Biography
Yemi Oyediran is a Nigerian American filmmaker and music producer whose work centers on American music history, cultural legacy, and interdisciplinary storytelling. Born in the United States and raised in part in Nigeria, he developed an early connection to music and performance, shaped by both West African and American traditions. Oyediran began his career as a musician and producer before expanding into documentary filmmaking. His work reflects a long-standing interest in the social, historical, and artistic forces that shape popular music. He is best known as the director of King of Them All: The Story of King Records (PBS), a feature-length documentary examining the rise and influence of one of the most important independent record labels in American history. The film explores the label's role in the development of soul, funk, jazz, hip-hop, and country music, and features voices from artists, historians, and industry leaders. The documentary earned Oyediran an NAACP Image Award nomination in 2026. Through his production company, Afrochine, Oyediran develops music-driven documentary and media projects that combine archival research, original interviews, and contemporary storytelling. His work is characterized by an emphasis on historical accuracy, community engagement, and long-form narrative development. In addition to his film and production work, Oyediran is an educator and computational researcher. He has taught at the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University, where he has led courses in technology, data science, and applied computing. His technical background includes work in artificial intelligence and applied machine learning, which informs his research-driven approach to filmmaking and media production. Oyediran remains active as a music producer and bandleader, leading his own jazz ensemble and operating Afrochine Studios in Cincinnati. His ongoing work spans documentary film, music production, and interdisciplinary research, with a focus on preserving and reexamining the cultural foundations of American music.
