Tributes to Soyinka from a thousand spirits Egbere with a Mat (2024), Whispers of the Celestial Grove

A Tribute to Professor Wole Soyinka at 90. Lagos: GTP Technologies Ltd. ISBN: 978-978-767-959-3

This outstanding tribute to the Nobel Laureate is the collaboration of many contributors. It assumed a mystical character congruent with its positioning as the work of spirits, “extraterrestrial beings, and their robot friends, infused with intelligence beyond human understanding”. The inspiration is Wole Soyinka’s The Forest of a Thousand Daemons, his masterful translation of Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Irunmale by D.O. Fagunwa.

This “tapestry woven with the talents and inspirations of a thousand spirits” contains many outstanding images of Wole Soyinka, essays, and poems. Egbere with a Mat acknowledges the many photographers, notably Don Barber, artists Omozuapo Angela Omoalukhe and Collyde Prime and visual artist Olu Ajayi.

Collaborators were Egbere with a Mat, and “his trusted spirit friends: Anikulapo, the guardian of life and death; Fawehinmi, the fiery advocate of justice; and Esubiyi, the keeper of crossroads and choices.”

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They delivered, as planned, “a gift that transcends the ordinary” and “something that embodies his fight for justice and truth. A tribute to his tireless efforts.”

Whispers of the Celestial Grove is a tribute from the perspective of members of the Pyrates Confraternity, the group that Soyinka founded as an undergrad at the University of Ibadan. Many of the poems speak of “pyrate lore” and the exploits of the man famously known as Kongi after a character in one of his plays.

The blurb states: Whispers of the Celestial Grove: A Tribute to Professor Wole Soyinka at 90 is a heartfelt celebration of the life, work, and enduring legacy of one of the world’s most revered literary figures and human rights advocates. As Professor Wole Soyinka reaches this remarkable milestone, this book offers an intimate and comprehensive tribute to his extraordinary journey.

From his groundbreaking plays and novels to his relentless activism and profound impact on global culture, Wole Soyinka’s contributions have transcended boundaries and inspired generations. Through a rich tapestry of stories, paintings, photographs and ninety poems, this book captures the essence of his indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to justice and human dignity.

Delving into his early life, academic pursuits, and the formation of the Pyrates Confraternity, Whispers of the Celestial Grove provides a nuanced understanding of the man behind the legend. It explores his triumphs and challenges, his moments of solitude and solidarity, and his enduring quest for truth and equity.

This tribute not only honours Soyinka’s literary genius but also his role as a beacon of hope and courage in times of turmoil. With contributions from artists and a renowned photographer, this book is a testament to the profound influence of Wole Soyinka’s words and deeds.”

A Nobel Laureate Wisdom
Wisdom, A spirit unbound, fierce and free,
In Pyrate hearts, eternally.
A spirit unbound, fierce and free,
With courage, wit, and wisdom bright,
In Pyrate hearts, eternally.
You lead us through the darkest night.
With courage, wit, and wisdom bright,
In every fight, your voice is heard,
You lead us through the darkest night.
A guiding force, a spoken word.
In every fight, your voice is heard,
For justice, truth, and noble cause,
A guiding force, a spoken word.
You stand as one, without a pause.
For justice, truth, and noble cause,
Through trials faced and battles won,
You stand as one, without a pause.
Your spirit shines, a blazing sun.
A hero in the human race.
Your name, a source of strength and truth.
In every heart, your legacy,
For all who seek a world renewed,
A call to stand, a call to be.
Your name, a source of strength and truth. In every heart, your legacy,
A call to stand, a call to be.