The 2025 longlist for the Jhalak Prize, a celebrated award honoring British and British-resident writers of color, has been revealed, featuring an impressive lineup of African literary talent.
Among the 28 nominated works, eight authors of African descent stand out and they are:
- Allow Me to Introduce Myself by Onyi Nwabineli
- It’s Time to Hush and Say Goodnight (illustrated by Adam Oehlers) by Gboyega Odubanjo
- Manny and the Baby by Varaidzo
- My Friends by Hisham Matar
- Big Feelings by Mayowa Omogbenigun
- Where I Come From Before by Nii Ayikwei Parkes
- Stolen Lives by Atinuke
- Where We Come From: Rap, Home & Hope in Modern Britain by Aniefiok Ekpoudom
Selected by judges Sareeta Domingo, Taran N Khan, Yepoka Yeebo these authors represent a rich tapestry of African heritage, spanning Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Libya, and Ghana.
Onyi Nwabineli, a British-Nigerian author, delivers a heartfelt narrative on identity with her Igbo-inspired novel. Gboyega Odubanjo, also British-Nigerian, leaves a lasting legacy with his posthumous work, a poetic reflection steeped in Yoruba culture. Varaidzo explores what it means to be Black and British in her debut, while Hisham Matar, a Libyan-British novelist, offers a profound meditation on exile. Mayowa Omogbenigun, another British-Nigerian talent, enchants young readers with her vibrant storytelling, and Nii Ayikwei Parkes, a British-Ghanaian poet, bridges his heritages through a blend of poetry and prose. Atinuke, a British-Nigerian children’s author, continues her mission of sharing African stories with younger generations. Finally, Aniefiok Ekpoudom documents the people, voices and communities of modern Britain writing for publications including the Guardian, GQ, Vogue and VICE.
The Jhalak Prize, now in its ninth year, continues to champion the diversity of British literature, and this year’s African representation underscores the continent’s significant influence on the literary scene.
For more information on the longlist or to explore these authors’ works, visit the official Jhalak Prize website.
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
