John Okafor, or Mr Ibu as the world knew him, wasn’t born into the spotlight. He practised martial arts for years, the discipline shaping his life long before he found his true calling. A chance encounter with acting, initially behind the scenes as a producer, revealed a comedic talent that couldn’t be ignored. His infectious laughter and knack for physical humour soon propelled him onto the screen, where he became synonymous with the hilarious character, Mr. Ibu.
Over three hundred Nollywood movies later, Mr. Ibu’s legacy is etched in laughter. He’s the goofy neighbour, the lovable rogue, the underdog who always finds a way. His characters, often eccentric and full of heart, became mirrors reflecting the realities and humour of everyday Nigerian life. Though his journey ended on the 2nd of March, 2024, Mr. Ibu’s comedic spirit continues to warm the hearts of moviegoers all over Africa and the larger world, a testament to the man who created laughter in the most unexpected places.
It is in a bid to honour his memory that the Ngiga Review is instituting The Ngiga Prize for Humour Writing. Valued at One Hundred Thousand Naira (100,000 NGN), the prize is to be awarded annually, on the anniversary of his passing. The following rules apply:
1. The prize is for African Writers below the age of 40.
2. Submissions must be in the English Language.
3. Submissions must be a previously unpublished One Act Play or a coherent standalone excerpt from a larger play.
4. Plagiarised and/or AI-generated submissions will be disqualified.
5. Work must be original. Ngiga Review does not accept previously published work, including those shared on personal websites or social media.
6. The prize will be awarded to the most humorous entry as determined by the judges.
7. The judges’ decisions are final and they shall not enter into correspondence with writers over the judges’ choice.
8. Submissions are open from the 1st of May till the 31st of May 2024.
9. Entries must be submitted via email at editor@ngigareview.com.
10. Do not include your name or contact information on the manuscript, however, feel free to include a 50-word bio in the body of the email.
11. No multiple submissions. Only one entry per person is allowed.
12. There is no entry fee.
This prize is administered with support from Peaquills Review and Jokwa Creative Studios. Details about the judges will be revealed soon.
Visit their website www.ngigareview.com to find out more.
Bongiwe T. Maphosa
Bongiwe Maphosa is a budding author with a passion for storytelling. With her thought-provoking narratives, she takes her readers on a literary adventure. Bongiwe's works on the human condition from a fresh perspective have earned her recognition and publications in the Avbob Poetry Anthology of 2019, The Writer's Club of South Africa 2021, and JAY Lit in 2021. She hopes to cement her place in the literary community.
