The captivating memoir of renowned Nigerian writer Wole Soyinka, “The Man Died,” is set to come to life on the silver screen, with Nollywood veteran Wale Ojo taking on the iconic role.
Soyinka’s autobiographical account delves into his experiences as a political prisoner during the tumultuous Nigerian Civil War in the late 1960s, offering a poignant reflection on his thoughts and struggles during that turbulent period.
Originally published in 1972, “The Man Died” stands as a testament to Soyinka’s resilience and intellectual prowess, earning him global acclaim and culminating in the historic Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, a groundbreaking achievement for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Celebrating Soyinka’s 89th birthday in July 2023, Ojo paid tribute to the literary giant as “a rare icon,” acknowledging his indelible contributions to literature and society at large.
Joining Ojo in the film adaptation are esteemed Nollywood talents including Chidi Mokeme, Sam Dede, Norbert Young, Francis Onwochei, Edmond Enabe, Segilola Ogidan, Simileoluwa Hassan, Christiana Oshunniyi, and newcomer Abraham Amkpa.
Produced by Femi Odugbemi, penned by Bode Asiyanbi, and helmed by director Awam Amkpa, “The Man Died” is slated for release in July 2024, coinciding with Soyinka’s 90th birthday, promising to bring his powerful narrative to a new generation of viewers.
Soyinka’s literary legacy extends far beyond “The Man Died,” encompassing timeless works such as “Death and the King’s Horseman” (1975), recently adapted into the acclaimed Netflix film “Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman.” His prolific oeuvre includes classics like “The Lion and the Jewel” (1959), “The Trials of Brother Jero” (1960), “Aké: The Years of Childhood” (1981), and “You Must Set Forth at Dawn” (2006), cementing his status as a literary luminary of unparalleled stature.