Amos Tutuola (1920 – 1997)
Early Life and Background: Amos Olatubosun Tutuola was born on June 20, 1920, in Wasinmi, a village near Abeokuta, Nigeria. He was the youngest son of Charles Tutuola Odegbami and Esther Aina Odegbami, both Yoruba Christian cocoa farmers. His grandfather, Chief Odegbami, was a prominent traditional leader among the Egba people, holding the title of Odafin, which denotes a lawgiver. Tutuola’s early education was limited; he attended Salvation Army primary school and Anglican Central School but left formal schooling to work as a blacksmith after his father’s death in 1939.
Career and Writing: Despite his limited education, Tutuola became a renowned writer, known for his novels inspired by Yoruba folklore. His first significant work, The Palm-Wine Drinkard, was written in 1946 and published in 1952, garnering international acclaim. The book was praised by prominent figures such as poet Dylan Thomas but faced criticism in Nigeria for its unconventional use of English. Tutuola continued to explore themes of Yoruba culture in subsequent works, including My Life in the Bush of Ghosts (1954) and The Brave African Huntress (1958). His writing style, while unique, sparked debates about language and representation in African literature.
Legacy and Influence: Tutuola’s works have been translated into multiple languages, and he is credited with fusing traditional African storytelling with modern literary forms. His stories reflect the complexities of Yoruba traditions while addressing broader human experiences. He was involved in literary organizations, including the Mbari Club, and received recognition as a significant figure in Nigerian literature. Tutuola passed away on June 8, 1997, but his contributions continue to inspire new generations of writers and readers.
Selected Works:
The Palm-Wine Drinkard (1946, published 1952)
My Life in the Bush of Ghosts (1954)
Simbi and the Satyr of the Dark Jungle (1955)
The Brave African Huntress (1958)
Feather Woman of the Jungle (1962)
Tributes: Tutuola’s influence extends beyond literature; his work inspired musicians and artists, and initiatives like the Amos Tutuola Literary Society have been established to promote his legacy. In 2021, the Tutuola Institute was inaugurated to celebrate Yoruba culture and literature.
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