Veteran Nigerian filmmaker, Tunde Kelani is set to be formally conferred with the academic award, Doctor of Letters by the Lead City University, Ibadan, this December.
The multitalented ace cinematographer, director, and producer had received a letter of nomination for the honourary award (Honoris Causa) dated, 14th of September, 2022, signed by the Registrar and Secretary General of Council to the Institution, Dr. (Mrs.) Oyebola Ayeni on behalf of the Chancellor.
The prestigious award which will be presented during the University’s 15th Convocation on the 14th of December is in consideration of Alagba Tunde Kelani’s immense contribution to the arts, cultural documentation, and theatrical traditions of the Yoruba and African culture as well as in recognition of his professional accomplishments as a photographer, media personnel, journalist, filmmaker, producer and cinematographer to n mean repute.
The 74-year-old while expressing his appreciation of the conferment said, “I associated with writers and academics from the beginning of my career which gave my work a greater depth. I, therefore, appreciate the award from a reputable Institution, Lead City University. I shall continue to do my best to justify this honour and the support of my colleagues, family, friends, benefactors, and our audiences everywhere”.
The veteran whose portfolio of works has been a blessing and a vehicle of exportation not just to the rich cultural heritage and tradition of the Yoruba, but also to promoting the image of the nation, archiving the history of Nigeria, and educating the next generation.
His signature works include Tí Olúwa Nile, Ko s’egbe, O Leku, Thunderbolt, Saworoide, AgogoEewo, Narrow Path, Abeni, The Campus Queen, Maami, Arugba, Dazzling Mirage, Ayinla and Cordelia (recently completed and ready for release).
With a career spanning over five decades, his love of adaptation of literary material into movies has been evident in films like Kosegbe, O Le Ku, Thunderbolt, The Narrow Path, White Handkerchief, Maami and Cordelia.
