Soyinka at 91: WSICE 2025 Explores Youth Leadership, Postcolonial Expression Across Two Continents

Yinka Olatunbosun

The Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) is set for16th edition this July, continuing its legacy as a powerful platform for cultural dialogue, artistic innovation, and intellectual engagement in honou of Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka.

This year’s edition, themed “Decolonisation of Nigerian Youth: Agenda for Our Future Leadership,” will unfold across two continents—Nigeria and the United Kingdom—with events taking place on July 13 in Abeokuta, and July 24 to 25 in London.

The 2025 programme reflects on the dynamics of postcolonial identity and interrogates how young Africans can reclaim agency and reimagine leadership in ways that honour cultural roots while engaging global realities.

Abeokuta, the home city of Soyinka will witness the birthday celebrations on July 13 which will include a Youth Talent Showcase (DYOT – Do Your Own Thing), featuring music, dance, spoken word, indigenous drama, and visual storytelling by young performers. Also, a female talking drummers’ showcase, with spotlight on young girls exploring leadership and expression through traditional rhythms will thrill the audience. Other events include cultural exhibitions, mentorship, and a celebratory gathering in honour of Professor Soyinka’s 91st birthday at his Ijegba forest home.

In addition, the Africa Youth Literature, Communication and Arts Workshop, co-led by Ayo Aladekomo and Abolore Sobayo, will foster creative learning and cultural exchange among young African participants.

In London, events will be held on July 24 and 25 in partnership with The Africa Centre. Programming include a high-level Advocacy Session titled: “The Artist as Postcolonial Agent: Canvas of Leadership Nuances.” This dialogue will interrogate the artist’s role in shaping leadership narratives and sociopolitical discourse in contemporary African societies. The keynote speakers include: Professor Wilson Mano and Dr. Vanessa Iwowo while the anchors will be the CEO, The Africa Centre, Chief Olu Alake and Dr. Samantha Iwowo, Bournemouth University.

A vibrant cultural night celebrating African creativity through live music, performance, and visual art will also be activated featuring creatives in diaspora such as: Kayefi, Aduke, Segun Akinduro, Abolore Sobayo and Eyinju Eledumare.

WSICE 2025 is produced by ZMirage Multimedia Company, under the leadership of Dr. Olateju Kareem (Executive Producer), and co-executive producers Prof. Segun Ojewuyi and Dr. Kareem, in collaboration with national and international cultural institutions.

The Nigeria-based production is led by Mr. Jahman Anikulapo as Cultural Consultant & Head of Communications; Dr. Tunde Awosanmi who is the creative director and Prof. Razinat Muhammed, the Head of Adjudication and Mrs. Linda Olowokere as the Youth Producer.

• Ayo Aladekomo and Joy Nweye – Associate Producers
• Lilian Amah-Aluko – Production Lead

Across all activities, WSICE continues to honour Professor Soyinka’s life work by championing youth empowerment, cultural pride, and critical thought. As Africa and the global African diaspora navigate a complex and changing world, WSICE 2025 offers a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of art, heritage, and leadership rooted in truth and integrity.

Executive Producer’s Remarks

Dr. Olateju Kareem, Executive Producer and MD/CEO of ZMirage Multimedia Company Ltd, the founding organisation of WSICE, reaffirmed the programme’s mission:

“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.”

Dr. Kareem also expressed heartfelt appreciation for Professor Wole Soyinka:

“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 of the programme. His presence at our sessions—from Abeokuta to The Africa Centre in London—reinforces his enduring role as mentor to generations of young thinkers, writers, and artists.”