iamswizz: hmmmmm.




Too long to read..


Most popular Nigerian? He wasnt even half as popular as Achebe.

both achebe and soyinka made us proud as Nigerians. thats all we care about.dont start tribal war on this thread

naptu2:

1) Quite a few kids did start school at age 8/9, but other kids also started school at 5.

Yes. Those who started at 5 were the precocious ones back then which is why I can agree with 5 or there about; not 2 and a half as stated in this article. There is no point reducing the age to the point of the ridiculous. Starting at age 5 back then was impressive enough.

naptu2:
2) In the interview I watched, he said he FOLlOWED her to school (which is not impossible).

In this article, he said he TRACED her path to school. "Follow" does not necessarily mean his sister held his hand all the way to school in any case.

madridsta007: LOL... A post to unsuccessfully counter the worldwide acclaim that Chinua Achebe, The Father of African Literature is getting...

Funny enough the two literary giants were best of friends. They were a 'quartet' actually, Achebe, J.P Clarke, Christopher Okigbo and Soyinka.

It's a pity how the very hideously small minds of Nigerians have turned this to a tribal 'warfare', than what is is supposed to be- a celebration of lettered people with intellect and truth.

Small minds. Dark days are indeed encapsulating Nigeria...

You just spoke my mind.
Prof. Wole Soyinka is a great man, an achiever and he has made the good people of Nigeria proud. He is among the few that have a voice of sanity in Nigeria. Salutation to you sir.

iamswizz: hmmmmm.




Too long to read..


Most popular Nigerian? He wasnt even half as popular as Achebe.

Bigots are always lazy,ill-tempered and ill-mannered to read nor acknowledged other's success..... Where would u get bigoted inspiration if not for that man u mentioned......!!!


World renowned empty chest beaters..........efulefu.....!!!

Cruxxy: Ahoy!

Ahoy!!!

Orikinla: [size=28pt]Dear Poster,

1. Yes, Prof. Wole Soyinka is the first African and only Nigerian presently and (not ever) to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Other Nigerian authors will win it and one of them has a British passport. His name is Ben Okri.

2. Wole Soyinka may be Africa’s most successful playwright and dramatist in literary terms, but not on the live stage.
South African playwrights have made more money from their plays than Wole Soyinka.

3. Wole Soyinka is NOT the world’s most famous Nigerian).
More people across the social strata and cultures know Queen of Nollywood Genevieve Nnaji and soccer star Kanu Nwankwo more than Wole Soyinka.
Only students of literature and other educated people know him and lest you forget majority of Africans and others in the world are uneducated.
All the millions of Nigerians who have not been to school are more than the educated minority and these legions of illiterates among Hausas and other ethnic groups in the middle belt and northern regions don't know Wole Soyinka.
Chinua Achebe did not win the Nobel Prize, but he was more famous than Wole Soyinka until he passed away.
Achebe's books have been translated into more languages than Wole Soyinka's books and 'Things Fall Apart" alone has sold more copies than all the books of Wole Soyinka since 1958 to date. And still outselling other Nigerian books on Amazon and other book stores.
I am an authority of this. So, stop misinforming the ignorant and gullible trolls and others on this website and other sites.

4. The greatest writer from Africa to date is South Africa's J. M. Coetzee, a novelist, essayist, linguist, translator and recipient of the 2003 Nobel Prize in Literature. And the only African and the first writer to win the Booker Prize twice; first for "Life & Times of Michael K" in 1983, and again for "Disgrace" in 1999.

Coetzee has been described as "inarguably the most celebrated and decorated" living writer in the Anglosphere.Before receiving the 2003 Nobel Prize in Literature, he was awarded the CNA Prize (thrice), the Prix Femina Étranger, The Irish Times International Fiction Prize and the Booker Prize (twice), among other accolades.

I hope you know what is Anglosphere?

There are too many Olodos and Ode n tele Afas on Nairaland.

PLEASE, READ MORE AND RESEARCH MORE BEFORE POSTING THINGS ON THE INTERNET. [/size]

I can smell one of the following things here: jealousy/envy/hatred/sentiment and probabely ignorance.

logica: Yes. Those who started at 5 were the precocious ones back then which is why I can agree with 5 or there about; not 2 and a half as stated in this article. There is no point reducing the age to the point of the ridiculous. Starting at age 5 back then was impressive enough.

In this article, he said he TRACED her path to school. "Follow" does not necessarily mean his sister held his hand all the way to school in any case.

Hmph! This is quite simple, although you choose to disbelieve it, which you have every right to.

He followed his sister to school. He took his dad's books, which he couldn't even read or understand. The school authorities took him in, because of his zeal. He was clearly not qualified to be in the school, neither did they say he was given the same instructions or work as the other kids.

@Orikinla

1. LOL! When Ben Okri wins, he will join the league. For now, you are counting unhatched eggs. A million Black Nobelists may come, but WS remains the first. #Unarguable. #Trailblazer. And yes, he remains the first EVER. Good luck to your Ben.

2. No one is comparing him with South African dramatists. Links have been provided to Soyinka's plays across the globe, even as far as India. The comparison is a task you've given yourself.

3. The word used was PERHAPS. Check again. If there is any misinformation, you point it out and do not insult the generality of the people. That you are free to air your opinions does not confer upon you the liberty to call anyone olodo or ode. No one is an island of knowledge even if you call yourself an authority. You are still making comparison with Achebe. Again, that's a task you've assigned to yourself.

4. This post is not about John Coetzee, Nadine Gordimer, Tony Morrison or Naguib Marfouz, it is about WOLE SOYINKA. You also forgot to tell us that Coetzee is presently an Australian citizen and a white man as you made it sound like he was one black South African. This post is celebrating a BLACK AFRICAN PIONEER. And I believe you know what Francosphere is anyway

NB: The large font size was not needed. Seriously.

Thanks.

Orikinla: [size=28pt]Dear Poster,

1. Yes, Prof. Wole Soyinka is the first African and only Nigerian presently and (not ever) to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Other Nigerian authors will win it and one of them has a British passport. His name is Ben Okri.

2. Wole Soyinka may be Africa’s most successful playwright and dramatist in literary terms, but not on the live stage.
South African playwrights have made more money from their plays than Wole Soyinka.

3. Wole Soyinka is NOT the world’s most famous Nigerian).
More people across the social strata and cultures know Queen of Nollywood Genevieve Nnaji and soccer star Kanu Nwankwo more than Wole Soyinka.
Only students of literature and other educated people know him and lest you forget majority of Africans and others in the world are uneducated.
All the millions of Nigerians who have not been to school are more than the educated minority and these legions of illiterates among Hausas and other ethnic groups in the middle belt and northern regions don't know Wole Soyinka.
Chinua Achebe did not win the Nobel Prize, but he was more famous than Wole Soyinka until he passed away.
Achebe's books have been translated into more languages than Wole Soyinka's books and 'Things Fall Apart" alone has sold more copies than all the books of Wole Soyinka since 1958 to date. And still outselling other Nigerian books on Amazon and other book stores.
I am an authority of this. So, stop misinforming the ignorant and gullible trolls and others on this website and other sites.

4. The greatest writer from Africa to date is South Africa's J. M. Coetzee, a novelist, essayist, linguist, translator and recipient of the 2003 Nobel Prize in Literature. And the only African and the first writer to win the Booker Prize twice; first for "Life & Times of Michael K" in 1983, and again for "Disgrace" in 1999.

Coetzee has been described as "inarguably the most celebrated and decorated" living writer in the Anglosphere.Before receiving the 2003 Nobel Prize in Literature, he was awarded the CNA Prize (thrice), the Prix Femina Étranger, The Irish Times International Fiction Prize and the Booker Prize (twice), among other accolades.

I hope you know what is Anglosphere?

There are too many Olodos and Ode n tele Afas on Nairaland.

PLEASE, READ MORE AND RESEARCH MORE BEFORE POSTING THINGS ON THE INTERNET. [/size]

Ìyániwúrà123: Thanks for your constant support, Donroxy!

Gbabe , A ma follow u anywhere......!!!

Always looking forward to >>>

Ola Johnson:
Take or leave it, you're suffering from Soyinkaphobia.
Sentiment apart Wole Soyinka is far better than Chinua Achebe. Soyinka is a prolific writer (writes novels, poems and drama). While JP Clark is know for peotry, Ola Rotimi for drama, Chinua Achebe for novel (mostly fictions); Soyinka is known for all. He is seen in the same level with Williams Shakespeare whom the literary says he shares the same initials (WS) with. Apart from these, Soyinka is an activist and essayist. As an activist, he fights bad government. Whereas Achebe spoke only when Igbo people are affected, Soyinka speaks for everybody. As an essayist, he bares his mind on topical issues. For example during the same-sex bill controversy in the Senate, he wrote "Sexual Minority And Legislative Zealotry". This makes Soyinka to be known even by those that don't read books. Try this, ask or show a junior secondary school student Soyinka's picture, he will say he sees him on TV and newspapers. Apart from when Achebe rejected the national honours, controvercy from his last book and now, his death; how many times have you heard his name on the news.
The cure to your Soyinkaphobia is reasoning.

WORD...!!!

Orikinla: [size=28pt]Dear Poster,

1. Yes, Prof. Wole Soyinka is the first African and only Nigerian presently and (not ever) to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Other Nigerian authors will win it and one of them has a British passport. His name is Ben Okri.

2. Wole Soyinka may be Africa’s most successful playwright and dramatist in literary terms, but not on the live stage.
South African playwrights have made more money from their plays than Wole Soyinka.

3. Wole Soyinka is NOT the world’s most famous Nigerian).
More people across the social strata and cultures know Queen of Nollywood Genevieve Nnaji and soccer star Kanu Nwankwo more than Wole Soyinka.
Only students of literature and other educated people know him and lest you forget majority of Africans and others in the world are uneducated.
All the millions of Nigerians who have not been to school are more than the educated minority and these legions of illiterates among Hausas and other ethnic groups in the middle belt and northern regions don't know Wole Soyinka.
Chinua Achebe did not win the Nobel Prize, but he was more famous than Wole Soyinka until he passed away.
Achebe's books have been translated into more languages than Wole Soyinka's books and 'Things Fall Apart" alone has sold more copies than all the books of Wole Soyinka since 1958 to date. And still outselling other Nigerian books on Amazon and other book stores.
I am an authority of this. So, stop misinforming the ignorant and gullible trolls and others on this website and other sites.

4. The greatest writer from Africa to date is South Africa's J. M. Coetzee, a novelist, essayist, linguist, translator and recipient of the 2003 Nobel Prize in Literature. And the only African and the first writer to win the Booker Prize twice; first for "Life & Times of Michael K" in 1983, and again for "Disgrace" in 1999.

Coetzee has been described as "inarguably the most celebrated and decorated" living writer in the Anglosphere.Before receiving the 2003 Nobel Prize in Literature, he was awarded the CNA Prize (thrice), the Prix Femina Étranger, The Irish Times International Fiction Prize and the Booker Prize (twice), among other accolades.

I hope you know what is Anglosphere?

There are too many Olodos and Ode n tele Afas on Nairaland.

PLEASE, READ MORE AND RESEARCH MORE BEFORE POSTING THINGS ON THE INTERNET. [/size]

How can you say Chinua Achebe was more popular that Wole Soyinka? Achebe was just a fictional writer, an arm in the prose genre of literature whereas Wole Soyinka is a novelist, poet, dramatist, essayist and political activist. My grandfather in the village who doesn't read literature knows Wole Soyinka as a political activist. If you read his tigritude you won't only call him a literary gaint but also a philosopher. Nobody reads his book and doesn't have a philosophical stance on topical issue.
You said Wole Soyinka is a good playwrite, but not good at stage? I'll advise you read about Orisun Theatre Group which he formed in the University of Ife, which took over from Ola Rotimi's Ori Olokun Group.
On the his Nobel Prize, I plead that you read Prof. Fox lecture on his 78 birthday, how Fox and some African writers like Okot p'Bitek, David Rubadiri came to lecture in Unife just because of Soyinka.

Ìyániwúrà123: @Orikinla

1. LOL! When Ben Okri wins, he will join the league. For now, you are counting unhatched eggs. A million Black Nobelists may come, but WS remains the first. #Unarguable. #Trailblazer. And yes, he remains the first EVER. Good luck to your Ben.

2. No one is comparing him with South African dramatists. Links have been provided to Soyinka's plays across the globe, even as far as India. The comparison is a task you've given yourself.

3. The word used was PERHAPS. Check again. If there is any misinformation, you point it out and do not insult the generality of the people. That you are free to air your opinions does not confer upon you the liberty to call anyone olodo or ode. No one is an island of knowledge even if you call yourself an authority. You are still making comparison with Achebe. Again, that's a task you've assigned to yourself.

4. This post is not about John Coetzee, Nadine Gordimer, Tony Morrison or Naguib Marfouz, it is about WOLE SOYINKA. You also forgot to tell us that Coetzee is presently an Australian citizen and a white man as you made it sound like he was one black South African. This post is celebrating a BLACK AFRICAN PIONEER. And I believe you know what Francosphere is anyway

NB: The large font size was not needed. Seriously.

Thanks.

ahahahahaha @Iyaniwura....

What a very articulate reply.....u re damned good for this...more oyel to ur elebow.....!!





Oya,Orikinla.....go and compare no more......cuz Comparison between Achebe and Soyinka is the MOST FOOLISH assignment u have given urself, atleast, as far as this THREAD is concern.....!!

Soyinka is the pride of the entire yoruba nation. He is worthy to be celebrated. It is shame, however, that those chacteristics of his which made him what he is, isn't what you'll find in the average yoruba man today, except of course, the aspect of being polygamous; unlike Achebe (may his soul rest in peace) who was a perfect example of the true igbo man.
Achebe and Soyinka shared a number of remarkable qualities. They both are fearless and truthful people; which explains the life-long amity between these two. My advice is that we, the youths of the nation, should learn to see these people not only as "properties" to make tribal boast of, as I estimate the poster of this article intended to, but also and more importantly as role models to look up to and learn from.

if he's ijebu then why is he always referred to as egba.

iamswizz: hmmmmm.




Too long to read..


Most popular Nigerian? He wasnt even half as popular as Achebe.

hahahahahahahahahhahahaha laugh go kill me die, comparing a nobel laureatte to a story book writer. Nigerians are very funny.

[quote author=]you guys are using Wole Soyinka to fulfill and disgusting tribal fight and should be utterly ashamed. You have turned a medicine into a weapon because you don't have the humanity to do anything but destroy others. Chinua Achebe's death is only a problem on Nairaland, and now an honest man like Wole Soyinka is being used as a tool in your dehumanized filth. You're sick. [/quote]
The OP is terrified and utterly threatened by the towering projection and recognition accorded the great Prof Achebe as the news of his demise made the front pages all over the world. Maybe the poster fears that this is taking the shine off his man.This post is just a feeble attempt to counter that towering image of Prof Achebe whom the whole world hold in high esteem. You can continue to promote your man but please do it decently and without rancor. Your motive is glaring for all to see.

[quote author=]you guys are using Wole Soyinka to fulfill and disgusting tribal fight and should be utterly ashamed. You have turned a medicine into a weapon because you don't have the humanity to do anything but destroy others. Chinua Achebe's death is only a problem on Nairaland, and now an honest man like Wole Soyinka is being used as a tool in your dehumanized filth. You're sick. [/quote]

The OP is terrified and utterly threatened by the towering projection and recognition accorded the great Prof Achebe as the news of his demise made the front pages all over the world. Maybe the poster fears that this is taking the shine off his man.This post is just a feeble attempt to counter that towering image of Prof Achebe whom the whole world hold in high esteem. You can continue to promote your man but please do it decently and without rancor. Your motive is glaring for all to see.

naptu2:

Hmph! This is quite simple, although you choose to disbelieve it, which you have every right to.

He followed his sister to school. He took his dad's books, which he couldn't even read or understand. The school authorities took him in, because of his zeal. He was clearly not qualified to be in the school, neither did they say he was given the same instructions or work as the other kids.

read ake - the years of childhood

wole was a character

op dis tin too long naa haba!
Ah nva finish ma GEM 439 handout dey well o...
Ah dey cum

Abehggii d tin toOo long to read,thanks dou

What a pity. The OP is terrified and utterly threatened. Mind you, my write-ups have absolutely nothing to do with whatever tribal fights you people decide to engage in. You make out of every post whatever you want to make out of it. I have written about Chimamanda Adichie, Flora Nwapa, Alvan Ikoku and many others long before now, not because I want to project any tribe or ethnicity, I have no time for such parochial nonsense.

The essence of Iyaniwura is to inform and share what I know with others and learn from them too, especially with those who know the value and get the gist (and I'm glad there are many of them, and I appreciate them greatly).

If you still find it difficult to believe that my writings are not determined by or related to Achebe's demise (may his good soul remain blessed) and are not written in five minutes and posted in five seconds to cause mischief, then I cannot help you. Your deduction is ridiculous, and if there is anything that makes me feel really terrified and utterly threatened, if I can use your words, it is to see Nigerians with your mentality.

specco:

The OP is terrified and utterly threatened by the towering projection and recognition accorded the great Prof Achebe as the news of his demise made the front pages all over the world. Maybe the poster fears that this is taking the shine off his man.This post is just a feeble attempt to counter that towering image of Prof Achebe whom the whole world hold in high esteem. You can continue to promote your man but please do it decently and without rancor. Your motive is glaring for all to see.

Ìyániwúrà123: What a pity. The OP is terrified and utterly threatened. Mind you, my write-ups have absolutely nothing to do with whatever tribal fights you people decide to engage in. You make out of every post whatever you want to make out of it. I have written about Chimamanda Adichie, Flora Nwapa, Alvan Ikoku and many others long before now, not because I want to project any tribe or ethnicity, I have no time for such parochial nonsense.

The essence of Iyaniwura is to inform and share what I know with others and learn from them too, especially with those who know the value and get the gist (and I'm glad there are many of them, and I appreciate them greatly).

If you still find it difficult to believe that my writings are not determined by or related to Achebe's demise (may his good soul remain blessed) and are not written in five minutes and posted in five seconds to cause mischief, then I cannot help you. Your deduction is ridiculous, and if there is anything that makes me feel really terrified and utterly threatened, if I can use your words, it is to see Nigerians with your mentality.

To add to what's posted above. . . . someone accused nairaland of suddenly posting Soyinka threads on the front page to counter publicity that arose because of Achebe's death. this was my response.

naptu2: I disagree with the OP by about 70%.

Chinua Achebe died on March 21st. It was at the beginning of March (before Achebe died) that I realised that nairaland was suddenly posting a lot of Soyinka threads to the front page (I know because I've commented on almost all the threads) and I wondered why (if there was something I was missing). For lack of a better reason, I thought that it was because Soyinka announced his retirement from commenting on public issues.

Now remember, Achebe died on March 21st. See below

Wole Soyinka Being Arrested In 1967 (pix) by venorite(m): 11:40am On Aug 13, 2012
https://www.nairaland.com/1017057/wole-soyinka-being-arrested-1967

Wole Soyinka And Sister In 1940 (Picture) by trendystuf(f): 10:56am On Feb 04
https://www.nairaland.com/1184880/wole-soyinka-sister-1940-picture

Wole Soyinka In Washington D.C In 1978 (Picture) by segunsd: 11:21am On Mar 14
https://www.nairaland.com/1225273/wole-soyinka-washington-d.c-1978

Picture Of Wole Soyinka With A Cigar by mukina2: 10:53am On Mar 17
https://www.nairaland.com/1228290/picture-wole-soyinka-cigar


However, I do agree with the op that the thread questioning Achebe's contribution to Nigeria should not have made homepage. It's quite clear that the creator of that thread intended to stoke ethnic bashing.

Likewise, Iyaniwura has been publishing biographies of prominent nigerians for a while now (see the Adenuga thread).

bodee:
I can smell one of the following things here: jealousy/envy/hatred/sentiment and probabely ignorance.

and i see one who distance themselves frm the truth n korrect.

Niceguy2112: Soyinka is the pride of the entire yoruba''(Nigerian)'' nation. He is worthy to be celebrated. It is shame, however, that those chacteristics of his which made him what he is, isn't what you'll find in the average yoruba man today, except of course, the aspect of being polygamous; unlike Achebe (may his soul rest in peace) who was a perfect example of the true igbo man.
Achebe and Soyinka shared a number of remarkable qualities. They both are fearless and truthful people; which explains the life-long amity between these two. My advice is that we, the youths of the nation, should learn to see these people not only as "properties" to make tribal boast of, as I estimate the poster of this article intended to, but also and more importantly as role models to look up to and learn from.

Why are u scared, whats all this complex all about........u ve posted a great comment only to desecrate it with tribal complex........... Why are u so insecure,whats ur fear ......!!!



Iyaniwura is a prolific writer/poster on nairaland ....check her profile hardly will u see tribal/ethnic comment..........Iyaniwura has written about many Nigerian heroes from different field of life across several ethnic groups...............and we shall still see more........If u wanna learn,search for IYANIWURA......!!!



I see no reason why u people feel so insecure to the extent of tagging other peeps activities as a sinister moves against U.....!!!


Wole Soyinka can never be Achebe viceversa........Get inpsired....!!!

gratiaeo: Deus, quis nobis, sub Sacramento
Mirabili passionis tuae
Memorian reliquisiti tribue
Quaesumus; ita nos corporis
et sanquinis tui sacra mysteria
venerari ut redemptionis
Tuae fructum in nobis iugiter
Sentiamus: qui vivi et regnas
In saecula seaculorum......
Oh, soyinka is the great!

u inside d ecclesiastical hierarchy or an Ex. I think d latter. bt it s outta point naw.

A perfect gentleman with impeccable human qualities that cannot be ignored and true Pan-African,quite superior to most of his present-day kinsmen who lack the tolerance of true Nationalism. I salute you,Wole Soyinka,the Humanist!

bleufaucon: A perfect gentleman with impeccable human qualities that cannot be ignored and true Pan-African,quite superior to most of his present-day kinsmen who lack the tolerance of true Nationalism. I salute you,Wole Soyinka,the Humanist!

He even teaches the English man in England English Language which is regarded as L2 for all non-native speakers. A man the queen of England commissions to write plays. He has succeeded, knowing full well that some words and expressions which are not English are now being used, to include Yoruba: "intiti", figiti", etc. Who is this man?

hmmmmmmm he is a gr8 man

Respect...One of the few last men of conscience Naija has left.
Soyinka is not a mere mortal,he is a man fulfilling a calling.

How I wish Nigeria was built around people
like Wole Soyinka. We got it wrong from
start.

people envy soyinka so te, den dey compare am with white man.pamphlet den no fit write.shior

Ola Johnson:
How can you say Chinua Achebe was more popular that Wole Soyinka? Achebe was just a fictional writer, an arm in the prose genre of literature whereas Wole Soyinka is a novelist, poet, dramatist, essayist and political activist. My grandfather in the village who doesn't read literature knows Wole Soyinka as a political activist. If you read his tigritude you won't only call him a literary gaint but also a philosopher. Nobody reads his book and doesn't have a philosophical stance on topical issue.
You said Wole Soyinka is a good playwrite, but not good at stage? I'll advise you read about Orisun Theatre Group which he formed in the University of Ife, which took over from Ola Rotimi's Ori Olokun Group.
On the his Nobel Prize, I plead that you read Prof. Fox lecture on his 78 birthday, how Fox and some African writers like Okot p'Bitek, David Rubadiri came to lecture in Unife just because of Soyinka.

Wow! I had no idea p'Bitek and Rubadiri are still living.

I love these poets