Netflix dedicates Blood Vessel to late Sylvester ‘Tekena’ Ekanem

Moses Inwang’s Blood Vessel has been dedicated to actor and TikToker Sylvester Ekanem, who acted in the film before passing away on July 11.

Sylvester, who is also known as Effyze on TikTok, plays the character Tekena in the Netflix hit. The cause of his death was not made known to the public.

The movie was released on Netflix on December 8.

Netflix Naija shared the actor’s photos on Instagram with the caption: “In our hearts forever. Sylvester ‘Tekena’ Ekanem. Sail on brother.”

The actor’s name was also mentioned towards the end credit of the film as Netflix dedicated the movie “In His Loving Memory.”

Directed by Moses, Blood Vessel tells the story of six individuals brought together by chance, escaping a town devastated by oil pollution, who inadvertently become stowaways on a mysterious ship, unaware of the dangers that await. What was meant to be a shot at a better life becomes a fight for survival, testing friendship, betrayal, love, vulnerability, time, and chance.

The film features an ensemble cast including Sylvester, Adaobi Dibor, David Ezekiel, Jidekene Achufusi, Levi Chikere, Obinna Okenwa, Alex Cyr Budin, and René Mena. It is set in Southern Nigeria, where characters Abbey, Boma, Degbe, Olotu, Tekena, and Oyinbraekemi desert their small island village in the Niger Delta region for different reasons.

Ironically, Sylvester’s character Tekena also dies toward the end part of the film as he is faced with a difficult choice that eventually leads to his demise.

Before his death, Sylvester announced he would be starring in a new film titled Coming of Age alongside Uche Chika Elumelu, Preach Bassey, Oreva Uzero and others.

He was well known for his TikTok rendition of popular songs.

He celebrated his 22nd birthday on March 4.