Wole Soyinka Honored with Cuba’s Haydee Santamaria Medal

Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka was honored with the prestigious Haydee Santamaria Medal by Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on August 23. This is one of Cuba’s highest honors, awarded to Soyinka in recognition of his lifelong dedication to justice, culture, and human progress.

During the ceremony, President Diaz-Canel emphasized the significance of Soyinka’s visit, referring to him as “a brother who has always fought for just causes.” He noted, “Awarding Soyinka the medal is an expression of many feelings for Cuba. Haydee always stressed the importance of culture to revolution.”

Jorge Fornet, Director of the Centre for Literary Research at Casa de las Americas, also praised the decision, stating, “Awarding Soyinka the Haydee Santamaria Medal, which has previously been given to many of the most outstanding figures of Latin American, Caribbean, and other world intellectuals, is an act of justice that honors us.”

Wole Soyinka reflected on the deep cultural connections between Africa and Cuba, expressing his affection for the country. He said, “Our ties with Cuba are not limited to art and literature, but also to liberation. I grew up listening to Cuban music in those days when there were gramophones, when there was no electricity. This has been a wonderful way to bring me back and remind me that Cuba is also my home. And it is proof that Yoruba is everywhere here, and that completes the spiritual aspect of people like me.”

The Haydee Santamaria Medal, named after a Cuban revolutionary figure, is awarded to individuals and groups who have significantly contributed to the goals of Casa de las Américas, a leading cultural institution in Cuba.

In addition to this honor, Prof. Wole Soyinka also received the Dulce María Loynaz International Prize from the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba.