Wole Soyinka reflects on life, activism, legacy at 90

In a recent CNN interview, Wole Soyinka reflects on his 90 years of life, his political activism, and his literary legacy.

In the latest episode of African Voices Changemakers, CNN’s Larry Madowo interviews the renowned Nigerian playwright and Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday.

During the discussion, Soyinka reflects on his childhood, political activism, and the evolution of his expansive body of work.

Soyinka reminisces about his early life, explaining how he became politically aware by eavesdropping on his father’s conversations with colleagues. “Listening was my method of becoming politically alert,” he reveals. His involvement in activism grew as he began “passing messages” during the tumultuous Abeokuta riots, where he witnessed the struggles faced by women in their fight against oppressive taxation and violence.

His mother’s active participation in these protests profoundly influenced his life and work. Soyinka states, “Being actually within the environment, that struggle of militancy against an unacceptable situation… reflected in my writing.” He contrasts his childhood’s contemplative leisure with today’s fast-paced life, expressing concern that younger generations may lack the time to dream amid modern complexities.

Soyinka’s outspoken political actions have often placed him at odds with the Nigerian government. He recalls a pivotal moment when he broke into a radio station to halt the broadcast of manipulated election results, reflecting his commitment to integrity in the electoral process.

Despite being acquitted of that charge, he endured 27 months in prison, including 22 months in solitary confinement, a harrowing experience that he transformed into creative output, writing his memoir The Man Died using makeshift tools.

His literary achievements culminated in receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, marking him as the first African laureate. Reflecting on this experience, Soyinka notes the burdens and expectations placed upon him as an African writer, and he acknowledges the dangers that came with this recognition, particularly under dictatorial regimes.

To honor his legacy, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu recently renamed the national theatre after him, and his hometown of Abeokuta celebrated him through ‘The Whole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange’ project. Soyinka remains committed to nurturing young talent, stating his dedication to promoting the works of emerging writers.

Looking towards the future with a mix of dark humor and optimism, Soyinka muses on the inevitability of aging while expressing a desire to travel and enjoy life. “I can resume certain activities that will give me pleasure,” he remarks, emphasizing his zest for exploration even as he reflects on his remarkable life journey.