THE 2023 African Writers Awards, one of the continent’s most prestigious literary honours, has unveiled its longlist, and Nigeria is taking centre stage with an impressive 25 outstanding writers making the cut. The awards, organised by Writers Space Africa, are dedicated to recognising and celebrating the exceptional literary talent from Africa and beyond.
In a recent media release, Anthony Onugba, the Chief Judge and founder of Writers Space Africa, shared his thoughts on this year’s entries, saying, ‘This year, we received a multitude of entries that showcased the immense talent and creativity of writers from across the African continent and beyond. Each submission offered a unique and compelling perspective, making the task of compiling the longlist a truly arduous but rewarding endeavour.’
Nigeria dominates various categories
Nigeria’s literary prowess shines brightly in the 2023 African Writers Awards. Among the 38 outstanding writers on the longlist, Nigeria dominates across different categories, demonstrating its literary diversity and depth.
In the poetry category, four Nigerian writers are vying for the top spot, joined by two Kenyans and Ugandans. South Sudan and Zimbabwe each have one representative. Notably, nine out of the ten poets in the African Teen Writers Awards poetry category hail from Nigeria, with Zambia being the lone exception.
Children’s Literature sees two Nigerian writers competing for the prestigious Wakini Prize, while Ghana, Malawi, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Uganda are each represented.
In the Teen Awards prose category, Nigeria sweeps the field, claiming all ten places on the longlist, showcasing the country’s burgeoning young literary talent.
Highlighting outstanding works
The longlist for the 2023 African Writers Awards includes exceptional literary works that promise to captivate readers. Here are a few noteworthy entries:
The 2023 African Writers Awards for Poetry:
- Coded Tongue by Mirriam Kalekye (Kenya)
- Dear AI by Dr. Pat Ashinze (Nigeria)
- Nyachide by Emelda Gwitimah (Zimbabwe)
- Oracles of Zeros and Ones by Truth Ndubueze (Nigeria)
- Robo Fantasies by Mufumba Jonathan (Uganda)
The 5th Edition of the Wakini Kuria Prize for Children’s Literature:
- Meeme and the singing Calabash by Grace Tendo Katana (Uganda)
- Ngoni Makes a Difference by Kudzai Mhangwa (Zimbabwe)
- Omelet the Dreaming Flying Dodo by Winnie Maluli (Kenya)
The 2nd African Teen Writers Awards (Poetry):
- A gulp from my porch by Fatima Abdulwahab (Nigeria)
- Because Life Began on a Dreamer’s Lips by Bella Ogwuche (Nigeria)
- E-M(AI)L by Theresa Shukrani Mulindwa (Zambia)
The 2nd African Teen Writers Awards (Prose):
- A Flipped Coin by Divine Okpe (Nigeria)
- Alone by Oluwanifemi Fagbolagun (Nigeria)
- Mysteries Untold by Vyangel Aorabee (Nigeria)
The distinguished panel of judges for the African Writers Awards includes individuals from various African countries, each contributing their expertise to select the finest works.
Anthony Onugba expressed his pride in the remarkable talent showcased within the selected submissions and invited readers to stay tuned for the upcoming shortlist announcement on October 2. He reaffirmed the commitment to honouring and celebrating the exceptional literary artistry within Africa’s vibrant and diverse literary community.
The 2023 African Writers Awards will take place in Accra, Ghana, from November 1-5, continuing its tradition of recognising and promoting outstanding African literary achievements.