Wole Soyinka, born Akinwande Oluwole Soyinka on July 13, 1934, in Abeokuta, Nigeria, is a celebrated playwright, poet, and political activist. He made history as the first African laureate to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, recognized for his profound contributions to literature and his unwavering commitment to human rights. Soyinka’s literary career spans several genres, including drama, poetry, and essays, with notable works such as Death and the King’s Horseman and A Dance of the Forests.
In addition to his plays and poetry, Soyinka has authored two novels: The Interpreters (1965) and Season of Anomy (1973). His most recent work, Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth (2021), is a political satire that critiques corruption in an imaginary Nigeria through the story of a surgeon uncovering a black-market scheme involving human body parts. This novel marks his return to fiction after nearly five decades.
Soyinka is also known for his memoir You Must Set Forth at Dawn (2006), which reflects on his life experiences, political activism, and the impact of Nigerian history on his personal journey. A prominent voice against oppression and injustice, he continues to inspire readers and activists worldwide with his powerful writings and advocacy for democracy.
