Sir Ben Okri, the Booker Prize-winning wordsmith, has unveiled a tantalising glimpse into his philosophical mindset, where mortality is mere transformation, love is the lifeblood that fuels creation, and storytelling is an art of weaving magic. As he prepares to release his latest masterpiece, Waking the Warriors, on 16 July, Okri's thoughts on the human condition are as profound as they are inspiring.
Born in Nigeria and nurtured by the cosmopolitan streets of London, Okri has spent a lifetime weaving words into unforgettable tales. His debut novel, Flowers and Shadows, burst onto the scene in 1980, but it was his magnum opus, The Famished Road, that swept him to international acclaim, landing him the Booker Prize in 1991.
Fast-forward to 2023, and Okri's contributions to literature were recognised with a well-deserved knighthood for services to the arts. His impressive bibliography includes Astonishing the Gods, which made it onto the BBC's list of 100 novels that 'shaped our world' in 2019.
When asked about his life, Okri distilled it down to three potent words: "Alchemy. Love. Resilience." And when pressed for his superpower of choice? Enlightenment, a fitting answer from a man who has illuminated the literary landscape with his unique voice.
The greatest love of his life? "Being here," he responds, underlining an awe-inspiring appreciation for existence. A treasured possession is a photograph of his parents, while a Dalí painting stands as his most prized purchase – aside from property, of course.
Okri's journey has not been without its challenges, but he brushes off the doubts that threatened to derail him in the UK, reminding us that "The only demographic that counts is the human heart." Storytelling, for Okri, is an art of "lying magically," a testament to his imagination and creativity.
From loudly gargling with salt water (an unappealing habit, even for him) to voicing concerns about growing older ("Not being there for my daughter" is his biggest fear), Okri shares candid insights into life, love, and the pursuit of greatness. As a child, he dreamed of becoming a composer, pirate, scientist, and philosopher – a reflection of his boundless curiosity.
With Waking the Warriors poised to hit shelves on 16 July, Okri's enduring message is clear: "Evolve or perish" – a powerful call to arms for anyone brave enough to embark on a journey of growth and adaptation.