The Joe Ushie Literature Foundation has unveiled the first five writers on the longlist for the 2027 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize following what it described as a “careful assessment” of submissions.
The Joe Ushie Poetry Prize is an annual prize that recognises excellence in Nigerian poetry and aims to support the growth of Nigerian literature by rewarding and amplifying literary voices. Open to Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above, regardless of where they reside, the prize is awarded each year to the writer of the best original poem.
The first batch of longlisted writers includes:
- Wisdom Ofonze for 25th Night
- Joemario Umana for Because I am Here, I Call Each of These Things a Name
- Emediong Imowo for Untitled Entry
- Ismail Bala for The Stratigraphy of a Name
- Henry Opeyemi for The Colour My Prayers Become.
The foundation disclosed that five poems will be released per day over the next nine days, with six more to follow on July 15, bringing the total number of longlisted entries to 51.
Congratulations to the first five longlisted writers!
