The Alhaji Arole Agarawu Foundation has announced its African Poetry Prize shortlist, featuring 10 poets selected from the 30-poet longlist announced in August.
The shortlist includes:
- Alfred: Cantos by Isaiah Adepoju, Nigeria.
- Dog Fighting a Heron by Ameen Animashaun, United States.
- Bonu Bonu Kpoo by Edinam Denoo, Ghana.
- The Lord of Loneliness by Rafiat Lamidi, Nigeria.
- By The Sweat of The Mountain’s Brow by Sydney Mayes, United States.
- Ndombolo Creation Story by Migwi Mwangi, United States.
- Monologue with God in his Bivouac by Blessing Omeiza Ojo, Nigeria.
- John the Baptist by Chiwenite Onyekwelu, Nigeria.
- Baggage of Assorted Wishes by Rasheed Ayinla Shehu Shehu, Nigeria.
- Grains of Paradise by Salma Abdulatif Yusuf, Kenya.
The 10 shortlisted poets will proceed to the final stage of the inaugural prize. The winner of the Arole Agarawu African Poetry Prize will then receive a $1,000 cash prize.
The Arole Agarawu African Poetry Prize was established in memory of Alhaji Arole Agarawu (1930s–1995), whose work contributed to Yoruba musical traditions, including Sakara, Apala and Waka. The prize seeks to recognise poets demonstrating strong attention to form, language and rhythm while engaging with African poetic traditions.
Congratulations to all shortlisted poets!
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