Nobel Laureate 1986 Wole Soyinka

Nobel Laureate 1986 Wole Soyinka

Nigerian playwright, novelist, poet, and essayist Wole Soyinka won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. Known for his political activism, he was imprisoned during the Nigerian Civil War and later fled the country under General Sani Abacha's regime. Soyinka has taught globally and received the Europe Theatre Prize in 2017. 

Short Biography 

Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka, commonly known as Wole Soyinka, was born on July 13, 1934, in Abeokuta, Nigeria. 

He grew up in a Yoruba Anglican family and attended prestigious schools. In 1952, he enrolled at the University College Ibadan (now the University of Ibadan), where he studied English literature, Greek, and Western history. 

In 1954, he moved to England to continue his studies at the University of Leeds, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature in 1957. 

After graduating, he worked with the Royal Court Theatre in London as a play reader and later as a scriptwriter. 

He returned to Nigeria in 1960, the year of the country's independence, with a vision to contribute to its cultural and intellectual development. 

He founded the theatre group, "The 1960 Masks," and later, "Orisun Theatre Company," which produced his early plays. 

Throughout the 1960s, he produced a series of plays, including: "The Swamp Dwellers" (1958), "The Lion and the Jewel" (1959), "The Trials of Brother Jero" (1960), "A Dance of the Forests" (1960) etc. 

During the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), he was arrested by the government of General Yakubu Gowon for attempting to broker peace between the warring factions. 

He spent 22 months in solitary confinement, an experience that profoundly affected him and inspired his book "The Man Died: Prison Notes" (1972). 

His literary prowess and commitment to social justice earned him international acclaim. In 1986, he became the first African laureate to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. 

In 1988, he published "Mandela's Earth, and Other Poems," and became a professor at Cornell University. 

His later works include: "Aké: The Years of Childhood" (1981), "Isara: A Voyage Around Essay" (1989), "Ibadan: The Penkelemes Years" (1994) etc. 

His notable works include "King Baabu" (2001), a satire on African dictatorship, and his memoir "You Must Set Forth at Dawn" (2006). 

He called for the cancellation of fraudulent Nigerian presidential elections in 2007 and criticized religious extremism in Britain in 2009. 

In 2014, he received the International Humanist Award. In 2021, he published "Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth," his first novel in nearly 50 years. 

In 2022, a film adaptation of his play "Death and the King's Horseman," titled "Elesin Oba, The King's Horseman," premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. 

Wole Soyinka has been married three times and his first marriage was to Barbara Dixon in 1958. In 1963, he married Olaide Idowu, and his current wife is Folake Doherty, whom he married in 1989. 

In 2014, Soyinka revealed his battle with prostate cancer. Throughout his career, he has held numerous academic positions worldwide and received the Europe Theatre Prize in 2017 for promoting cultural understanding. 

His Best Two Works 

His two standout pieces often cited as his best are "Death and the King's Horseman" and "Ake: The Years of Childhood." 

Death and the King's Horseman 

"Death and the King's Horseman" is a powerful play that delves into themes of cultural clash, duty, and the consequences of colonialism. 

Set in Nigeria during British colonial rule, the play follows the story of Elesin, the king's horseman, who is expected to commit ritual suicide to accompany his deceased king to the afterlife. 

However, British colonial authorities intervene, leading to a tragic clash of cultures. 

Soyinka masterfully weaves together traditional Yoruba beliefs with Western influences, creating a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of cultural identity and the clash between tradition and modernity. 

Ake: The Years of Childhood 

On the other hand, "Ake: The Years of Childhood" is a poignant memoir that offers a vivid portrayal of Soyinka's early years growing up in Nigeria. 

Set against the backdrop of colonial Nigeria, the book provides a rich tapestry of Soyinka's childhood experiences, family dynamics, and the socio-political landscape of the time. 

Through vivid storytelling and evocative prose, Soyinka paints a vivid picture of life in pre-independence Nigeria, capturing the innocence, wonder, and challenges of his youth. 

"Ake" not only offers a deeply personal insight into Soyinka's life but also serves as a valuable historical and cultural document, shedding light on Nigeria's past and the forces that shaped Soyinka's worldview. 

Both "Death and the King's Horseman" and "Ake: The Years of Childhood" exemplify Soyinka's skill as a storyteller and his ability to grapple with complex themes with nuance and depth. 

His Contributions 

In literature, Soyinka's writing spans various genres, including plays, novels, poetry, essays, and memoirs. His works often explore themes such as identity, power, colonialism, and the clash between tradition and modernity. 

His writing style is characterized by its richness, complexity, and deep engagement with both African and Western literary traditions. 

His plays combine elements of Yoruba mythology and Western dramatic techniques, creating compelling narratives that challenge conventional norms and provoke critical reflection. 

Throughout his life, he has used his platform to speak out against oppression, corruption, and human rights abuses. 

In addition to his literary and activist pursuits, Soyinka has also played a significant role in mentoring the next generation of African writers and intellectuals. 

Criticisms 

Some have accused him of being overly political, arguing that his activism overshadows his literary merit. 

Others have questioned his confrontational approach, particularly regarding his public clashes with political figures, which they argue may undermine his credibility as a neutral commentator. 

Additionally, there have been debates about his portrayal of certain cultural and historical elements in his works, with some critics suggesting that he oversimplifies complex issues. 

Conclusion 

Wole Soyinka's multifaceted contributions as a literary icon, political activist, and cultural commentator have sparked both admiration and criticism. His legacy remains a subject of ongoing debate, underscoring the enduring relevance of his work in contemporary discourse. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Was Wole Soyinka the first African Nobel Laureate in Literature? 

Yes, Wole Soyinka became the first African Nobel Laureate in Literature in 1986. He was recognized for his literary achievements and contributions to world literature. 

What criticisms has Wole Soyinka faced regarding his Nobel Prize? 

Some critics have questioned the choice of Soyinka for the Nobel Prize, arguing that his works do not always align with conventional literary styles and themes. Additionally, there have been debates about whether his political activism overshadowed his literary merit.