Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka took the world by surprise when he announced the release of a new novel last month. His first in 48 years, the 524-pages novel, titled Chronicles of the Happiest People on Earth and published by www.bookcraftafrica.com, has generated a steady buzz since news of its pending release was made public.

Recently, friends and fans of Prof Soyinka assembled at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos and also in Ibadan, to formally launch the book.The guests in attendance at the Lagos launch included the Nigerian Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, Chief, Newton Jibunoh, Kunle Ajibade, Executive Editor, TheNEWS magazine and Professor Ebun Clark.

The launch ceremony, which observed strict rules of social distancing and a compulsory face-mask as a prerequisite for entry, saw selected guests reading excerpts from the novel, alongside Prof Soyinka, in English, French and Spanish. There were also performances of plays, spoken word poetry, etc.

Readers anywhere in Nigeria can order Chronicles of the Happiest People on Earth at  Rovingheights Books. The book is also available at The Book Seller located in Ibadan.

See pictures of the events below. All credits belong to the Bookcraft team.