Wole Soyinka, Biography: Age, Career, Spouse, Family, Net Worth

Who is Wole Soyinka?

Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde “Wole” Soyinka, CFR, is a renowned Nigerian playwright, novelist, poet, and essayist who writes primarily in English. He is celebrated for his profound contributions to literature and his role as a social critic and political activist.

Profiling Wole Soyinka

Biography

Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka, widely recognized by his pen name Wole Soyinka, stands as one of the most distinguished and influential literary figures in the world. Born on July 30, 1934, in Abeokuta, Nigeria, Soyinka has built a prolific career as a playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, and social critic, leaving an indelible mark on both African and global literature. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, the pinnacle of which was the Nobel Prize for Literature, awarded in 1986. This historic win made him the first African laureate to receive this prestigious honor, a testament to his profound impact on the literary world.

Wole Soyinka’s body of work is characterized by its exceptional range and depth, spanning multiple genres and exploring themes of political oppression, cultural identity, human rights, and the existential struggles of the individual. His plays, such as “A Dance of the Forests,” “Death and the King’s Horseman,” and “The Lion and the Jewel,” blend traditional African storytelling with modern theatrical techniques, creating narratives that resonate with universal human experiences while reflecting the particularities of African realities. His novels, including “The Interpreters” and “Season of Anomy,” delve into the social and political upheavals in post-colonial Nigeria, presenting vivid portrayals of the challenges facing newly independent African nations.

Wole Soyinka’s poetry and essays further reveal his versatility and intellectual rigor. His collections of poems, such as “Idanre and Other Poems” and “Samarkand and Other Markets I Have Known,” showcase his lyrical prowess and philosophical reflections, often intertwining personal and political themes. As an essayist, his works like “The Man Died: Prison Notes of Wole Soyinka” and “Climate of Fear” provide penetrating critiques of authoritarianism, injustice, and the moral responsibilities of writers and intellectuals in society.

Beyond his literary accomplishments, Soyinka is also a tireless activist and advocate for human rights, democracy, and freedom of expression. Throughout his life, he has been a vocal critic of various Nigerian governments, both military and civilian, and has faced imprisonment and exile for his outspoken opposition to tyranny and corruption. His unwavering dedication to social justice has made him a symbol of resilience and courage, not only in Nigeria but across the world.

Wole Soyinka’s influence extends far beyond his writings. His voice is a guiding force for those seeking to understand the complexities of African culture and the broader human condition. His works challenge readers to confront uncomfortable truths, question established norms, and embrace the rich tapestry of human experiences. Through his art and activism, Soyinka has become a beacon of hope and a powerful advocate for the transformative power of literature in the quest for a more just and equitable world.

Early Life And Education

Wole Soyinka, born Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka on July 13, 1934, in Abeokuta, a town in southwestern Nigeria, hails from an intellectual and culturally rich family. He was the second of six children born to Samuel Ayodele Soyinka and Grace Eniola Soyinka.

His father, Samuel, was an Anglican minister and headmaster of St. Peter’s Primary School in Abeokuta, while his mother, Grace, was a shopkeeper and a prominent member of the local women’s movement. Grace Eniola, affectionately known as “Wild Christian” by her son, was a strong and determined woman who played a significant role in the political and social life of their community. The influence of both parents left a lasting impact on Soyinka, nurturing his intellectual curiosity and instilling in him a deep appreciation for the Yoruba culture and traditions.

Soyinka’s early education began at St. Peter’s Primary School, Abeokuta, where his father was the headmaster. His exposure to Western education was complemented by the rich cultural environment provided by his mother and extended family, many of whom were prominent figures in the Yoruba community. This dual exposure to both Western and traditional African influences would later become a defining feature of Soyinka’s works, as he often explores themes of cultural conflict and the coexistence of different worldviews.

In 1940, at the age of six, Soyinka moved to Ibadan, where he attended Abeokuta Grammar School and later, Government College, Ibadan, one of the most prestigious secondary schools in Nigeria at the time. It was at Government College that Soyinka’s literary talents began to manifest. He was an exceptional student, known for his sharp intellect and passion for literature and drama. He actively participated in the school’s literary and drama clubs, where he started writing and performing plays. This early exposure to theater and literature sparked a lifelong passion for the arts and set the stage for his future career as a writer and playwright.

In 1952, after completing his secondary education, Soyinka was admitted to University College Ibadan (UCI), a constituent college of the University of London. At UCI, he initially enrolled in the sciences but soon switched to English Literature, recognizing his true calling in the literary arts.

During his time at Ibadan, Soyinka was a prominent figure in the university’s literary and intellectual circles. He co-founded The Pyrates Confraternity, the first university-based cult group in Nigeria, which was initially established to combat social injustices and promote humanistic values among students. Although the group later became associated with negative activities, its original purpose was rooted in the ideals of justice and integrity.

Wole Soyinka’s time at UCI was marked by his active involvement in student politics and his burgeoning reputation as a writer. He contributed articles, essays, and poems to various student publications, and his early works often addressed issues of social and political relevance, reflecting his growing awareness of the complexities of Nigerian society. His experiences at UCI also exposed him to the tensions between traditional African values and the influences of colonialism, themes that would become central to his later writings.

In 1954, Wole Soyinka left Nigeria to further his education in England, enrolling at the University of Leeds. Under the tutelage of his mentor, the renowned Shakespearean scholar G. Wilson Knight, Soyinka delved deeply into English literature and theater. His studies at Leeds were transformative, exposing him to a wide range of literary works and critical theories that would shape his own writing style. It was here that he began to develop his distinctive voice, blending elements of traditional Yoruba theater with modernist techniques and themes.

While at Leeds, Wole Soyinka wrote his first major play, The Swamp Dwellers, which explores the clash between tradition and modernity in African society. He also completed his thesis on the influences of traditional African theater on Western drama, a groundbreaking work that highlighted the richness of African cultural expressions and their relevance to contemporary global literature. His time at Leeds not only honed his literary skills but also solidified his commitment to using his writing as a tool for social commentary and change.

Upon completing his degree, Soyinka briefly worked as a script reader at the Royal Court Theatre in London, where he was exposed to the vibrant British theater scene. This experience further enriched his understanding of drama and performance, and he began to conceive plays that would later be performed on stages in both Nigeria and abroad. His early works, including The Lion and the Jewel and A Dance of the Forests, established him as a formidable playwright, capable of weaving complex narratives that interrogated the social and political realities of post-colonial Africa.

In 1960, the year of Nigeria’s independence, Soyinka returned to his homeland with a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to contribute to the cultural and intellectual life of the newly independent nation. His return marked the beginning of a prolific period of writing and activism that would see him emerge as one of Africa’s most influential voices.

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Age

Wole Soyinka was born on July 13, 1934, making him 90 years old as of 2024.

Career

Wole Soyinka’s illustrious career spans over six decades and has cemented his status as one of Africa’s most revered literary figures. His contributions to literature, theatre, and political activism have had a profound impact, not only in Nigeria but globally.

Early Career and Playwriting

Wole Soyinka’s career took off in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with his involvement as a play reader for the Royal Court Theatre in London. His early works, such as “The Swamp Dwellers” (1958) and “The Lion and the Jewel” (1959), were critically acclaimed and established his reputation as a skilled playwright. These plays delve into the tensions between tradition and modernity in African society, themes that would recur throughout his body of work.

Rise to Prominence in Nigeria

Returning to Nigeria, Soyinka became a pivotal figure in the development of Nigerian theatre. He founded the theatre group Nineteen-Sixty Masks and contributed significantly to the country’s cultural landscape. His play “A Dance of the Forests”, performed during Nigeria’s independence celebrations in 1960, is a satirical critique of the nation’s emerging political elites, highlighting Soyinka’s fearless engagement with political themes.

Political Activism and Imprisonment

Wole Soyinka’s activism is deeply intertwined with his literary career. During the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), he was arrested and imprisoned for nearly two years for attempting to broker peace between the conflicting parties. Despite the harsh conditions of solitary confinement, he continued to write, producing notable works like “The Man Died: Prison Notes” (1972) and “Poems from Prison”. His imprisonment and subsequent writings solidified his position as a steadfast critic of authoritarianism.

Nobel Prize and International Recognition

In 1986, Wole Soyinka became the first African laureate to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. The Nobel Committee lauded his work for being rooted in the “drama of existence” and his ability to blend African culture with Western forms. This recognition catapulted him into the global literary spotlight and expanded his influence beyond African shores.

Later Works and Academic Contributions

Wole Soyinka has continued to be a prolific writer, producing a range of plays, novels, and essays. Notable later works include “Death and the King’s Horseman” (1975), a tragic drama based on a historical event, and his memoir “You Must Set Forth at Dawn” (2006). He has also held numerous academic positions, including stints as a visiting professor at Ivy League universities and as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Johannesburg in 2017​.

Continued Activism and Legacy

Despite his advanced age, Soyinka remains an active voice in Nigerian and global politics. He continues to critique government policies and societal issues through his writings and public engagements. His works, ranging from plays like “Kongi’s Harvest” to essays on culture and politics, have left an indelible mark on literature and have been influential in shaping discourse on post-colonial Africa.

Wole Soyinka’s career is a testament to the power of literature as a tool for social change and personal expression. His contributions to the arts and his unwavering stance against oppression have made him not only a literary icon but also a moral and intellectual beacon for many across the world.

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Plays

• Keffi’s Birthday Treat
• The Invention
• The Swamp Dwellers
• A Quality of Violence
• The Lion and the Jewel
• The Trials of Brother Jero
• A Dance of the Forests
• My Father’s Burden
• The Strong Breed
• Before the Blackout
• Kongi’s Harvest
• The Road
• Madmen and Specialists
• The Bacchae of Euripides
• Camwood on the Leaves
• Jero’s Metamorphosis
• Death and the King’s Horseman
• Opera Wonyosi
• Requiem for a Futurologist
• A Play of Giants
• Childe Internationale
• From Zia with Love
• The Detainee
• A Scourge of Hyacinths
• The Beatification of Area Boy
• Document of Identity
• King Baabu
• Etiki Revu Wetin
• Alapata Apata

Personal Life

Wole Soyinka, a towering figure in literature and the first African to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, has led a personal life marked by notable relationships, family ties, and personal challenges. Throughout his life, Wole Soyinka has been married three times and has navigated the complexities of both divorce and fatherhood. His first marriage was to the late British author Barbara Skeath, whom he met during his academic pursuits at the University of Leeds in the 1950s.

This union produced two children, Olaokun Soyinka and Morenike Soyinka, both of whom have carved out successful careers in their respective fields. Olaokun Soyinka is a prominent medical doctor and public health advocate, while Morenike has pursued a path in the arts, reflecting the creative legacy of her father.

After his marriage to Barbara Skeath ended, Wole Soyinka married Olaide Idowu in 1963. Olaide, a Nigerian librarian, became his second wife, and together they had four children: Makin Soyinka, Moremi Soyinka-Onijala, Iyetade Apampa, and Peyibomi Soyinka-Airewele. Their family life, though marked by achievements, was also touched by tragedy with the untimely passing of their daughter Iyetade in 2013. Iyetade, a beloved figure in the family, was remembered for her vibrant personality and the joy she brought to those around her.

Wole Soyinka also has another son, Oretunlewa Soyinka, from a previous relationship. Wole Soyinka’s relationships with his children are a testament to his ability to balance a demanding professional life with personal responsibilities. His youngest daughter, Amani Soyinka, came from his third marriage to Folake Doherty-Soyinka. In 1989, Wole Soyinka married Folake, who is an accomplished lawyer and academic. Their union has been blessed with three sons: Tunlewa Soyinka, Bojode Soyinka, and Eniara Soyinka. Folake has been a steadfast partner to Soyinka, supporting him through both his literary endeavors and his advocacy work.

In 2014, Wole Soyinka made public his battle with prostate cancer, an announcement that drew attention to his resilience and strength. Despite the diagnosis, he remained active, continuing to write and engage in public discourse, using his experience to raise awareness about health issues and inspire others facing similar battles.

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Net Worth

As of 2024, Wole Soyinka’s estimated net worth is around $10 million. His wealth primarily comes from his extensive career in literature, including his plays, novels, poetry, and essays, as well as from his numerous awards and honorary degrees. He has been a prominent figure in the literary world for decades, earning global recognition and prestigious accolades such as the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986.

Social Media

You can follow him through the social media handles below:

• Instagram handle: @Wolesoyinka
• Twitter handle: @Wolesoyinkacentre