“Turning my life into something other people can watch, pains me,” Says Wole Soyinka

At 90 years old, Wole Soyinka is celebrated as one of Africa’s greatest literary figures, known for his contributions to literature, theatre, and political activism. As the first Black African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, Soyinka’s journey has been marked by both artistic brilliance and personal sacrifice. His interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo delved into the defining moments of his life, including his time in solitary confinement during Nigeria’s civil war, his reflections on the resilience developed during those trying years, and his view on the cinematic adaptation of his memoir, The Man Died.

Two decades before his Nobel win, Soyinka found himself imprisoned for his vocal opposition to the Nigerian civil war. Speaking with Madowo, Soyinka recalled his 22 months of solitary confinement, a period where he was denied books, paper, and even basic human interaction. “It was a very testing period for me,” he reflected. To maintain his sanity and keep his mind occupied, he turned to what he called “the most space-economic enterprise”—the mental enterprise. Using scraps like bones and dirt, Soyinka created makeshift writing tools and began scribbling notes on toilet paper, finding solace in intellectual exercises. “I rediscovered the theory of permutations and combinations. Those things I had hated in school became my sustenance,” he said.

His time in prison birthed one of his most significant works, The Man Died, a memoir documenting his experiences. This memoir has recently been adapted into a movie. When asked about seeing the film, Soyinka responded candidly: “No… Turning anything in my life into something other people can watch, pains me.” Despite being involved in helping filmmakers recreate elements of his life, particularly his hiding spots during the civil war, Soyinka admitted he may not watch the film immediately, noting, “It always takes a while to bring myself to watch me.”

Soyinka also discussed how his early exposure to political activism shaped his path. Raised in Abeokuta, Nigeria, he witnessed his mother, a lieutenant of women’s rights activist Mrs. Ransome-Kuti, leading protests during the women’s riots. As a child, Soyinka served as a courier for the women, delivering messages between their camps. “I became a courier between the various women’s camps passing messages,” he remembered, emphasizing that these experiences solidified his stance against injustice and later reflected in his writing.

His involvement in politics extended to his bold action during the 1965 elections when he replaced a rigged political broadcast with his own version at a radio station. “Yes, it’s true, there’s no point in denying it any longer,” he said. The action, fueled by his frustration with the oppressive regime, led to his arrest, though he was later acquitted.

Reflecting on his Nobel Prize win, Soyinka revealed mixed emotions. “It was like overnight your constituency expanded simply because you come from the African continent,” he shared, feeling both isolated and recognized. While the prize opened doors, it also exposed him to danger, especially under the dictatorship of General Sani Abacha. Soyinka noted that Abacha would have been “a happy man if he hanged a Nobel Laureate,” referring to the execution of activist Ken Saro-Wiwa.

Despite his extensive accomplishments, Soyinka remains fascinated by space exploration. A childhood fascination with the stars led him to experience a zero-gravity flight in his 70s, a thrill that still excites him. If given the chance to go to space today, he said he would leap at it, even if it meant terminating the interview early.

Through decades of activism, imprisonment, and global recognition, Wole Soyinka’s life remains a testament to resilience. Whether navigating the horrors of solitary confinement or the weight of being Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Literature, Soyinka’s journey is far from over. He continues to look forward, fueled by curiosity and an unbreakable spirit.