Witsprouts has released the shortlist for the 2025 Witsprouts Storytelling Prize, a literary initiative designed to revive the rich African tradition of oral storytelling within contemporary performance and narrative arts..
Launched in April under the theme “Rebooting Legends and Memories,” the prize celebrates excellence in contemporary oral storytelling and aims to spotlight emerging storytellers across the continents.
After a competitive selection process led by writer and filmmaker Jude Idada and author Akanbi Taofeek, the following three finalists have been selected:
- His Last Safe House by Debbie Ajom
- Tomorrow Didn’t Die by Keesh Rowland
- Haunting Song of Promises by Rachael Ajisafe
In the next round, each writer will submit a new story to be reviewed in August 2025. The winner will be announced shortly after, with a grand finale and award ceremony scheduled for later in the year.
Director of The Witsprouts Project, Tope Akintayo in his words says:
“We are proud of the depth and diversity of voices this prize has attracted. These storytellers are helping reimagine the oral tradition for modern audiences, and we’re glad to see our efforts creating platforms for emerging talent paying off in such a big way.”
The Witsprouts Storytelling Prize is made possible by the generous support of visionary partners and sponsors who share in the mission to elevate African creativity and heritage. These include: Witsprouts Arts and Culture Empowerment Initiative, Moveee Media, StoryRat, Orange Poetry Africa, Rambling Thoughts Bookclub, and Hill‑Top Creative Arts Foundation whose contributions have been instrumental in championing oral storytelling as a vibrant contemporary art form.
Founded in January 2018 by Tope Akintayo, Witsprouts is a Nigerian cultural organisation dedicated to fostering a deeper engagement in African arts, culture, literature, and creative expression. Through curated projects, platforms, and community-driven events, Witsprouts celebrates the richness of African storytelling across literature, music, performance, and visual arts. With a strong focus on nurturing emerging talent, Witsprouts fosters creative offerings that resonate with African audiences.
Congratulations Debbie Ajom, Keesh Rowland and Rachael Ajisafe.
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
