Though the eminent scholar, dramatist, poet and humanist would have preferred a quiet celebration, his associates have decided otherwise.
YOU don’t clock 90 and expect the occasion to go quietly, especially if you are Africa’s first Nobel Laureate, a humanist, role model, thorn in the flesh of dictators and beacon of hope to humanity. To quote the late American congressman John Lewis, you can’t love getting “into good trouble, necessary trouble” to redeem Nigeria’s soul and not be celebrated loudly.
As we approach his 90th birthday on Saturday, July 13, friends, associates, and mentees of Professor Wole Soyinka have initiated a global celebration in honour of the iconic writer. This is a testament to the profound impact of his work, which has resonated across continents and cultures, and a recognition of the inimitable poet, playwright, essayist, and satirist who deserves all the activities for his milestones and more.
Kongi, as he is fondly called, has packed so much into his 90 years on earth. The facets of this well-lived life will be highlighted in celebrations across Africa, Europe, and the United States throughout this month.
On Tuesday, July 9, in Rabat, Morocco, that country’s Academy and the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) are jointly organising a session tagged ‘A Celebration of Wole Soyinka @ 90’ featuring a symposium, poetry readings and gala night.
Two days later, The Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL’s) international symposium themed ‘Eni Ogun: An Enduring Legacy’ will occur by 10 am at the J F Ade Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos.
The symposium, in collaboration with the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE), will feature Professors Niyi Osundare, Tunde Adeniran, Olu Obafemi, Bereket Selassie, Ahmed Yerima, Mabel Evwierhoma, Florence Orabueze, Tanimu Abubakar, Razinat Mohammed and Yemi Osinbajo as speakers.
A statement from NAL explained that the event honours Soyinka, a distinguished Foundation Fellow of the Academy, “celebrated for his powerful words, extensive literary works, and consistent advocacy for justice, good governance, and the dignity of Nigerians and black people globally.”
Later that evening, Kola Tubosun’s documentary film, ‘Ebrohimie Road: A Museum of Memory’, shot by Tunde Kelani, will premiere. The documentary significantly contributes to the celebrations. It centres on the University of Ibadan campus building where Professor Soyinka lived as a teacher. He was arrested there in 1967 on ‘espionage’ charges for daring to cross to the Biafra Republic to dissuade the late Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, leader of the secessionist group, from going to war with the government of Nigeria.
On July 15, ‘The Noble Warrior- Eni Ogun’ a stage play by multi-media literary, theatre, and movie company Adubiifa Network Company, will premiere at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta.
Written by Aiye-ko-ooto, directed by Segun Adefila and produced by Cash Onadele, the production is also a collaboration between WSICE and Adubiifa Network Company. After its premiere, it will be staged at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, on July 20 and 21, with two daily shows.
“With a carefully selected cast and technical crew, this celebrative cultural heritage play showcases the protagonist brand persona likened to Wole Soyinka and highlights similar personality traits as a fighter and the humane warrior in his 90-year sojourn on earth,” Executive Producer Toye Arulogun explained.
The 15th edition of the annual Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange themed ‘Engaging National Interest in Good Governance, Understanding, and Nation-Building’ will be held in two parts. The first, a mix of virtual and physical activities, is from July 13 to 16 in Nigeria, while the second, from July 19 to 27, is at The Africa Centre, London, United Kingdom.
The organisers explained that the theme ‘ENIOGUN’ is a summation of Soyinka’s over seven decades of commitment and struggles as a nationalist, patriot, and humanist, as evident in his creative works and consistent public engagement.
ENIOGUN embodies his life-long commitment to the cause of nation-building through his relentless fight for the national interest that would ensure good governance for the wellbeing of the general citizenry
From July 19, The Africa Centre will host exhibitions, roundtables, film screenings, live music performances and poetry recitals. Visitors can explore Soyinka’s literary journey with ‘WS: A Life in Full’ — a comprehensive display of his published works and photographs from his archive. This exhibition also features a rare presentation of Soyinka’s collection of Onicha Market literature.
There will also be daily screenings of films and documentaries related to or inspired by Soyinka’s life and work, and Kongi’s Nights, a series of evening entertainment including live music performances by Ed Keazor & the AfroFunk Collective, Juwon Ogungbe, Lekan Babalola, Aduke, Kayefi, MeOlogo, Jazz session with Bumi Thomas and music party with DJ Abass. Activities will also include talks, seminars and workshops on ‘Navigating the New Publishing Industry’, ‘The impact of AI on Culture & Identity’, ‘Culture Sponsorship & Corporate Social Responsibility’, and a seminar on “The Future Is Now – A Decolonisation Intersection”, by partner institution Bournemouth University. Utopia Theatre will host a virtual unveiling of Soyinka’s portrait at the University of Sheffield.
Also on the bill is ‘Ijo-mode’, a dance workshop for youths with Peter Badejo, O.B.E., as well as presentation of prizes to winners of the essay competition on the theme, “AI & New Media: Reimagining Culture, Identity & Humanity” organised in partnership with TURAKA Art Centre, Chatham.
Commenting, Dr Teju Kareem, Executive Producer of Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange, said, “Prof. Soyinka has consistently pursued the betterment of society through his support for freedom and the common good of all irrespective of age, class, gender, religious or political persuasions — making his work a global service to humanity. His career spanning academia, literature, and activism exemplifies a profound commitment to creating a just and equitable world, thus encapsulating the essence of ENIOGUN as both a personal and a universal pursuit.”
Olu Alake, CEO of The Africa Centre, added, “This year holds dual cause for celebration: The Africa Centre’s 60th anniversary and the 90th birthday of a global literary giant, Wole Soyinka. We are incredibly honoured to partner with WSICE in celebrating Professor Soyinka’s remarkable life and long-standing association with the Centre, dating back to 1969. He is not just a literary icon but an integral part of our history. We are thrilled to host this momentous occasion and share Professor Soyinka’s story with all generations of literature lovers.”
On July 12, Professor Awam Amkpa directed, and Femi Odugbemi produced ‘The Man Died’ from Soyinka’s prison notes, will be screened specially at the NAL conference in Lagos before later showing on July 25 in London.
“This is not the premiere yet but a special screening to commemorate the 90th birthday of Professor Wole Soyinka,” stated the organisers, stressing that guests would only be admitted based on their invitation and RSVP. Shot entirely in Lagos and Ibadan in late 2023, the 110-minute feature parades the cream of Nigerian actors.
They include Wale Ojo as Soyinka, Sam Dede as the main antagonist, and Yisa, Soyinka’s interrogator and torturer. Hollywood rising actor Abraham Amkpa played Soyinka’s bosom friend, Femi Johnson. Others are Nobert Young (Prison Superintendent), Francis Onwochei (Prison Controller), Edmund Enaibe (AIG), Christina Oshunniyi (Laide Soyinka), Similoluwa Hassan (Emeka Ojukwu), Segilola Ogidan (Morenike), Dili Ezugha (Agu Norris), Ropo Ewenla (Olusegun Obasanjo), Henry Diabuah (Yakubu Gowon), Temilolu Fosudo (Bola Ige) and William Idakwo (Victor Banjo).
Commenting further on the movie, Amkpa, a trained theatre artist, filmmaker and culture scholar, said, it is “not a biopic of the prison life of Soyinka, but an expanded narrative on his prison experiences, and includes stories that you would find in his subsequent memoirs on his life stories.”
Amkpa, a former student and long-standing associate of Soyinka, said stories from Soyinka’s subsequent memoirs, ‘Ibadan Penkelemes Years’ and ‘You Must Set Forth at Dawn’, are also accommodated in the film. After the Lagos premiere and the London screening, ‘The Man Died’ will be shown in Nigeria, the UK, the USA, Europe, UAE, and other countries.
Though Professor Soyinka, as he is wont, would have preferred a quiet celebration, his associates and mentees have taken the decision out of his hands. Given his sterling accomplishments over the years and relentless focus on justice, fairness and equity even in his old age, Eniogun deserves all the accolades.