Veteran Nollywood actor Wale Ojo is set to star as the iconic Nigerian writer Wole Soyinka in a new film adaptation of Soyinka’s famous memoir, “The Man Died.”
The book tells the story of Soyinka’s experiences as a political prisoner during the Nigerian Civil War in the late 1960s. It’s a powerful account of his thoughts and struggles while being held by the government.
“The Man Died” was published in 1972, two years after the war ended. Soyinka later became the first Sub-Saharan African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, a historic achievement.
Interestingly, in July 2023, on Soyinka’s 89th birthday, Wale Ojo himself paid tribute to the literary giant, calling him “a rare icon.” Now, Ojo will have the chance to bring Soyinka’s story to life on the big screen.
“Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka is 89 years old today. Love him OR hate him HE has earned his place amongst the G. O. A. T. of this universe!” the 55-year-old posted on Instagram.
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Joining Wale Ojo in the cast of “The Man Died” is a lineup of Nollywood stars. Familiar faces like Chidi Mokeme, Sam Dede, and Norbert Young will share the screen. Rising talents like Simileoluwa Hassan and Christiana Oshunniyi will join too. The film also introduces newcomer Abraham Amkpa.
Femi Odugbemi is the producer, Bode Asiyanbi is the writer, and Awam Amkpa directs. The film is set to hit theatres in July 2024, a special date chosen to celebrate Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday.
This isn’t the first time Soyinka’s work has been adapted for the screen. In 2022, his play “Death and the King’s Horseman” was transformed into the Netflix movie “Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman.”
Soyinka, a celebrated author and the first-ever Nobel laureate from Sub-Saharan Africa has a rich literary legacy. “The Man Died” joins a collection of powerful works. It includes “The Lion and the Jewel,” “The Trials of Brother Jero,” “Aké: The Years of Childhood,” and “You Must Set Forth at Dawn.”
