The following authors have dazzled the African Speculative Fiction Society (ASFS) with their stories in the realm of speculative fiction and found themselves on the sought after Nommo Award. In no particular order, here are this year’s nominees in their respective categories:
NOVEL
• Bones and Runes – Stephen Embleton
• Dazzling – Chikodili Emelumadu
• Don’t answer when they call your name – Ukamaka Olisakwe
• Shigidi and the Brass Head of Olabufon – Wole Talabi
• Vagabonds! – Eloghosa Osunde
• Warrior of the Wind – Suyi Davies Okungbowa
NOVELLA
• Broken Paradise by Eugen Bacon
• Land of the Awaiting Birth by Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki and Joshua Uchenna Omenga
• The Lies of the Ajungo by Moses Ose Utomi
• Undulation by Stephen Embleton
Graphic Novel:
• Die Strandloper by Daniël Hugo
• Grimm’s Assistant by Mamode Ogbewele
• WindMaker volume 1 by Roye Okupe and artist Sunkanmi Akinboye and colourist Toyin Ajetunmobi. Cover Artist: Godwin Akpan
SHORT STORY
• “A Name is a Plea and a Prophecy” by Gabrielle Emem Harry
• “Blackwater” Children, Moustapha Mbacké Diop
• “Destiny Delayed” by Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki
• “Like Stars Daring to Shine” by Somto Ihezue
• “Loom” by Solomon Uhiara
• “My Mother’s Love” by Naomi Eselojor
• “Osimiri” by Chinaza Eziaghighala
• “The Way of Baa’gh” by Cheryl S. Ntumy
The African Speculative Fiction Society (ASFS) is a membership organisation of African writers, editors, comic and graphic artists, and filmmakers in the fields of speculative fiction such as fantasy, science fiction, stories that draw on traditions, horror and philosophical fiction.
The ASFS is home of the Nommo Awards held annually since 2017 with the exception of 2023.
Members nominate published work for one of The Nommo Awards across four categories: Best Novel, Novella, Short Story, and Graphic Novels.
Winners will be announced on a later date.
Congratulations to all the brilliant writers shortlisted for the award!
Click here to read more on the award.
Bongiwe T. Maphosa
Bongiwe Maphosa is a writer whose fiction and poetry offers fresh, imaginative perspectives on the human condition. Her work has been published in prominent literary spaces, including Isele Magazine, Akowdee Magazine, the AVBOB Poetry Anthology, Journal of African Youth in Literature (JAY Lit), and more. She was also nominated for the 2025 Best of the Net Anthology. Bongiwe is one of six writers selected for the inaugural Caine Prize Online Editing program and serves as a content writer, peer reviewer, and tier three awards judge for JAYLit. Bridging inner reflection with speculative worlds, she continues to carve out a distinctive voice within contemporary African literature for a growing global audience.
