Kayode Tunde Peter Biography
Here is a full biography of Kayode Tunde Peters, a celebrated Nigerian actor, filmmaker, and director whose work left a lasting imprint on Nollywood and African television:
Full Name: Kayode Tunde Peters
Date of Birth: September 25, 1975
Place of Birth: Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Date of Death: June 28, 2025
Place of Death: Toronto, Canada
Age at Death: 49
Nationality: Nigerian
Ethnicity: Yoruba
Religion: Christianity
Spouse: Tayo Sobola (actress, model, and entrepreneur)
Children: Three (names not publicly disclosed)
Early Life and Education
Kayode Peters was born and raised in Ibadan, Nigeria. He studied English Language at the University of Lagos, where he joined the Theatre 15 troupe, sparking his passion for acting and stage performance. He later earned a Master’s degree in Film and Television Production from the University of Greenwich in the United Kingdom, which refined his skills in directing and storytelling.
Career Highlights
Kayode Peters began his professional journey in the popular Nigerian sitcom Papa Ajasco & Company, where his comedic timing and creative instincts gained attention. He went on to become a pioneering force in Nigerian television comedy, creating and producing several hit shows:
Flatmates / My Flatmates – A beloved sitcom that featured top comedians like Basketmouth and Okey Bakassi.
Twilight Zone – One of his earliest productions, launched shortly after university.
Excuse My African – His first international film project, shot in New York City in 2018.
Crazy Grannies and 13 Letters – Films that gained popularity on streaming platforms like Netflix.
Survivors, Extended Family, and Being Farouk – Stage and screen projects that showcased his range as a director and producer.
He was widely respected for mentoring young talent, helping launch the careers of many Nigerian actors and comedians.
Personal Life
Kayode was married to Tayo Sobola, a well-known Nigerian actress and fashion entrepreneur. Though their relationship was kept largely private, they were admired for their mutual support and shared creative interests. The couple had three children and celebrated their wedding anniversary just days before his passing.
Death and Legacy
Kayode Peters passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, after a prolonged illness. His death was met with an outpouring of grief from across the Nigerian entertainment industry. He is remembered as a visionary storyteller, a generous mentor, and a trailblazer in African television comedy.
Kayode Peter Achievements
Kayode Peters was a pioneering Nigerian filmmaker, director, actor, and producer whose achievements helped shape modern Nigerian television comedy and cinema. His career spanned over two decades and left a lasting legacy in Nollywood. Here is a detailed account of his accomplishments.
Television and Sitcoms
Papa Ajasco & Company: Peters began his career directing this iconic Nigerian comedy series, which became a household staple and introduced him to a national audience.
Flatmates / My Flatmates: He created and produced this hit sitcom featuring top comedians like Basketmouth and Okey Bakassi. It became one of Nigeria’s most beloved comedy shows.
Twilight Zone: His first television series, produced shortly after university, marked his entry into professional storytelling.
Crossworld Blues: The first comedy series aired on DBN TV, which helped establish his reputation as a creative force in Nigerian TV.
Film and Streaming Projects
13 Letters (2021): A romantic drama that premiered on Netflix, starring Kunle Remi, Bimbo Ademoye, and Teddy A. It was praised for its fresh narrative and emotional depth.
Excuse My African (2018): His first international project, filmed in New York City, exploring African identity and diaspora experiences.
Crazy Grannies, Meet My Girlfriends, Sisi Eko, and Survivors: These films showcased his versatility in comedy and drama, with several gaining traction on streaming platforms.
Stage and Theatre
Extended Family and Being Farouk: Acclaimed stage productions that blended humor with social commentary.
Dream Job and The Real Us: Other notable stage works that highlighted everyday Nigerian life and values.
Mentorship and Industry Impact
Known for mentoring young actors and filmmakers, many of whom got their first break through his productions.
Played a foundational role in modern Nigerian comedy, helping to bridge traditional sitcom formats with contemporary digital storytelling.
His work often reflected Nigerian culture, humor, and social issues, making his stories both entertaining and meaningful.
Legacy
Widely regarded as a trailblazer in Nollywood, especially in the comedy genre.
Celebrated for his generosity, warmth, and collaborative spirit, which endeared him to colleagues and fans alike.
His death in June 2025 was met with an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment industry, recognizing his immense contributions to African storytelling.
