Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka recently shared insights about his preparations for his “transition” in an interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo.
Soyinka, who celebrated his 90th birthday on July 13, 2024, discussed his life experiences, including his career as a writer and activist, during the interview that aired on September 21, 2024, as part of CNN’s African Voices Changemakers series.
When asked about his future now that he has secured his own “legal piece of earth,” Soyinka responded with a somber tone, alluding to his eventual “transition.” He stated, “I don’t want to be morbid, but that’s my future. I’ve made arrangements for that within the estate,” catching Madowo off guard and prompting laughter as he noted, “That is the most morbid answer anybody has ever given me.”
Soyinka pressed on, acknowledging that many find such topics uncomfortable but emphasizing that it’s a shared future. He then shifted focus, expressing his intention to prioritize relaxation and take a break from his creative work before any final transition. “The immediate thing is to go on a vacation, to stop giving interviews, and to resume activities that bring me joy—things I had to set aside for my work. I’m also looking forward to just being a tourist for a while, sitting somewhere for a week or two and enjoying life,” he shared.
Through both serious and humorous reflections, Soyinka provides a unique perspective on aging, blending thoughts on mortality with plans for leisure and travel.
