Wole Soyinka
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Who Is Wole Soyinka?
Wole Soyinka was born in Nigeria and educated in England. In , the playwright and political activist became the first African to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature. He dedicated his Nobel acceptance speech to Nelson Mandela. Soyinka has published hundreds of works, including drama, novels, essays and poetry, and colleges all over the world seek him out as a visiting professor.
Early Life
Wole Soyinka was born Akinwande Oluwole "Wole" Babatunde Soyinka on July 13, , in Abeokuta, near Ibadan in western Nigeria. His father, Samuel Ayodele Soyinka, was a prominent Anglican minister and headmaster. His mother, Grace Eniola Soyinka, who was called "Wild Christian," was a shopkeeper and local activist. As a child, he lived in an Anglican mission compound, learning the Christian teachings of his parents, as well as the Yoruba spiritualism and tribal customs of his grandfather. A precocious and inquisitive child, Wole prompted the adults in his life to warn one another: “He will kill you with his questions.”
After finishing preparatory university studies in at Government College in Ibadan, Soyinka moved to England an
Who Is Professor Wole Soyinka? Biography and Net Worth of the Nigerian Playwright
Wole Soyinka, also known as Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka, is a famous Nigerian playwright, poet, novelist, activist, and essayist. He received the award for the Nobel Prize in Literature in and was the first sub-Saharan African to receive such honour.
He is successful in what he does and while most writers struggle to make a comfortable living from their work, a lucky handful have made a fortune off their literary talents. Professor Wole Soyinka, whose net worth is estimated at $20 million, is definitely among the handful who have been able to raise their financial stance through their widely-acclaimed works of literature.
In a continent as ethnically and culturally diverse as Africa, it comes as no surprise that the literature that has emerged from it be equally diverse and multifaceted. Soyinka is one of those who, through their works, were able to re-write the African story in a way that it becomes meaningful in the world. His extensive insights on political matters in Nigeria have also garnered him accolades and praise over the years.
Summary of Wole Soyinka&#;s Biography
- Name
Wole Soyinka: Biography, Political Activism, Major Plays, Nobel Prize, &#; Achievements
Wole Soyinka &#; Image courtesy &#; from the Nobel Foundation archive
In recent decades, very good playwrights have emerged from the African continent, but nowhere do they reach the excellence of Nigerian playwright and poet Wole Soyinka.
Most known for winning the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature in , Wole Soyinka has written critically acclaimed plays for both theatre and radio. He thus became the first sub-Saharan African to win a Nobel Prize.
Drawing heavily from Yoruba people’s myths, rites and cultural patterns, Soyinka, a Distinguished Scholar in Residence at Duke University, has attained incredible feats to the point where he is now considered one of the finest poetical playwrights of all time.
Wole Soyinka: Quick Facts
Born: Akinwande Ouwole “Wole” Soyinka
Birthday: July 13,
Place of birth: Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria (formerly Nigeria Protectorate)
Parents: Grace Eniola Soyinka and Samuel Ayodele Soyinka
Siblings: Folashade (died at age one), Kayode, Omofolabo “Folabo”, Yeside, Femi, and Atinuke “Tinu”.
Education: Abeokuta Grammar School, Government
Wole Soyinka is a Nigerian playwright, poet, and essayist who has made significant contributions to African literature and culture. His works have been translated into several languages and have won numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Literature. This biography takes a closer look at Soyinka’s life, works, and achievements, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of one of Africa’s most prominent literary figures.
Early Life and Education
Wole Soyinka was born on July 13, , in Abeokuta, Nigeria. He was the second of six children born to Grace Eniola Soyinka and Samuel Ayodele Soyinka. His father was a school principal and his mother was a shopkeeper. Soyinka grew up in a Christian household and attended St. Peter’s Primary School in Abeokuta. He later attended Abeokuta Grammar School, where he excelled academically and was involved in drama and literature clubs. In , Soyinka received a scholarship to attend University College Ibadan, where he studied English literature, Greek, and history. It was during his time at university that Soyinka became involved in political activism and began writing plays.
Early Literary Career
Wole Soyinka
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