JULY 24 and 25, The Africa Centre London will stage a 2-day fiesta of cultural and intellectual engagement to mark the 91st birthday anniversary of Africa’s first Nobel laureate, Oluwole Akinwande Babatunde Soyinka. This is in continuation of the global celebration of the indisputable Africa’s most garlanded intellectual and Grand Man of Letters and Rights Advocate, whose birthday falls due on July 13.
To be held in partnership with the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange, WSICE, the programme, will offer “deep reflections on culture, society and the artist’s evolving role in Africa’s leadership,” stated the Centre. The progrramme is the continuation of the partnership between the two organisations launched last year to celebrate the 90th birthday of the globally-renowned dramatist, poet, essayist, memoirist and human and civil rights advocacy, whose birthday falls due on July 13.
In its announcement, however, The Africa Centre hinted that the core of the July 24-25 event would be an international Advocacy Panel on the theme, “The Artist as Postcolonial Agent: Canvas of Leadership Nuances,” which would have speakers and contributors exploring how African creatives confront systems, shape narratives and influence policy. Keynote Speakers: Professor Wilson Mano; and Dr. Vanessa Iwowo. Anchors: the CEO, The Africa Centre, Olu Alake; and Dr. Samantha Iwowo, Bournemouth University.
Another core item in the 2-day fiesta is the newly introduced “Africa Youth Literature, Communication & Arts Workshop”, designed to “equip young creatives with tools for storytelling, artistic leadership and self-expression,” stated WSICE programme team. It will be facilitated by the multidisciplinary artist, Ayo Aladekomo aka Aduke and the visual artist, Abolore Sobayo.
There is also Cultural Night, described as a “vibrant fusion of live music, poetry, and visual storytelling, featuring the sultry singer-folklorist, Kayefi (Afro-folk), Aduke (Neo-soul/Afro-jazz), Segun Akinduro (violinist), Abolore Sobayo (cultural design), and Eyinju Eledumare (performance poetry).
The progamming content is conceived a “powerful cross-continental celebration of creativity, culture and youth leadership”, to mark the 16th anniversary of the WSICE annual celebration of the essence of the humanistic principles of the Nobel laureate, who is the patron saint of the project.
In an earlier press statement, the WSICE programme directorate, stated:
From its inaugural edition in 2010 — marking Soyinka’s 76th birthday — WSICE has grown into a globally respected platform where art, advocacy, and African identity converge.
The overarching theme for this year’s edition, according to the organisers, which is “Decolonisation of African Youth: Agenda for Our Future Leadership”, invites participants to interrogate postcolonial realities while envisioning new pathways for African futures.
Since its inception, WSICE has remained deeply connected to Professor Soyinka’s personal values and intellectual commitments—drawing young minds into the work of building a more thoughtful, expressive, and culturally conscious society.
This year’s programme builds on last year’s sensational partnership with The Africa Centre in celebrating Professor Soyinka’s 90th birthday to further embed the successes and continue to honour his values.
The 2025 edition had commenced on Sunday, July 13, in the serene surroundings of Professor Soyinka’s Ijegba Forest residence, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where WSICE will host: The Youth Talent Showcase (DYOT – Do Your Own Thing): A celebration of youth voices through performance—music, spoken word, drama, and indigenous arts; The Female Talking Drummers Showcase: Young female drummers reclaim traditional rhythms as tools of empowerment; and Creative Exchanges: Art exhibitions, mentorship, and cultural tributes.
The Executive Producer of WSICE and MD/CEO of ZMirage, Dr. Olateju Kareem, shared his vision: “As culture continues to be our pride, let a better understanding of each other’s cultures yield respect and tolerance— leading to unity and the advancement of our shared humanity.”
He added a special tribute to the man at the heart of the programme: “We deeply thank Professor Soyinka for lending not just his name to this initiative, but for personally receiving youth participants each year at his home, and for attending both the Nigerian and UK editions.
His presence— from Abeokuta to The Africa Centre in London—reinforces his enduring role as mentor to generations of young thinkers, writers, and artists.”
The CEO of The Africa Centre, Olu Alake, said: “Building on the truly memorable activities that we hosted for WS@90 last year, The Africa Centre is really proud to be a part of the continued honouring pf Prof Soyinka’s profound leadership.
“This year’s focus on youth, leadership and the pivotal role of the artists as embodiments of cultural continuity and catalysts for a paradigm shift in African leadership is timely and critical. We look forward to another memorable event that will result in real change.”
WSICE 2025 is produced by ZMirage Multimedia Company Ltd., led by Dr. Olateju Kareem, alongside co-executive producer, Prof. Segun Ojewuyi, and in collaboration with respected institutions across both Nigeria and the UK.
“Nigeria’s production team includes Mr. Jahman Anikulapo – Head of Communications; Dr. Tunde Awosanmi – Creative Director; Prof. Razinat Muhammed – Head of Adjudication; Linda Olowokere – Youth Programme Producer; Lilian Amah-Aluko – Production Lead; Ayo Aladekomo – Producer; and Joy Nweye – Associate Producer.
The Africa Centre Originally conceived to foster non-governmental relations between newly independent Africa and Britain, The Africa Centre has since evolved into a forwardthinking, inclusive, and respected cultural institution that promotes positive conversations about Africa.
Their mission is to educate, connect and advocate for Africa and its diaspora. Committed to serving as custodians of Africa’s cultural heritage in London and beyond, empowering communities and accelerating cultural diversity and equality through collaboration, and strategic partnerships, their programmes are relevant and impactful, addressing the needs and expectations of diverse communities and transforming lives.