Iskanchi Press has announced the eight-person shortlist for the 2026 Iska Book Prize, featuring writers from Ghana, South Africa, Comoros, and Nigeria.
Iskanchi Press was founded by Nigerian writer and publisher Kenechi Uzor, who also founded Iskanchi Magazine. The magazine was launched in 2020 to create space for innovative and experimental African writing. The name “Iskanchi” is derived from the Hausa word iskanci, associated with mischief, irreverence and non-conformity, reflecting the publication’s focus on work that challenges conventional forms and representations of African literature.
The shortlisted writers are:
- Nana Kusi Minkah-Premo – The Otu Palaver (Ghana)
- Melissa Webster – Who We Were, Where We Are (South Africa)
- Glen Retief – The Tapework Chronicles (South Africa)
- Harsoite Oulfat – Ta-Nub (Comoros)
- Gabriel Awuah Mainoo – Keteke Symphony (Ghana)
- Ishola Abdulwasiu Ayodele – A Conspiration of Guardian Demons (Nigeria)
- C. S. Hadebe – The Ones Who Were Murdered (South Africa)
- David Obongekong David – Ready to Exhale (Nigeria)
Among the shortlisted writers is JAY Lit poetry editor, Gabriel Awuah Mainoo.
A Ghanaian creative practitioner, Gabriel Awuah Mainoo, has received fellowships and grants from institutions including Hong Kong Baptist University, Aarhus Literature Center, the Library of Africa and the African Diaspora, Wintertuin Curacao, and the Danish Art Foundation, and is the author and co-author of several books, including Lyrical Textiles, We are Moulting Birds, Hvor End Havet Skyller Dig Op; his honours include the Africa Haiku Prize, Singapore Poetry Prize, and the Ghana Association of Writers Literary Awards, while his work has appeared in publications including The London Reader, Fiyah Magazine, The Michigan Quarterly Review and elsewhere.
Congratulations to all shortlisted writers and authors!
