Nigerian Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has revealed how the power of subconscious creativity enabled him to write his renowned play, The King and the Horseman, in just two and a half days. Speaking at the unveiling of CreaTent and Books of Aphorisms, authored by his mentee Mohammed Bello, in Abuja on Saturday, Soyinka described the process as a manifestation of deep-seated inspiration.
“The idea had been in me for many years,” Soyinka disclosed. “Finally, I couldn’t resist anymore. I sat down and, in two and a half days, the play was complete.”
Soyinka emphasized the unpredictable nature of creative inspiration, encouraging aspiring writers to trust their instincts. “Don’t force creativity,” he advised. “If you’re stuck, take a break. Play football, listen to music, or engage in other activities. Creativity flows when the mind is free.”
He humorously shared his fascination with mechanics, confessing: “I call myself a failed mechanic. I’m captivated by technology and mechanical processes. Creativity isn’t limited to literature — it extends to innovations like solar energy and automobiles.”
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, represented by Prof. Bello Ayuba, echoed Soyinka’s sentiments, lamenting the nation’s waning reading culture. He urged writers to intensify efforts to rekindle intellectual curiosity, noting that UBEC had adopted Bello’s literary work for use in public schools.
Bello, the event’s honoree, explained that CreaTent seeks to nurture young talents often overlooked by their parents. “I founded CreaTent as a haven for creative minds,” Bello said. “Too many gifted children go unnoticed. This platform will help them thrive.”
