Introduction: A Final Farewell in the Diaspora
Nollywood mourns the passing of a creative stalwart: Kayode
Peters Adewumi, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Flatmates and My Flatmates, was
laid to rest in Milton, Ontario, Canada, on August 2, 2025. The heartfelt
funeral—captured in a deeply emotional video that recently went viral—marks the
end of a life defined by laughter, storytelling, and cross-continental
artistry.
The Man Behind the Camera
Born on September 25, 1975, in Ibadan, Peters launched his
career from Theatre 15 at the University of Lagos, later earning a master’s in
film and TV production from the University of Greenwich, UK. Imbued with both
stage and screen sensibilities, Peters brought Nigerian comedy to the
world—from Papa Ajasco to thought-provoking short films that won awards across
Europe and Canada. His works like Bring ’em Back (acclaimed at TIFF Toronto)
embody his global vision and storytelling integrity.
A Multi-City Memorial Reflects Global Reach
Honoring his dual life in Nigeria and abroad, the final
rites spanned three continents:
- Tribute Night in Lagos on July 22, bringing colleagues and Nollywood peers
together.
- A memorial service in London on July 29 for diaspora friends and film
collaborators.
- Funeral and burial in Milton, Canada, on August 2, attended by family, close
associates, and fellow immigrants.
Each event reflected the cross-border influence Peters had
cultivated—underlining his legacy as both local hero and global storyteller.
Grief Resonates—A Viral Funeral Video
A video circulating on social media captured mourners
singing “It Is Well” as Peters’s casket was lowered into the ground at
Evergreen Cemetery. The clip, raw with grief and solidarity, stirred widespread
emotion and tributes from the Nollywood community and diaspora supporters
alike.
Cultural Loss and Diasporic Identity
- Nigeria lost not just a filmmaker, but a bridge between
its entertainment industry and the global stage.
- Peters’s passing in Canada—a country he called home later in life—underscores
the complex identities shaped by migration and artistic evolution.
- His storytelling embodied diasporic reality, blending local narratives with
universal compassion.
His Story Isn’t Over
Though gone, Kayode Peters leaves behind a powerful
legacy—one that continues in every web series, stage play, and short film he
inspired. Nollywood’s comedy landscape—and storytellers across Nigeria—bear the
imprint of his dedication and innovation.
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