PRESS RELEASE
Wole Soyinka @ 90: A grand tribute at The Africa Centre
Friday, July 19 to Saturday, July 27
“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.
The Africa Centre, in partnership with Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange, Nigeria (WSICE) is thrilled to present a nine-day celebration honouring Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday
FOR nine full days, July 19-27, the attention of Nigerian community and the entire Black family will gaze on The Africa Centre on Suffolk Road, where the 90th birthday anniversary celebration of the Nobel laureate, Oluwole Akinwande Soyinka, will take centre-stage.
It is a 9-day vibrant, multidisciplinary celebration schemed by the TAC and the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange, WSICE, to honour the laureate’s immense contributions to literature, culture and human/civil rights advocacy.
The Africa Centre will be alive with exhibitions, roundtables, film screenings, live music performances and poetry recitals. Visitors and patrons 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; NINE Seasons of KONGI (Wole Soyinka) – a collection of paintings by youth members of the Vision of The Child mentored by Soyinka; and incorporating the Africa I-D-E-N-T-I-T-Y, a touring showcase based on public reading of his poems realised in nine European cities; ORI Series II (For WS), a collection of conceptual water colour drawings by UK-based artist, Abolore Shobayo. Also included is a rare presentation of Soyinka’s passion collection of Onicha Market literature.
Another highlight of the programme will be the London premiere of a new feature film inspired by Soyinka’s seminal prison memoirs, THE MAN DIED to be accompanied by a Q & A session with the director, Awam Amkpa, and producer, Femi Odugbemi, and some members of the cast and crew. Also premiering in London, is Ebrohimie Road, a documentary based on Soyinka’s former residence on the University of Ibadan campus from where he was arrested in 1967, and where he returned to after his release in 1969. It features revealing interviews with some of his children, siblings and associates. The director Kola Tubosun will also engage with the public.
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, Ola Onabule, 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 symposium 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.”
Full event details below and at The Africa Centre’s website and WSICE website
Press enquiries to [email protected] (London) or (insert email – Lagos).
Website: www.africacentre.org | Instagram: @theafricacentre | X: @TheAfricaCentre
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Notes to Editors:
About The Africa Centre:: Originally conceived to foster non-governmental relations between newly independent Africa and Britain, The Africa Centre has since evolved into a forward-thinking, inclusive, and respected cultural institution that promotes positive conversations about Africa. Our mission is to educate, connect and advocate for Africa and its diaspora. We are committed to serving as custodians of Africa’s cultural heritage in London and beyond. Empowering communities and accelerating cultural diversity and equality through collaboration, and strategic partnerships. Our programmes are relevant and impactful, addressing the needs and expectations of our diverse communities and transforming lives.
About WSICE: The WSICE is organised on the platform of the OpenDoorSeries ProjectWS, an international cultural exchange programme designed to use the platforms of Arts (literary & performing) and Culture to affirm and uphold the dignity of man. Organised and sponsored by Zmirage Multimedia Ltd (Nigeria & UK) led by Dr. Teju Kareem, and co-produced with Prof Segun Ojewuyi (immediate past Dean of College of Art & Media, Southern Illinois University, SIU, Carbondale, USA), the OpenDoorSeries continues to enjoy supports from public and corporate organisations, especially Ogun State Government.
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Event Overview:
Date: Friday, July 19th – Saturday, July 27th, 2024
Time: Various (see detailed schedule)
Location: The Africa Centre, London, UK
Day 1: Friday, July 19th
- 11:00 AM: Exhibition Opening – WS: A Life in Full
Facilitated by: Africa Centre, WSICE & Zmirage UK - 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Talk & Q&A on Exhibitions
Presenters: Oyin Ogunjobi, Abolore Shobayo, Kanyinsola Sanusi, Safurat Kareem, Akani Eucharia.
Facilitated by: Africa Centre & WSICE - 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: RoundTable Discussion: New Trends in African Theatre
Speakers: Segun Ojewuyi, Dipo Agboluaje, Tunde Awosanmi, Perpetual Mforbe, Samuel Kasule, etc
Facilitated by: WSICE & African Theatre Association (AfTA)
- 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Film Screening: Wole Soyinka: Child of the Forest
Presented by Jahman Anikulapo. - 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Kongi’s Happy Hour + Cocktails & Canapés
Featuring ED KEAZOR & the AfroFunk Collective.
(Ticketed Event)
Facilitated by: Africa Centre & WSICE
Day 2: Saturday, July 20th
- 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Exhibitions Continue
Facilitated by: Africa Centre, WSICE & Zmirage UK - 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Talk & Q&A on Exhibitions
Presenters: Oyin Ogunjobi, Abolore Shobayo, Kanyinsola Sanusi, Safurat Kareem, Akani Eucharia.
Facilitated by: Africa Centre, WSICE & Zmirage UK - 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Film Screening: Ebrohimie Road
Followed by a Q&A with Director/Producer Kola Tubosun. - 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Roundtable: ‘A Life in Full’ Exhibition
Curated by Foluke Michael for Vision of The Child (VoTC).
Facilitated by: Africa Centre, WSICE & VoTC - 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Seminar: Culture Sponsorship – A Key Corporate Social Responsibility
Speakers: WEMA Bank Representatives in conversation with Foluke Michael.
Facilitated by: WSICE & VoTC - 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Kongi’s Happy Hour + Cocktails & Canapés
Featuring JUWON OGUNGBE Live.
(Ticketed Event)
Facilitated by: Africa Centre, WSICE & Zmirage UK
Day 3: Sunday, July 21st
- 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Exhibitions Continue
Facilitated by: Africa Centre, WSICE & Zmirage UK - 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Film Screening: Kongi’s Harvest & Kongi Here & There
Presented by Lanre Ladele and Tunde Awosanmi. - 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Kongi’s Happy Hour + Cocktails & Canapés
Jazz session with BUMI THOMAS.
(Ticketed Event)
Facilitated by: Africa Centre, WSICE & Zmirage UK
Day 4: Monday, July 22nd
- 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Exhibitions Continue
Facilitated by: Africa Centre & WSICE - 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Film Screening: Soyinka: Years Unend of Activism
Facilitated by: Africa Centre & WSICE - 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Publishing Roundtable: African Creative Writing & Publishing in Global Market
Speakers: Bankole Olayebi, Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, Margaret Busby, Mike Abiola, Kabir Kareem-Bello.
Facilitated by: Africa Centre & WSICE - 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: IP Conference: Copyright & Business of Music in Digital Era
Speakers: Foza Fawehinmi, Yemi Oladapo, Gracey Mae, Elle Erinle, Damilare Odusanya, Folasade Kareem, DJ Abass, Ayo ADUKE Aladekomo, Alistar Soyode, Subomi Dare, Yibo Koko, SMADE.
Facilitated by: Africa Centre & WSICE - 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Kongi’s Happy Hour + Cocktails & Canapés
(Ticketed Event)
Facilitated by: Africa Centre, WSICE & Zmirage UK
Subsequent Days:
The remaining days (July 23rd – 27th) feature continued exhibitions, film screenings, panel discussions, roundtables, and musical performances. Notable events include:
- Youth Programme: Presentation of the UK Essay Competition (Wednesday, July 24th)
- Panel Discussion: The Future Is Now – A Decolonisation Intersection (Tuesday, July 23rd)
- Mentorship Session: WS in Conversation with Youths (Thursday, July 25th)
- London Premiere of ‘The Man Died’ (Thursday, July 25th)
- Prize Presentation and Sponsors’ Night (Saturday, July 27th)
