American filmmaker Lloyd Weaver and director of the popular Nigerian TV series I Need to Know is dead. His death was announced by Aderemi Ogunpitan in a Facebook post on Monday.
“Olalekan Babalola just sent the information that Baba Lloyd Weaver has passed on to return his ancestors. The news was a sad one. I learnt so much from this creative loving and gentle soul who gave so much to the Nigerian creative Industry. He arrived in Nigeria as part of the Jakaranda American team to train producers at NTA.
“Thereafter, himself, Tony Cunningham and Earnest Dunkley formed an independent TV and Film production company CDW who went on to produce some of the most iconic Nigerian TV commercials for some of Nigerias top advertising agencies in the 80′ and 90’s. They later formed Swift Studios, where I was the Executive Producer, working with other Nigerians such as Patrick Afun , Pat Nebo, Olumide Ofere and many others. I learnt so much from him and he remained a mentor until his death.
“Lloyd loved Nigeria and its people. He emersed himself in our culture and his African roots, and was unashamedly proud of his Africaness and blackness. He was a great educator and shared all his knowledge with everyone he came into contact with. He has left behind a great legacy and example for many of us who knew him. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Papi! You were a giant and will ever remain so,” the post read in parts.
In 1982, Llyod travelled to Nigeria to train the staff at Nigeria’s television network.
In 1987, he founded Swift studios and produced, directed and wrote several TV commercials, documentaries and films. He directed I Need to Know which features Funke Akindele, Carol King, Yemi Solade, late Enebeli Elebuwa and others.
In October 2015, the filmmaker relocated to New York.