WSICE 2025 explores youth leadership, postcolonial expressions across two continents

By Editor

THE Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) returns for its 16th edition this July, continuing its legacy as a powerful platform for cultural dialogue, artistic innovation, and intellectual engagement inspired by the enduring influence of the Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka. This year’s edition, themed “Decolonisation of Nigerian Youth: Agenda for Our Future Leadership,” will unfold across two continents—Nigeria and the United Kingdom—with events taking place on July 13 in Abeokuta and July 24–25 in London.

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, with cross-continental programming in Abeokuta, Nigeria on July 13 that will include a Youth Talent Showcase (DYOT – Do Your Own Thing), featuring music, dance, spoken word, indigenous drama, and visual storytelling by young performers and Female Talking Drummers Showcase, spotlighting young girls exploring leadership and expression through traditional rhythms.

Others are cultural exhibitions, mentorship, and a celebratory gathering in honour of Professor Soyinka’s 91st birthday, 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. The programming includes a high-level Advocacy Session titled ‘The Artist as Postcolonial Agent: Canvas of Leadership Nuances.’ This dialogue will explore the artist’s role in shaping leadership narratives and sociopolitical discourse in contemporary African societies.

Keynote speakers include Professor Wilson Mano, Dr. Vanessa Iwowo, with anchors being CEO, The Africa Centre, Chief Olu Alake and Dr. Samantha Iwowo of Bournemouth University.

A vibrant Cultural Night celebrating African creativity through live music, performance, and visual art that will feature creatives like Singer and Afro-folk performer, Kayefi, Neo-soul and African fusion artist, Aduke, Visual artist and performer, Segun Akinduro, multidisciplinary artist and cultural advocate, Abolore Sobayo and performance poet and storyteller, Eyinju Eledumare.

WSICE 2025, 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 with Nigeria-based production led by culture consultant and Head of Communications, Mr. Jahman Anikulapo, Creative Director, Dr. Tunde Awosanmi, Head of Adjudication, Prof. Razinat Muhammed, Youth Producer, Mrs. Linda Olowokere, Associate Producers, Ayo Aladekomo and Joy Nweye, Production Lead Across all activities, Lilian Amah-Aluko.

WSICE continues to honour Professor Soyinka’s 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.

In his remarks, the Executive Producer and MD/CEO of ZMirage Multimedia Company Ltd and organiser of WSICE, reaffirmed the programme’s mission, saying, “As culture continues to be our pride, let a better understanding of each other’s cultures yield respect and tolerance—leading to unity and the advancement of our shared humanity,” and also expressed heartfelt appreciation for Prof. 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 sessions—from Abeokuta to The Africa Centre in London—reinforces his enduring role as mentor to generations of young thinkers, writers, and artists.”

Prof. Wole Soyinka and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun with the 90 students at WSICE 2024