Professor Wole Soyinka, the first African Nobel laureate in Literature (1986) takes centre stage at The Africa Centre, London in a vibrant nine-day programme honouring his immense contributions to literature, culture and human/civil rights advocacy.
From Friday, July 19 to Saturday, July 27 The Africa Centre will come alive with exhibitions, roundtables, film screenings, live music performances and poetry recitals. Visitors will be able to explore Soyinka’s literary journey with ‘WS: A Life in Full’ — a comprehensive display of his published works and photographs from his personal archive; NINE Seasons of KONGI (Wole Soyinka) – a collection of paintings by youth members of the Vision of The Child mentored by Soyinka; and incorporating the Africa I-D-E-N-T-I-T-Y, a touring showcase based on public reading of his poems realised in nine European cities; ORI Series II (For WS), a collection of conceptual water colour drawings by UK-based artist, Abolore Shobayo. Also included is a rare presentation of Soyinka’s passion collection of Onicha Market literature.
Another highlight of the programme will be the London premiere of a new feature film inspired by Soyinka’s seminal prison memoirs, The Man Died to be accompanied by a question and answer session with the director, Awam Amkpa, and producer, Femi Odugbemi, and some members of the cast and crew.
Also premiering in London, is Ebrohimie Road, a documentary based on Soyinka’s former residence on the University of Ibadan campus from where he was arrested in 1967, and where he returned to after his release in 1969. It features revealing interviews with some of his children, siblings and associates. The director Kola Tubosun will also engage with the public.
Other activities will include 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, Ola Onabule, Aduke, Kayefi, MeOlogo, Jazz session with Bumi Thomas, and music party with DJ Abass etc; poetry recitals and wine-tasting. There will also be talks, seminars and workshops on Navigating the New Publishing Industry, The impact of AI on Culture & Identity, Culture Sponsorship & Corporate Social Responsibility, and, a symposium on The Future Is Now – A Decolonisation Intersection by partner institution Bournemouth University, while 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 ( OBE), 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.
CEO of The Africa Centre, Olu Alake, said, “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 his 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.”
Also speaking, Dr Teju Kareem, Executive Producer of Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange, added, “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 E.N.I.O.G.U.N as both a personal and a universal pursuit.”
Originally conceived to foster non-governmental relations between newly independent Africa and Britain, The Africa Centre has since evolved into a forward-thinking, inclusive, and respected cultural institution that promotes positive conversations about Africa. Our mission is to educate, connect and advocate for Africa and its diaspora. We are committed to serving as custodians of Africa’s cultural heritage in London and beyond. Empowering communities and accelerating cultural diversity and equality through collaboration, and strategic partnerships. Our programmes are relevant and impactful, addressing the needs and expectations of our diverse communities and transforming lives.”
Meanwhile, as part of activities celebrating the Nobel laureate, Adubiifa Network Company (ANC) – a multi-media literary, theatre, and movie company- is set to exhilarate Nigeria’s drama and theatre space with the public presentation of the play, The Noble Warrior – Eni Ogun.
The play is directed by Oriade Segun Adefila, while Cash Onadele, also known as AIYE-KO-OOTO, is producer and Toye Arulogun, Executive Producer.
A collaboration between Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) and Adubiifa Network Company, the stage play is billed for a premiere on July 15, 2024 at 6:00pm in Abeokuta at the Hubert Ogunde Hall of the June 12 Cultural Centre. There will be four shows in Lagos at the MUSON Centre on July 20 and 21 with two shows daily at 3:00pm and 6:00pm.
With a carefully selected cast and technical crew, this celebrative cultural heritage play showcases the protagonist brand persona likened to Wole Soyinka and highlighting similar personality traits as a fighter and the humane warrior in his 90-year sojourn on earth.
The story is that of Oluwole – a princely noble warrior who desires a private life hunting, teaching, and romancing his intended, Olasope. Little did he know that Olasope’s fervent wish would be the subject of a bet between the wizard and the witch of the land. Oluwole’s new goal is to rid his homeland of the British. This followed (his adversary) Gbadamosi’s prompt for Major Scott to deflower Olasope, his intended.
The spine of the drama: Only one arrow, the conscience, doubtful or delicate, pierces the crossroad of corruption, colonialism, and the crown.The production of this commemorative tribute to Wole Soyinka is expected to tour selected cities across Nigeria after these initial shows in Abeokuta and Lagos.
