Bisina SomtoNollywood veteran Wale Ojo is set to play Wole Soyinka in the upcoming film adaptation of “The Man Died.” This memoir delves into Soyinka’s life during his incarceration as a political prisoner amidst the turbulence of the Nigerian Civil War.
Directed by Awam Amkpa, the film is slated for release in July 2024, coinciding with Soyinka’s 90th birthday. The announcement was made via an Instagram post on May 2
Originally written by Soyinka in 1972, “The Man Died” is a testament to his intellectual prowess. It captures the essence of a tumultuous period in Nigeria’s history, highlighting themes like freedom, justice, and the strength of the human spirit.
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Soyinka’s literary contributions have garnered global acclaim, leading up to his historic Nobel Prize in Literature win in 1986, a milestone that solidified his place as a literary icon. As Wale Ojo embodies the essence of soyinka, the film promises to offer audiences a compelling glimpse into his untold journey.
Acknowledging Soyinka’s mark on literature and activism, Ojo took to Instagram on the Nobel laureate’s 89th birthday last July to pay tribute to the “rare icon.” “The Man Died” boasts an ensemble cast of Nollywood luminaries, including Chidi Mokeme, Sam Dede, and Norbert Young, among others. Helmed by director Awam Amkpa, the film is produced by Femi Odugbemi and penned by Bode Asiyanbi, promising a cinematic experience that honours Soyinka’s literary brilliance.
This adaptation follows in the footsteps of “Death and the King’s Horseman,” another of Soyinka’s works, which found its cinematic expression in the 2022 Netflix film “Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman.”
Beyond “The Man Died,” Soyinka’s literary repertoire includes timeless classics such as “The Lion and the Jewel,” “The Trials of Brother Jero,” “Aké: The Years of Childhood,” and “You Must Set Forth at Dawn.”
Somto is an Entertainment Reporter with a passion for uncovering the latest stories in the world of entertainment. As a dedicated journalist, Somto delivers in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news coverage.
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