THE African Writers Awards 2024 nominees have been announced, building excitement for the literary event scheduled from October 22 to 27 in Kigali, Rwanda. The prestigious event will celebrate emerging literary talent across Africa with awards in several categories, including the Wakini Kuria Prize for Children’s Literature, the Wanjohi Prize for African Poetry, the Short Story Prize, and the African Teen Writers Awards for poetry and prose.
Celebrating the best of African writing
This year’s awards represent a diverse mix of emerging and established voices from across the continent. The judging panel, led by Anthony Onugba, founder of Writers Space Africa, consists of respected literary figures from various African nations. Onugba praised the judges’ dedication and highlighted the importance of the awards in fostering new talent in African literature. ‘We are hopeful that this event will grow to become a foremost fertile ground for discovering new writing talents on the continent,’ Onugba said. He also expressed gratitude to the judges for their commitment in evaluating the entries.
Honouring emerging talent across categories
In the African Teen Writers Award for poetry, Nigeria has a strong representation, with nominees including Azizah Bello, Cynthia Maduekwe, Fatuhah Ogbara, and Emmanuel Koori. They are joined by talented young writers from Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya, with Adrian Nyarko-Boateng, Saron Redietu, Glorie Godfrey, and Ebeneza Vuganzi, respectively, also in the running. This award highlights the creative talents of Africa’s younger generation, reflecting the continent’s burgeoning literary scene.
In the prose category of the same award, all six nominees hail from Nigeria, showcasing the country’s rich storytelling culture. The nominees include Sumaiyah Muhammad, Tobiloba Ibitoye, and Fortune Eleojo Simeon, whose stories explore themes ranging from personal struggle to societal dynamics.
Spotlight on short stories
The 7th African Writers Award for Short Stories features a diverse list of nominees from Mauritius, Kenya, South Sudan, Ghana, and Nigeria. Raj Bijloll from Mauritius, Winnie Wekesa from Kenya, and Elizabeth Dwamena-Asare from Ghana are just a few of the talented writers nominated for their compelling short stories. Their works provide unique insights into African life, culture, and social issues, and they bring fresh perspectives to the literary landscape.
Children’s literature and poetry take centre stage
The Wakini Kuria Prize for Children’s Literature, now in its sixth edition, has nine nominees from across the continent. This year’s shortlist includes Samuel Admassu and Amanuel Abebaw from Ethiopia, alongside nominees from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Cameroon. The prize highlights the importance of storytelling for younger audiences and celebrates writers who are committed to nurturing the imaginations of African children through creative literature.
The inaugural Wanjohi Prize for African Poetry also drew a wide range of talent, with seven nominees from Nigeria and others from Tanzania, South Sudan, and Ghana. The poets, including Azeez Odunjo, Gabriel Awuah Mainoo, and Mk Kuol, bring unique voices to the competition, reflecting the diverse experiences and challenges of African communities through their work.
Supporting literature across Africa
The African Writers Awards have become a major platform for recognising and promoting African literature, and this year’s event promises to be no different. As the judges prepare to announce the winners during the 7th edition of the African Writers Conference, the event is set to be a key cultural highlight. The conference, one of the most significant literary gatherings on the continent, will feature panel discussions, workshops, and readings that celebrate African literature and encourage collaboration among writers.
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The commitment to advancing literature is underscored by the support of cultural leaders and literary advocates. Judges for the various categories include prominent figures like Corona Cermak of Tanzania, Patricia Peace Ejang of Uganda, and Nahida Esmail of Tanzania. Their expertise and dedication play a critical role in evaluating the entries and selecting the most promising writers for recognition.
Spotlight on Kigali and the future of African literature
This year’s event will be hosted in Kigali, Rwanda, marking the city as a hub for African cultural and intellectual exchange. The Rwandan capital, known for its rapid development and thriving creative community, provides a fitting backdrop for the awards. The event will celebrate the rich diversity of African writing, bringing together writers, poets, and literary enthusiasts from across the continent.
The announcement of the nominees comes amid a resurgence in interest in African literature, driven by both local storytelling traditions and a growing global audience eager to hear African voices. The inclusion of categories such as children’s literature, poetry, and short stories showcases the breadth of literary talent and highlights the importance of storytelling at all levels of society. These awards not only honour individual excellence but also aim to inspire the next generation of African writers and foster a greater appreciation of literature across the continent.
Looking ahead to Lesotho
Next year’s African Writers Conference will take place in Lesotho, continuing the tradition of moving the event across different African countries to ensure a wider reach and influence. The annual conference serves as a vital platform for sharing knowledge, building networks, and empowering writers. By rotating the host country, the organisers ensure that different communities across Africa have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from this important cultural event.
The African Writers Awards 2024 is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of African culture, creativity, and storytelling. It honours the writers who bring the continent’s rich stories to life, offering insights into the lives and experiences of people from different regions. As Kigali gears up to host the event, excitement continues to build, with many looking forward to discovering the new voices that will shape the future of African literature.
The awards ceremony is set to be a spectacular occasion that not only recognises the achievements of individual writers but also contributes to the growing influence of African literature on the global stage. By spotlighting talent from across the continent, the African Writers Awards continues to inspire and uplift, demonstrating the power of words to connect, transform, and build understanding across cultures.
