The Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) is set to host its 16th annual edition this July, bringing its impactful platform for cultural dialogue and intellectual engagement to two continents. Inspired by Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, this year’s programme, themed “Decolonisation of Nigerian Youth: Agenda for Our Future Leadership,” will explore postcolonial identity and empower young Africans to redefine leadership through their cultural heritage and global awareness. Events are slated for July 13 in Abeokuta, Nigeria, and July 24-25 in London, United Kingdom.
The 2025 programme reflects on the dynamics of postcolonial identity and interrogates how young Africans can reclaim agency and reimagine leadership in ways that honour cultural roots while engaging global realities.
Cross-Continental Programming
In Abeokuta, Nigeria, the celebration on July 13 will include:
– A Youth Talent Showcase (DYOT โ Do Your Own Thing), featuring music, dance, spoken word, indigenous drama, and visual storytelling by young performers.
– A Female Talking Drummers Showcase, spotlighting young girls exploring leadership and expression through traditional rhythms.
– Cultural exhibitions, mentorship, and a celebratory gathering in honour of Professor Soyinkaโs 91st birthday.
– The Africa Youth Literature, Communication and Arts Workshop, co-led by Ayo Aladekomo and Abolore Sobayo, fostering creative learning and cultural exchange among young African participants.
In London, events will be held on July 24 and 25 in partnership with The Africa Centre. Programming includes:
– A high-level Advocacy Session titled:
โThe Artist as Postcolonial Agent: Canvas of Leadership Nuancesโ
This dialogue will explore the artistโs role in shaping leadership narratives and sociopolitical discourse in contemporary African societies.
– Keynote speakers include:
โข Professor Wilson Mano
โข Dr. Vanessa Iwowo
– Anchors:
โข Chief Olu Alake, CEO, The Africa Centre
โข Dr. Samantha Iwowo, Bournemouth University
– A vibrant Cultural Night celebrating African creativity through live music, performance, and visual art. Featured creatives include:
โข Kayefi โ Singer and Afro-folk performer
โข Aduke โ Neo-soul and African fusion artist
โข Segun Akinduro โ Visual artist and performer
โข Abolore Sobayo โ Multidisciplinary artist and cultural advocate
โข Eyinju Eledumare โ Performance poet and storyteller
Honouring a Global Legacy
WSICE 2025 is produced by ZMirage Multimedia Company, under the leadership of Dr. Olateju Kareem (Executive Producer), and co-executive producers Prof. Segun Ojewuyi and Dr. Kareem, in collaboration with national and international cultural institutions.
The Nigeria-based production is led by:
โข Mr. Jahman Anikulapo โ Cultural Consultant & Head of Communications
โข Dr. Tunde Awosanmi โ Creative Director
โข Prof. Razinat Muhammed โ Head of Adjudication
โข Mrs. Linda Olowokere โ Youth Producer
โข Ayo Aladekomo and Joy Nweye โ Associate Producers
โข Lilian Amah-Aluko โ Production Lead
Across all activities, WSICE continues to honour Professor Soyinkaโs life work by championing youth empowerment, cultural pride, and critical thought. As Africa and the global African diaspora navigate a complex and changing world, WSICE 2025 offers a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of art, heritage, and leadership rooted in truth and integrity.
Executive Producer’s Remarks
Dr. Olateju Kareem, Executive Producer and MD/CEO of ZMirage Multimedia Company Ltd, the founding organisation of WSICE, reaffirmed the programme’s mission:
“As culture continues to be our pride, let a better understanding of each other’s cultures yield respect and toleranceโleading to unity and the advancement of our shared humanity.”
Dr. Kareem also expressed heartfelt appreciation for Professor Wole Soyinka:
“We deeply thank Professor Soyinka for lending not just his name to this initiative, but for personally receiving youth participants each year at his home, and for attending both the Nigerian and UK editions of the programme. His presence at our sessionsโfrom Abeokuta to The Africa Centre in Londonโreinforces his enduring role as mentor to generations of young thinkers, writers, and artists.โ