In a ceremony held at the renowned Casa de las Americas in Havana, Nigerian literary icon and Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, was conferred with the Haydee Santamaria Medal.
The prestigious award was presented on Thursday by Miguel Diaz-Canel, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic of Cuba.
This honor was bestowed upon Soyinka in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the promotion and defense of cultural and social justice, not only in Nigeria but across the globe.
The Haydee Santamaria Medal is one of Cuba’s highest honors, given to individuals and groups, both national and international, who have significantly contributed to the enrichment, defense, and integration of the genuine cultures of Cuba, the region, and the entire Global South.
The award, named after Haydee Santamaria, a revolutionary heroine and founder of Casa de las Americas, symbolizes a deep respect for those who have fought for cultural and social unity.
Jorge Fornet, Director of the Center for Literary Research at Casa de las Americas, delivered a speech at the event, highlighting the importance of Soyinka’s contributions to literature and social justice.
“Awarding Soyinka the medal that bears the name of that extraordinary woman is an act of justice that honors us,” Fornet stated, acknowledging the profound impact of Soyinka’s work on global culture and human rights.
Following the award ceremony, President Diaz-Canel held a private meeting with Professor Soyinka. During their conversation, the Cuban leader expressed his deep appreciation for Soyinka’s solidarity with Cuba, particularly during the nation’s challenging times.
“It is the visit of a brother who has always been fighting for the most just causes,” President Diaz-Canel remarked, underlining the strong bond between Soyinka and the Cuban people.
Soyinka’s visit to Cuba comes at a time when the country faces significant economic and social challenges, exacerbated by external pressures.
In his remarks, Soyinka emphasised the importance of strengthening ties between Africa and Cuba.
“Our ties with Cuba are not limited to art and literature but extend to our shared struggles for liberation. I grew up listening to Cuban music back in the days of gramophones when there was no electricity.
“This honor has been a wonderful reminder that Cuba is also my home. It’s proof that Yoruba culture is vibrant here, which completes the spiritual connection for people like me,” Soyinka said.
The Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba also presented Soyinka with the Dulce María Loynaz International Prize.
This award also marks a significant milestone in Soyinka’s long relationship with Cuba. The event not only honored Soyinka’s 90th birthday but also celebrated the 60th anniversary of his first visit to Cuba. Over the decades, Soyinka has returned to Cuba on several occasions, strengthening ties between the two nations through cultural exchange and mutual respect.
Wole Soyinka’s first visit to Cuba in the early 1960s came at a time of global upheaval and decolonization. As a young writer and activist, Soyinka was deeply inspired by the Cuban Revolution and the role that culture played in shaping the new Cuban identity.
Born on July 13, 1934, in Abeokuta, Nigeria, Soyinka is one of Africa’s most celebrated writers and intellectuals. He became the first African to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, a recognition of his rich and varied contributions to world literature. Soyinka’s work spans multiple genres, including drama, poetry, and prose, and is known for its exploration of the complex social and political landscapes of post-colonial Africa.
Throughout his career, Soyinka has been a vocal critic of oppressive regimes and has used his literary talents to champion the cause of freedom and human rights. His works, such as “A Dance of the Forests,” “The Man Died,” and “Death and the King’s Horseman,” are regarded as some of the most significant contributions to African and world literature. Soyinka’s writing is characterized by its profound engagement with the struggles for justice, dignity, and the integrity of the human spirit.
