Acclaimed Nigerian author and global thought leader Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has been named the first-ever recipient of the Felix Jud Prize, a new German award established to honor champions of intellectual freedom, humanity, and debate.
The award was presented during the 15th Harbourfront Literature Festival at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg.
The Felix Jud Prize commemorates the legacy of Felix Jud, a German bookseller who, during the Nazi regime, resisted oppression by refusing to change his surname despite its association with “Jud” (Jew) and by openly selling banned literature. His bookshop became a discreet hub of intellectual opposition.
Adichie was unanimously chosen by a distinguished jury comprising Reinhold Beckmann, Robert Eberhardt, Jonathan Landgrebe, Jo Lendle, Joachim Lux, André Schmitz, Jette Steckel, and Nicola Verstl.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential literary voices of her generation, Adichie’s impact extends well beyond her award-winning novels. Her TED Talks have reached millions, her words have been sampled by global music icon Beyoncé, and her ideas continue to inspire designers and artists exploring themes of identity and heritage.
The latest accolade joins a long list of international recognitions for Adichie, including the MacArthur “Genius” Grant, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize.
Congratulations, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
