In a poignant moment that’s tugging at heartstrings across Nollywood, rising star Kunle Remi has penned an emotional ode to his late mentor and friend, filmmaker Kayode Peters, on what would have been the icon’s 50th birthday. The tribute, shared on Instagram Thursday, transforms grief into gratitude, vowing unwavering support for Peters’ grieving family amid the industry’s ongoing wave of losses.
Remi, 36, posted a black-and-white throwback photo of the charismatic director – beaming in his signature specs and easy smile – alongside a caption that’s equal parts sorrow and celebration: “Happy heavenly 50th birthday, King KP. Will always be grateful for the time spent together.” He didn’t stop there, extending olive branches of love and prayer to Peters’ wife, children, and loved ones, sealing it with a solemn promise: “My love and prayers are with you all. I’ll always be here for you.” The post, timestamped September 25 – Peters’ actual birthdate – has since amassed thousands of likes, shares, and teary-eyed comments, turning a personal lament into a collective catharsis.
Kayode Peters, the multifaceted force behind hits like Anikulapo and Jagun Jagun, succumbed to a prolonged illness in Toronto, Canada, earlier this year at just 49, leaving a void that’s still echoing through sets and screens. Born September 25, 1975, the Ogun State native was more than a director; he was a producer, actor, and “gentle legend” whose quiet genius elevated talents like Remi, whom he mentored during breakout projects. “KP was the glue – teaching us not just craft, but character,” Remi reflected in the note, crediting their shared “time together” for shaping his own path from rom-com heartthrob to versatile leading man.
The outpouring has been swift and soul-stirring. Industry heavyweights like Moses Babatope chimed in with, “May God honour you for honouring the memory and legacy of this gentle legend,” a nod to Remi’s grace under grief. Fans flooded the thread: “This is what family looks like in Nollywood – no capes, just real love,” one wrote, while another added, “KP’s light lives on through tributes like this. Rest well, King.” Hashtags like #Heavenly50thKP and #KayodePetersLegacy are trending on X, blending birthday balloons with mourning doves.
Remi’s gesture hits deeper in a year that’s claimed too many Nollywood greats – from Sisi Quadri to recent whispers of health battles among peers. Fresh off his viral wedding to Tiwi in early 2024 and roles in Netflix’s Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre, the actor’s vulnerability here underscores his rep as the “good guy” of Tinsel-town. “In a world of spotlights, Kunle’s showing us how to hold space for the gone,” a follower summed up.
As Peters’ family navigates this milestone without him, Remi’s words stand as a beacon: Legacy isn’t in reels, but in the ripples of relationships. “We’ll keep making magic in your name,” he hinted, teasing potential dedications in upcoming flicks. For now, on this bittersweet birthday, Nollywood pauses – to remember, to thank, and to promise: The king’s not forgotten; he’s just upstairs, directing the stars.