Celebrating the Legacy of Ngugi wa Thiong’o: A Life of Dance and Resistance
Ngugi wa Thiong’o had an unparalleled passion for dance, rivaling even his love for writing. Even in his 80s, as he battled the challenges of kidney failure, the mere thought of music would prompt him to dance. For Ngugi, rhythm was as vital as the words he penned. This vivid image of him dancing will forever resonate with me.
Ngugi passed away on May 28 at the age of 87, leaving behind an extraordinary literary legacy that deserves recognition. His work combined innovative artistry with profound criticism, reminding us all to strive for excellence as writers, activists, educators, and human beings. He challenged us to confront the colonial structures that persist in our societies.
His influence inspired me to delve deeper into the Kakuma refugee camp, where the vibrant mix of languages and cultures allowed for genuine expression—something Ngugi always celebrated as writing’s greatest gift. By the time we met in 2005, Ngugi was already a prominent figure in the African literary canon and a perennial contender for the Nobel Prize.
Through our conversations, I quickly realized that Ngugi’s writing was deeply intertwined with his teaching, which was, in turn, connected to his political activism. His infectious smile often concealed a profound anger rooted in his experiences with violence as a child and adult—experiences shaped by the brutal realities of colonial oppression. The tragic loss of his deaf brother at the hands of British soldiers, and the familial divisions caused by the Mau Mau revolt, highlighted the enduring legacy of violence and division that extended beyond colonial rule.
Decades later, Ngugi remained passionate about the fact that colonialism did not end with British departure; it merely transformed under new Kenyan leadership. As he evolved into a writer and playwright, he became a fierce advocate for reconnecting the complex identities that British colonialism had sought to erase.
His first play, The Black Hermit, premiered in 1962, quickly establishing him as a key voice for the African continent. Just two years later, he published Weep Not Child, the first English-language novel by an East African writer. As his career flourished, Ngugi made the bold decision to write in his native Gikuyu, a choice that dramatically altered his life and career trajectory. His ability to critique postcolonial rule in a language accessible to his compatriots posed a threat to Kenya’s new rulers, resulting in his imprisonment without trial in 1977.
Ngugi’s shift to writing in Gikuyu illuminated the reality of neocolonialism, which he defined as the adoption of colonial practices by newly independent leaders. He believed that true decolonization could only happen when people were liberated from foreign mentalities, starting with the freedom to write in their native tongues.
Often overlooked, Ngugi’s insights into neocolonialism, influenced by the writings of Kwame Nkrumah and other African intellectuals, foreshadowed the current emphasis on "decolonial" and "Indigenous" perspectives in academia and cultural discourse. He is frequently mentioned alongside influential thinkers like Edward Said, Homi Bhabha, and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak as a pioneering figure in postcolonial thought.
Ngugi and Said shared a profound focus on language, recognizing that colonialism’s effects were still present in their lives. For Ngugi, the act of writing in Gikuyu allowed him to envision freedom, even as he faced the confines of his circumstances.
From his home in Orange County, California, Ngugi continued to encourage students and younger colleagues to "write dangerously"—to harness language as a tool for resistance against oppression. He believed that true liberation could only be achieved if one wrote without fear, allowing the spirit of creativity to soar.
As we remember Ngugi wa Thiong’o, let us honor his legacy by continuing to explore the power of language and storytelling in the fight against injustice. His call to action remains relevant, urging us to challenge the status quo and seek a brighter, more equitable future for all.
