Following the announcement of the date for the revelation of the Nobel laureate for 2017, speculations began to spring up all over the internet with reason why various authors should win.
Most Africans were rooting for Kenyan author and renowned novelist, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, who was formerly working in English but now works in Gikuyu. The well respected author has written and published several works including novels, plays, short stories and essays ranging from literary and social criticism to children’s literature.
Many comments from Kenyans were indicating that Ngugi’s win would be a win for the whole of the Kenyan nation in particular and the African literary space in General.
“It’s high speculation season on the 2017 Nobel laureate for literature. One of my all-time favourite writers, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, is once more part of the conversation. My view: Ngugi is so accomplished the Nobel Prize should desire to win him.”
The statement made by Okey Ndibe, fast rising author of Foreign Gods Inc., on his Facebook page was one out of many statements in support of Ngugi winning the Nobel Prize.
Kenyans on social media declared renewed hope in the win to help revolutionize their country and stabilize their unity, following the recent political tensions associated with the desire to put an end to aristocracy which has persisted for too long since their independence.
“We need Ngugi to get it. It will bring us together as a country, now that we are so divided because of our desire to end aristocracy that has persisted for too long since independence.”
The statement came from James Wamuhiu who was replying Mukoma wa Ngugi’s comment. The son of the accomplished author betrayed his excitement when he posted on Facebook, commenting on the likely win for his father.
Last year, American singer and songwriter, Bob Dylan, was awarded the price and became the second songwriter to win it, 103 years after Indian poet, Rabindranath Tagore emerged the winner in 1913.
