Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has paid tribute to Shanty Town director Dimeji Ajibola who died recently.
Kunle shared a photo of Dimeji on his Instagram page on Wednesday, honouring his legacy in a brief but heartwarming message.
“Hi Dimeji, I doubt that we ever met but your brilliant works and contributions to the art and creative space will never be forgotten. Rest well, soldier,” he wrote.
Kunle joins a growing list of industry colleagues mourning.
Among those who have shared tributes are producer Chinenye Nworah, actors Jim Iyke, Bolanle Ninalowo, Mercy Eke and Stephanie Linus.
Samuel Olatunji, a close friend of Dimeji, broke the news of his death on Sunday.
“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,” Samuel wrote on Instagram.
Dimeji died after battling an undisclosed illness.
Celebrated as a visionary in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, he was known for seamlessly blending traditional storytelling with digital artistry.
His expertise spanned film, animation, visual effects, virtual worlds and interactive media, setting him apart as a pioneering figure in contemporary African cinema.
In 2012, he directed Hoodrush Nigeria’s first urban musical film.
The project was widely celebrated for its narrative depth and musical integration, earning accolades like Best Movie at Germany’s Green Me Film Festival, as well as Best Actor and Soundtrack at the Nollywood Movies Awards and Best Supporting Actor at the AMAA Awards.
