Abeokuta, Ogun State – Dem don gather again for Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) as dem dey mark di 16th anniversary of this vibrant celebration wey dey combine culture, art, and intellectual engagement. Dem start dis journey since 2010, coinciding with Soyinka’s 76th birthday, and e don grow enter global recognition level. Dis year, dem go hold dia events for Abeokuta on July 13 and London on July 24-25.
Di theme for dis year na “Decolonisation of African Youth: Agenda for Our Future Leadership”. Dis be serious matter o, as dem go explore wetin e mean to be young African in our postcolonial world, and how to change di narrative for future wey dey shine bright like Lagos traffic for night. Na serious palava wey dem wan tackle.
Di main event go take place tomorrow for Professor Soyinka’s serene residence wey dem dey call Ijegba Forest of Literature. Chai! Wetin pass this? Dem go showcase di talents of our youth with performances like music, spoken word, and indigenous arts, plus some traditional drumming by our queens. No be small thing!
For those who sabi how to connect dots across continents, di events in London go see di UK part of di programme, where dem go gather around The Africa Centre for deeper discussions about culture, society, and how creatives fit shape di future of Africa. Di panel discussion go get heavyweights like Professor Wilson Mano and Dr. Vanessa Iwowo talking about wetin it take to be creative and yet a leader.
Plus, dem dey talk plenty about how to empower young talents for di African entertainment space with Art, Communication, and Arts Workshop wey go happen. Aduke and Abolore Sobayo go dey lead dat discussion. Dis one go help dem learn how to tell stories wey dey inspire any youth wey dey struggle.
As di Executive Producer of WSICE, Dr. Olateju Kareem yan, “As culture dey be our pride, we hope sey understanding each other’s cultures go bring unity and advance our humanity.” E no lie o! Soyinka no just dey throw name for di initiative, na him dey show face for all di events, from Abeokuta to London. Dem dey call am mentor for plenty creatives wey dey follow him footsteps.
Olu Alake, wey be di CEO of The Africa Centre, talk sey dem dey proud to dey continue to honour di esteemed Professor. Dis year’s focus on youth leadership na critical one as e go help shift di narrative for African artists as cultural ambassadors.
All dis sabi sabi men and women dey come together to ensure sey di event go blow our mind. Na so culture and creativity dey mix to create an atmosphere wey fit generate real change. And we dey expect sey di WSICE 2025 go surpass previous editions. Get ready to jive and vibe!
