The Africa Centre, in partnership with Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange, Nigeria (WSICE) have announced a nine-day celebration honouring Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday.
According to statement by the centre, Professor Wole Soyinka, the first African Nobel laureate in Literature (1986) takes centre stage at The Africa Centre, London in a vibrant 9-day programme honouring his immense contributions to literature, culture and human/civil rights advocacy.
From Friday, July 19th to Saturday, July 27th 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.
This exhibition also features a rare presentation of Soyinka’s collection of Onicha Market literature. Another highlight of the programme will be the London premiere of a new feature film based on Soyinka’s seminal prison memoirs; THE MAN DIED.
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, 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 seminar 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.
Olu Alake, CEO of The Africa Centre – “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.
Dr Teju Kareem, Executive Producer of Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange – “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.”
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Wole Soyinka @ 90: Tribute planned for literature Nobel Laureate
