Wole Soyinka urges stronger Nigeria–Brazil cultural ties during meeting with Lula

Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has renewed calls for deeper cultural cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil, stressing that cultural diplomacy is a vital tool for fostering mutual understanding and strengthening international partnerships.

The renowned playwright and essayist met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Monday in Brasília, where he presented the Portuguese translation of his influential book, Myth, Literature, and the African World (Mito, Literatura e o Mundo Africano). The work, which examines African mythology, literature, and identity, is regarded as a key text in postcolonial literary studies.

Though Soyinka’s visit was described as private, it coincided with President Bola Tinubu’s official state visit to Brazil, during which Nigeria and Brazil signed five Memoranda of Understanding aimed at boosting bilateral trade, energy cooperation, and diplomatic engagement. Soyinka’s presence highlighted the growing role of cultural diplomacy in complementing government-to-government initiatives.

Speaking during the meeting, Soyinka underscored the importance of cultural exchange as a bridge between Africa’s largest Black nation and South America’s largest economy. He urged both governments, as well as private institutions, to invest in collaborative projects in literature, education, visual arts, and heritage preservation to ensure that the shared historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil are strengthened for future generations.

Following his engagement with President Lula, Soyinka attended a series of Afro-Brazilian cultural renaissance events organized by local communities in Brasília. His participation celebrated the shared heritage between Nigeria and Brazil, reflecting centuries-old connections through the African diaspora.

Observers note that Soyinka’s advocacy aligns with broader diplomatic efforts to elevate Nigeria–Brazil relations beyond trade and politics, focusing on cultural partnerships that showcase Africa’s creative and intellectual contributions to the world.