Nigeria 2, demonstrating his commitment to promoting African sounds. In 1995, he laid the cornerstone for his ambitions, establishing Afrika ‘n Vogue/Even-Ezra Studios, a testament to his belief in indigenous production.
A PMAN Journey: From leadership to relationship
Even though I’d visited his Even-Ezra Studios a couple of times, our paths truly crossed, formally and personally, at PMAN. This began when he ran for the PMAN Presidential election, held at Airport Hotel, Ikeja. I proudly served as one of his promoters for that election, with Zaaki Azzay as my primary candidate for the 2nd Vice President position. Femi was elected President of PMAN, alongside Eddie Coach Borah as 1st Vice President. Interestingly, Zaaki Azzay was elected unopposed while still airborne from Abuja to Lagos, becoming the 2nd Vice President with me on the ground advocating for him, and Mercy Adishi serving as Treasurer.
Lasode’s tenure was ambitious, notably for his pursuit of land for a PMAN performing center. However, it also faced its share of internal political struggles, a common narrative in such organisations. It was under his leadership, in 2002, that the Nigerian Musicians’ Hall of Fame (N.M.H.F) was first launched in conjunction with a company headed by Dr. Joseph Ohens. A striking incident during his time was when his first Vice President, Coach Eddie Borah, vanished with PMAN’s only Mercedes Benz car, adding a complex layer to his leadership.
Lasode himself later reflected on his time, believing he was “too intellectually oriented to be PMAN president,” suggesting a need for a more dynamic, hands-on leadership than perhaps the association was ready for. His involvement in the 2003 PMAN election, which saw Charly Boy emerge as president, further highlighted the intricate dynamics he navigated. My final official engagement with him at PMAN occurred in 2003 when I was tasked, on behalf of PMAN, to negotiate and collect performance levies from the organisers of “COJA 2003” — the 8th All Africa Games, also known as Abuja 2003, headed by Dr. Amos Adamu.
The epic vision of “Sango”
While his contributions to music and leadership were significant, it was in the realm of film that Femi Lasode truly left an indelible mark. His magnum opus, the 1997 African epic film “Sango,” captivated audiences and critics alike. As both producer and director, Lasode meticulously crafted a cinematic masterpiece that garnered international acclaim, gracing various film festivals and showcasing the richness of Nigerian history and mythology to the world. “Sango” wasn’t just a movie; it was a cultural statement, a bold declaration of Nigeria’s storytelling prowess.
Beyond “Sango,” Lasode’s creative mind continued to churn out content. He penned the authoritative book “Television Broadcasting: The Nigerian Experience (1959–1992)” and delved into television production with sitcoms like “Paradise Park” and the musical magazine show “Afrikan Rhythms.”
A legacy beyond the limelight
Even after his PMAN presidency, Lasode’s drive for knowledge and creation never waned. He pursued a PhD at the University of Abuja, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to intellectual growth. His vision extended to future projects, including plans for a film village and more epic movies like “Queen Mother Osun,” indicating a relentless ambition to contribute to Nigeria’s creative landscape.
Though he passed away today, July 25, 2025, Femi Lasode’s work continues to resonate. He was a pioneer who saw the potential of Nigerian storytelling and worked tirelessly to bring it to fruition. His life serves as an inspiring reminder that true artistic impact often comes from those who dare to build, to create, and to challenge the status quo, leaving behind a legacy that continues to enrich the cultural heritage of a nation.
* Ehi-Choya is a musician, and member of PMAN