The Caine Prize for African Writing has recently announced the shortlisted authors of its 2024 edition. The five stories shortlisted for the Caine Prize For African Writing and their authors are:
- Tryphena Yeboah (Ghana) for The Dishwashing Women, Narrative Magazine (Fall 2022)
- Nadia Davids (South Africa) for Bridling, The Georgia Review (2023)
- Samuel Kolawole (Nigeria) for Adjustment of Status, New England Review, Vol. 44, #3 (Summer 2023)
- Uche Okonkwo (Nigeria) for Animals, ZYZZYVA (2024)
- Pemi Aguda (Nigeria) for Breastmilk, One Story, Issue #227 (2021)
The shortlist was selected by the judging panel chaired by Nigerian novelist, Chika Unigwe with assistance from Elisa Diallo, Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane, Àsìkò Okelarin, and Angela Wachuka.
In her words during her praise for the shortlisted stories, Chika Unigwe said:
“The judging process was both challenging and rewarding. We read over 200 eligible stories, uncovering many gems from both familiar and new writers. Our discussions were passionate, and when we reached our (unofficial) longlist, we wished we could have included every story. Our consolation is knowing that these works are out in the world, being read, recognized with other prizes, and receiving the attention they deserve.
She continued:
“The shortlist and the honourable mention (Zimbabwe’s Yvette Ndlovu), span four countries and include writers at various stages of their promising careers. These stories, ranging from speculative to realistic, cover diverse subject matters but share a common thread: they are compelling, universal human stories. They offer insights into our societies, governments, cultures, and the broader world, ultimately posing the fundamental question that all great art asks: How do we navigate life? They explore this question with empathy, thoughtfulness, humour, and prose that is both sublime and accessible”.
The Caine Prize for African Writing is a registered charity whose aim is to bring African writing to a wider audience using the annual literary award. In addition to administering the Prize, they work to connect readers with African writers through a series of public events, as well as helping emerging writers in Africa to enter the world of mainstream publishing through the annual Caine Prize writers’ workshop which takes place in a different African country each year.
Congratulations to all shortlisted writers!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
