The Royal Society of Literature has announced the 2025 longlist for the Ondaatje Prize, spotlighting three African writers among a diverse group of international literary voices. The annual prize, worth £10,000, honors works that best evoke the spirit of a place and continues to recognize literature that transcends borders and genres among others.
The African authors longlisted this year are:
- Curandera by Irenosen Okojie
- The Seers by Sulaiman Addonia
- The Wickedest by Caleb Femi
They appear alongside twelve other titles, including American Anthem by Kelly Michels and Whale Fall by Elizabeth O’Connor.
Sponsored by Canadian-English writer and businessman Christopher Ondaatje, the prize has been awarded annually since 2004. This year’s judges—Ruth Gilligan, Charlie Craggs, and Roy McFarlane took their time to adequately review and assess each nominated piece.
The upcoming shortlist will be announced on Monday, 28 April with the winner to be announced at a special event celebrating the award in May 2025.
Oreoluwa Odusote
Writer, poet, and dreamer.
