Wole Soyinka: African identity lives through art, storytelling

Sharjah 24: Day one of the inaugural Sharjah Festival of African Literature (SFAL) brought on stage one of the most distinguished luminaries of African and global literature, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka. During the Lifetime Achievement Award Speaker Series, the renowned author, poet, playwright, and activist shared profound insights from his illustrious seven-decade career in a conversation with host Layla Mohamed.

Reflections on African identity and the arts

Soyinka shared deeply personal reflections on the multidimensional nature of African identity. “African identity is alive in our traditions, rooted in the rich tapestry of our people, and expressed through our art and storytelling,” he stated. He applauded the arts as a vessel for preserving African rootedness, emphasising that identity is a dynamic force shaped by language, history, and shared humanity.

Language, identity, and the artistic process

In his session titled “In the Light of the Word,” Soyinka emphasised the intricate relationship between language and identity, describing language as “the essence of our being.” The Nobel laureate also reflected on the artistic process, noting how ordinary moments often inspire extraordinary creativity.

Challenges of being a rriter in the digital age

Among the evening's highlights was Soyinka’s reflection on the challenges of being a writer in the digital age. He humorously highlighted the pitfalls of modern technology, recounting how AI had recently been misused to mimic his voice as part of a scam.

Writing and activism: A lifelong connection

When speaking on his decades-long activism and writing, Soyinka affirmed their interconnectedness, stating, “Writing has always been a dialogue with my environment, a way of critiquing, elaborating, and sharing what I see, what I feel. Writing pays attention; activism breathes it into meaning.”

Soyinka’s return to fiction and SFAL’s global celebration of African literature

Festival-goers were especially inspired by Soyinka’s discussion of his recent novel, Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth,” marking his return to fiction after nearly five decades. Reflecting on the festival’s theme, ‘The Tale of Africa,’ Soyinka eloquently summed up its spirit, proclaiming, “Africa’s story doesn’t end. It grows, evolves, and surprises itself. Our heritage is not static; it’s fluid, alive, and, most of all, it’s ours to tell.”

SFAL: A new era for Africa's literary legacy

The Sharjah Festival of African Literature continues to position Sharjah as a bridge between cultures, fostering a new era of appreciation for Africa’s literary legacy.