Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka. Photo: Courtesy
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.