Wole Soyinka has been awarded the prestigious Haydee Santamaria Medal by the Cuban President, Miguel Diaz Canel....READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ▶▶
The ceremony which happened on Friday, August 23, took place at Casa de las Américas, an organization that was founded by the Cuban Government for the purpose of developing and extending the socio-cultural relations with the countries of Latin America, the Caribbean and the rest of the world.
In a statement issued by the Cuban presidency, it was said Soyinka’s visit to the country is very significant as it is that of a ‘brother’ who has always fought for just causes.
The president said presenting Soyinka with the medal reflects Cuba’s deep sentiments, noting that Haydee Santamaria consistently emphasized the role of culture in revolution.
”With you, we share ideas, dreams, commitment to human improvement,” the president said.
Director of the Centre for Literary Research at Casa de las Americas, said that conferring the Haydee Santamaría Medal on Soyinka, an honor previously given to many prominent Latin American, Caribbean, and global intellectuals, is an act of justice that honors us.
The ceremony also marked Soyinka’s 90th birthday and the 60th anniversary of his initial visit to Cuba.
In his remarks, Soyinka highlighted the need to strengthen connections between Africa and Cuba, adding that the South American country feels like home to him as well.
“Our ties with Cuba are not limited to art and literature, but also to liberation, Soyinka said.
“I grew up listening to Cuban music, in those days when there were gramophones, when there was no electricity.
“This has been a wonderful way to bring me back and remind me that Cuba is also my home.
“And it is proof that Yoruba is everywhere here, and that completes the spiritual aspect of people like me.”
The medal is given to Cuban and international individuals and organizations who have helped achieve the goals of Casa de las Américas.
Additionally, the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba awarded Soyinka the Dulce María Loynaz International Prize.
A theater critic and theorist, called Soyinka a steadfast individual, adding that his intellectual work is deeply rooted in the ancestral wisdom of Yoruba culture.
Soyinka received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986.
