Wole Soyinka
Nigerian writer and Africa’s first Nobel laureate for literature. His latest novel, Chronicles From the Land of the Happiest People on Earth, is a satire and mystery encompassing 60 years of Nigerian history.
Best podcasts with Wole Soyinka
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Dec 4, 2025 • 10min
Wole Soyinka: Imprisoned during Nigeria’s Biafra war
In this discussion, Wole Soyinka, a renowned Nigerian playwright and the first African Nobel laureate in Literature, shares his harrowing experience during the Biafra war. He recounts his secret mission to meet Biafran leader Emeka Ojukwu, his arrest upon returning, and the brutal two years he spent in solitary confinement. Soyinka reflects on the deep-seated grievances that fueled the secession and how those feelings still resonate today, offering a powerful commentary on war, survival, and the lasting impact of history.
Dec 3, 2021 • 58min
Wole Soyinka on writing, politics and the power of a novel
Wole Soyinka, Africa's first Nobel laureate for literature, joins Dr. Louisa Egbunike to discuss his new novel, a mix of satire and mystery that reflects on 60 years of Nigerian history. They delve into the intertwining of politics and literary critique, illuminating how satire can provoke thought among politicians. The conversation also highlights the role of youth activism in shaping Nigeria's identity and the power of literature as both a mirror and a catalyst for political engagement and transformation.
