Wole Soyinka, a Nigerian playwright, novelist, and poet, is a distinguished literary figure recognized globally for his profound contributions to the world of literature. Born on July 13, 1934, in Abeokuta, Nigeria, Soyinka has been an indomitable force in the literary landscape, transcending boundaries and redefining literature through his unique narrative style and potent themes.
Soyinka’s works are a vivid reflection of his Nigerian heritage and his profound understanding of the country’s socio-political milieu. His writing serves as a potent vehicle to articulate the deep-seated issues permeating Nigerian society and the broader African continent. As a playwright, Soyinka’s works such as A Dance of the Forests, The Man Died: Prison Notes, and Death and the King’s Horseman are emblematic of his ability to weave complex narratives that delve deep into the human psyche and societal constructs.
As a novelist, his books like Season of Anomy and The Interpreters reflect a poignant critique of post-independence African societies grappling with corruption, moral decay, and socio-political upheavals. His prowess as a poet is equally commendable, with collections such as Idanre and Other Poems and Mandela’s Earth and Other Poems exhibiting his remarkable ability to encapsulate profound emotions and observations in beautiful verses.
Soyinka’s significant contributions to literature were globally recognized in 1986 when he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first sub-Saharan African laureate to receive this honor. His life and works have been instrumental in shaping global perspectives about African literature, making him a pivotal figure in world literature. Despite facing political persecution and exile due to his outspokenness against various Nigerian regimes, Soyinka remained undeterred. His resilience is reflected in his prolific literary output that continues to inspire generations of writers and readers alike.
Wole Soyinka is not just a celebrated literary figure but also a symbol of resistance, resilience, and intellectual prowess. His life and works stand testament to his unyielding spirit and commitment to using literature as a tool for socio-political change.
Night
Your hand is heavy, Night, upon my brow.
I bear no heart mercuric like the clouds,
to dare.
Exacerbation from your subtle plough.
Woman as a clam, on the sea’s cresent.
I saw your jealous eye quench the sea’s
Flouorescence, dance on the pulse incessant
Of the waves. And I stood, drained
Submitting like the sands, blood and brine
Coursing to the roots. Night, you rained
Serrated shadows through dank leaves
Till, bathed in warm suffusion of your dappled cells
Sensations pained me, faceless, silent as night thieves.
Hide me now, when night children haunt the earth
I must hear none! These misted cells will yet
Undo me; naked, unbidden, at Night’s muted birth.
-Wole Soyinka
Curated by Jennifer
