Ugandan poet Francis-Xavier Mukiibi, Zimbabwean poet Takunda Muzondiwa, and Dublin-born Nigerian poet Maureen Onwunali have been shortlisted for the 2026 Forward Prizes for Best Single Poem – Performed, one of the United Kingdom and Ireland’s most prestigious poetry awards.
The three writers appear on the shortlist for the Forward Prize for Best Single Poem – Performed, announced on 16 July by the Forward Arts Foundation:
- Francis-Xavier Mukiibi for To the One Who Holds the Maxim Gun
- Takunda Muzondiwa for Diamonds
- Maureen Onwunali for When I Give Up My Seat For You
They join Ellie Rose Amit and Biff Smith in the five-poet category, which recognizes outstanding performed poetry.
The 2026 Forward Prizes shortlist spans four categories: Best Collection, the Jerwood Prize for Best First Collection, Best Single Poem – Written, and Best Single Poem – Performed.
In his words, Chair of judges Sarah Moss said:
“Chairing and judging the Forward panel felt like a serious responsibility, especially for a prose writer. I expected to be enlightened, challenged and educated, all of which happened, but I hadn’t fully anticipated the joy of reading, working with and listening to people whose vocation is poetry. I saw new worlds in new words on almost every page, in almost every line. The range of our lists is deeply exciting: grief, laughter, old age, embodiment, landscape; lamentation and celebration and observation. I hope poets see that we see them, and readers see our delight in everything poets do with words.”
Sarah is joined by poets Romalyn Ante, WN Herbert, Michael Mullen (shortlisted for the Jerwood Prize for Best First Collection last year) and Yomi Ṣode.
The winners of the 2026 Forward Prizes for Poetry will be announced at a ceremony at London’s Southbank Centre on 24 October.
Congratulations, Francis-Xavier Mukiibi, Takunda Muzondiwa and Maureen Onwunali!
