South African writer Nadia Davids has been announced as the winner of the 2024 Caine Prize for African Writing for her short story “Bridling”, published in The Georgia Review in 2023.
“Bridling” was praised by the judges for its use of language and storytelling, with Chair of Judges Chika Unigwe stating:
“Bridling is an impressive achievement, a triumph of language, storytelling and risk-taking while maintaining a tightly controlled narrative about women who rebel. It embodies the spirit of the Caine Prize, which is to challenge the single story of African literature.”
The Caine Prize for African Writing, now in its 25th year, received a record-breaking 320 submissions from 28 African countries . The winner was selected by the amazing panel of judges chaired by award winning author, Chika Unigwe, and including poet, artist, and filmmaker Julianknxx; writer and filmmaker Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu; Hip-Hop artist Tumi Molekane (Stogie T); and novelist Ayesha Harruna Attah.
Reflecting on this year’s award, Ellah Wakatama OBE, Chair of The Caine Prize Board of Trustees, remarked:
“I was delighted by the range and ambition of this year’s shortlisted stories. It is especially pleasing to see writers many will recognise and to introduce new voices. As we enter into our 25th year, it’s wonderful to have such a strong shortlist and formidable Nadia Davids as our winner.”
Together with Nadia Davids on this year’s shortlist were:
- Tryphena Yeboah (Ghana) for “The Dishwashing Women”, Narrative Magazine (Fall 2022)
- 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)
In reward for her winning story, Nadia Davids will receive a cash prize worth £10,000 Caine Prize, along with having her work featured in the 2024 Caine Prize Anthology, Midnight in the Morgue and Other Stories, published by Cassava Republic Press. Runners-up Tryphena Yeboah; Samuel Kolawole; Uche Okonkwo, and Pemi Aguda will each receive £500, and their stories will also appear in the 2024 anthology.
Nadia Davids is a South African playwright, novelist, and author of short stories and screenplays. Her work has been published, produced, and performed in Southern Africa, Europe, and the United States. She was a Philip Leverhulme Prize winner in 2013. Her play “What Remains” won five Flur du Cap Theatre Awards. In 2017, Davids was elected president of PEN South Africa.
Visit the official website of the Caine Prize for more information!
Congratulations Nadia!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
