Wole Soyinka Biography
(Author, Poet, Playwright)
Birthday: July 13, 1934 (Cancer)
Born In: Abeokuta
One of Africa’s greatest writers, Wole Soyinka is the first African to be awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature. He is regarded as one of the finest poetical playwrights and has been imprisoned countless times for his outspoken views on the Nigerian government. He has been a controversial figure in Nigerian politics and has spent long periods of his life in exile. Soyinka has criticized several Nigerian military dictators, particularly late General Sanni Abacha, and has also condemned the tyrannical regime of Mugabe in Zimbabwe. His plays deal with a variety of themes, ranging from comedy to tragedy and from political satire to power struggles of the indigenous people. He played an active role in Nigeria’s political history and its struggle with British colonization. He is also recognised as one of the masters of dramatics and theatre, who presented crucial political issues through this literary works. Some of his most influential works include, ‘A dance of the Forests’, ‘Aké: The Years of Childhood’, ‘The Lion and the Jewel’ and ‘The Interpreters’. His recent book, ‘Of Africa’, is a path breaking revelation of Africa’s history, culture and heritage.