The Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize (BPLP) has revealed its 2024 shortlist, spotlighting the rising stars of African poetry and short fiction.
Selected from a staggering pool of over 230 entries, 15 works—5 short stories and 10 poems have earned their place in the spotlight, captivating the admiration of judges like Iquo DianaAbasi, Su’eddie Vershima Agema, and Kukogho Samson.
In poetry, the competition’s pulse thrums with bold, evocative pieces that reflect a diversity of voices and experiences:
- Home is a Four Lettered Word Beyond My Reach by Abdulwahab Fatima Zahara
- Room Ghazal by Chiwenite Onyekwelu
- Memory is a Bird by Agboola Tariq A.
- Playlist of a Paper-Back War: Ep 1 by Ebuka Evans
- You Cannot Kill the Fire of Grief Through Interactions Between Genitals by Abduljalal Musa Aliyu
- Layers by Ese-Ose Idemudia
- Kaduna by Ókólí Stephen Nonso
- Benediction by Ojo Olumide Emmanuel
- Akpabana’s Banquet by Hillary Ofukocho Anfofun
- A Poem of My Unbecoming by Prosper C. Ìféányí
Equally compelling, the short story category brims with narratives that grip readers from the first line:
- Interview by Ola W. Halim
- The In-Between by Gloria Ogo
- (Discard Me) Like a Broken Doll by Daniel Echezonachi Maxwell
- Soup by Chinaza James-Ibe
- Hamaka, Leave Me Alone by Testimony Odey
The Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize (BPLP), formerly known as the Brigitte Poirson Poetry Contest (BPPC), is an annual literary prize accepting both poetry and short fiction. It is dedicated to recognizing the often-overlooked talent of young Nigerian writers. Formerly recognized as BPPC, this literary prize stands as one of Nigeria’s reputable contests, particularly popular among the emerging generation of poets.
Its inception dates back to February 2015, paying tribute to Brigitte Poirson, a distinguished French poet, lecturer, and editor who tirelessly supported and elevated African poetry throughout her career.
Winners will receive a $300 cash prize, a digital chapbook publishing deal, and the opportunity to be featured in the December issue of Cọ́nscìò Magazine and the 2024 BPLP e-anthology, further cementing their place in the literary world.
The winners will be revealed on Saturday, December 28, 2024. Stay tuned!
Congratulations to all shortlisted authors!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
