“Celebrating 90 Years of The Literary Giant: Reflections on Wole Soyinka’s Impact”

My encounter with Wole Soyinka’s works started during my secondary school days. It was a task of having to play a character in the trials of brother Jero’s play.

And If there was a literary piece that captivated my innocence as a youngster learning her art in the world of literature, it is the Trials of Brother Jero written by the foremost playwright, Wole Soyinka.

So intriguing was the fact that I had to play the character of Amope well that I became suspicious with some issues of religion. Almost immediately, I realised that I have cut my teeth with literature and there was no going back.

Although, I have read quite a couple of his works afterwards, I’m still thrilled by the Trials of Brother Jero which saw myself and a former classmate of mine winning prizes for our school at inter-school schools’ debate and other literary competitions.

I still have the nostalgic feeling as I am penning these lines. Soon, drums would be rolled out to celebrate the existence of this amazing hands behind these beautiful works. His works capture the moments, keep you engrossed on until you keep yearning for more.

As the world stands still for this global icon, I join the literary world to celebrate the life of Kongi, whose pen pierced through my heart to bleed profusely with the stain of his works on my hands, registering his inks in my memory. Happy amazing birthday to Professor Wole Soyinka.
©️ Funke Cole