Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka. Photo: Courtesy
Tanzania Urged to Celebrate National Literary Icons in the Spirit of Wole Soyinka Day
By Adonis Byemelwa
Dar es Salaam – In a bold appeal to President Bola Tinubu, the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has urged the Nigerian government to declare July 13 a national day to celebrate the invaluable contributions of Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka to both national and global humanity.
The Oba also proposed that the federal government bestow upon Soyinka the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, the second highest national honor, to mark his 90th birthday.
The Egbaland community has already taken steps to honor Soyinka, declaring July 13 as Wole Soyinka Day to promote his ideals and scholarly achievements for future generations.
As the first African Nobel Prize winner in Literature and an international playwright of repute, Soyinka’s recognition is seen as long overdue.
During a viral press conference marking the events lined up for Soyinka’s 90th birthday, Oba Gbadebo emphasized the literary giant’s global influence and the pride he brings to Ogun State.
Soyinka’s myriad roles as a playwright, actor, human rights activist, and elder statesman have cemented his legacy. This year’s celebration, themed “Defiance and Creativity: A Celebration of Soyinka’s Artistic Ingenuity and Impact on Nigeria, Africa, and The Entire World,” includes art exhibitions, cultural performances, and literary recitals, reflecting the profound impact of Soyinka’s work.
The Nigerian call to honor Soyinka provides a poignant moment for Tanzania to reflect on how it celebrates its own literary and cultural icons, such as Ismael R. Mbise and Shaaban Robert.
Mbise’s novel “Blood on Our Land” (1974) re-creates the Meru Land Case events, where in 1951, a group of Wameru from northern Tanganyika petitioned the UN to prevent British authorities from evicting them from their land.
Though unsuccessful, the petition drew international attention and is now seen as a seminal act of peaceful resistance against colonial control.
Mbise’s work critically allegorizes the implementation of villagization policies under Ujamaa, offering a nuanced examination of the violence within politics, language, and development.
Shaaban Robert, another Tanzanian luminary, is celebrated as one of the greatest Kiswahili thinkers and writers in East Africa. Known as the “poet laureate of Swahili,” Robert’s advocacy for the Kiswahili language and human dignity resonates deeply.
His contributions were highly valued by Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere, who promoted Robert’s intellectual legacy and vision for unity and equality across religious and racial divides.
Prof. Goodson Maanga, a retired pastor and novelist, emphasizes the importance of honoring such figures, stating, “We must recognize the intellectual and cultural pillars of our society to inspire future generations.”
Dr. Mohammed Ngunguti, a youthful writer and poet from the University of Dar es Salaam, echoes this sentiment, adding, “The works of our literary icons offer invaluable insights into our history and culture, and their recognition on a national level is essential.”
Tanzania’s history is rich with literary and cultural figures who have shaped its national identity. Euphrase Kezilahabi, for instance, was a Tanzanian novelist, poet, and scholar whose work tackled the complexities of development, urbanization, and African socialism.
His novels, such as “Rosa Mistika” and “Gamba la Nyoka,” explore the individual’s struggle within a transforming society, addressing issues that remain relevant today.
The retired Butimba Teachers’ College tutor in Mwanza Region, Sosthenes Raphael, underscores the educational value of such literature, stating, “Integrating the works of our literary greats into the curriculum helps preserve our cultural heritage and fosters a sense of pride and identity among students.”
Prof. Kulikoyela Kahigi, a retired linguistics professor from the University of Dodoma, highlights the broader implications of honoring these figures: “Recognizing our literary icons not only preserves their legacies but also reinforces the importance of intellectual and cultural contributions to national development.”
As Tanzania navigates its economic and social challenges, reflecting on the contributions of its literary and cultural icons offers a path to national cohesion and pride. Mbise’s “Blood on Our Land” and Robert’s extensive body of work are not merely historical artifacts but are living documents that continue to inform and inspire.
The celebration of Wole Soyinka’s contributions in Nigeria serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring literary and cultural icons.
Tanzania, with its rich tapestry of influential writers and thinkers, can draw lessons from this approach, recognizing figures like Mbise, Robert, and Kezilahabi on national platforms.
That recognition not only celebrates their achievements but also embeds their values and lessons into the national consciousness, fostering a culture of appreciation for intellectual and cultural contributions. In the spirit of Wole Soyinka Day, Tanzania has the opportunity to declare similar days to honor its legends.
Such initiatives would not only pay homage to these great minds but also inspire a new generation to appreciate and build upon their legacies, ensuring that the nation’s cultural and intellectual heritage continues to thrive and evolve.
Emulating this tradition could significantly enrich Tanzania’s cultural landscape, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the arts and humanities.
Notably, the Tanzanian literature syllabus already includes Soyinka’s profound works, such as The Lion and the Jewel and The Trial of Brother Jero. Establishing dedicated days to celebrate Tanzanian legends would not only recognize their contributions but also amplify the impact of their works, encouraging students and citizens alike to engage with and be inspired by their enduring legacies.
