Koffi Kwahulé
Encyclopedia
Koffi Kwahulé is an Ivorian
writer. In 2006 he won the Prix Ahmadou Kourouma for his novel Babyface, published by Éditions Gallimard
; he also won the Grand Prix Ivoirien des Lettres for 2006.
A native of Abengourou
, Kwahulé began his artistic studies at the National Arts Institute in Abidjan
. Upon receiving a state scholarship
, he continued his studies in France, working at the école Nationale Supérieure des arts et des techniques du Théâtre de Paris. He received a doctorate
in theatrical studies at the Sorbonne
. Since 1977, he has written close to twenty plays, some of which have been published by Lansman and Théâtrales. His language has been described as musical, influenced by the rhythms of jazz
. Today Kwahulé is among the most popular African playwrights in the world; his work has been translated into numerous languages, and his plays have been shown in Europe, the United States, and Canada.
Côte d'Ivoire
The Republic of Côte d'Ivoire or Ivory Coast is a country in West Africa. It has an area of , and borders the countries Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana; its southern boundary is along the Gulf of Guinea. The country's population was 15,366,672 in 1998 and was estimated to be...
writer. In 2006 he won the Prix Ahmadou Kourouma for his novel Babyface, published by Éditions Gallimard
Éditions Gallimard
Éditions Gallimard is one of the leading French publishers of books. The Guardian has described it as having "the best backlist in the world". In 2003 it and its subsidiaries published 1418 titles....
; he also won the Grand Prix Ivoirien des Lettres for 2006.
A native of Abengourou
Abengourou
Abengourou is a city in Abengourou Department of Côte d'Ivoire. Abengourou is primarily populated by the Anyi ethnic group, a branch of the Akan people who migrated to the region from Ghana. The population of Abengourou was estimated to be 105,000 people in 2004...
, Kwahulé began his artistic studies at the National Arts Institute in Abidjan
Abidjan
Abidjan is the economic and former official capital of Côte d'Ivoire, while the current capital is Yamoussoukro. it was the largest city in the nation and the third-largest French-speaking city in the world, after Paris, and Kinshasa but before Montreal...
. Upon receiving a state scholarship
Scholarship
A scholarship is an award of financial aid for a student to further education. Scholarships are awarded on various criteria usually reflecting the values and purposes of the donor or founder of the award.-Types:...
, he continued his studies in France, working at the école Nationale Supérieure des arts et des techniques du Théâtre de Paris. He received a doctorate
Doctorate
A doctorate is an academic degree or professional degree that in most countries refers to a class of degrees which qualify the holder to teach in a specific field, A doctorate is an academic degree or professional degree that in most countries refers to a class of degrees which qualify the holder...
in theatrical studies at the Sorbonne
Sorbonne
The Sorbonne is an edifice of the Latin Quarter, in Paris, France, which has been the historical house of the former University of Paris...
. Since 1977, he has written close to twenty plays, some of which have been published by Lansman and Théâtrales. His language has been described as musical, influenced by the rhythms of jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
. Today Kwahulé is among the most popular African playwrights in the world; his work has been translated into numerous languages, and his plays have been shown in Europe, the United States, and Canada.