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# JAY Lit

The Journal of African Youth Literature

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://jaylit.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Joemario Umana Wins 2026 Fare Forward Poetry Competition](https://jaylit.com/joemario-umana-wins-2026-fare-forward-poetry-competition/) - Nigerian performance poet and creative writer Joemario Umana has won the 2026 Fare Forward Poetry Competition for his poem, Dust and Wonder. The Fare Forward Poetry Competition is an annual contest organised by Fare Forward, an ecumenical Christian review of ideas founded in 2012. Although the publication is Christian, the competition is not limited to
- [Blessing Musariri Makes The 2026 Kirkus Prize Finalists](https://jaylit.com/blessing-musariri-makes-the-2026-kirkus-prize-finalists/) - Zimbabwean writer Blessing Musariri has been named among the finalists for the 2026 Kirkus Prize for her young adult novel, When It’s Your Turn for Midnight. The only African author among the 18 finalists selected across the Kirkus Prize’s Fiction, Nonfiction and Young Readers’ Literature categories, the Zimbabwean writer’s book is one of two finalists
- [Flame Tree Acquires Worldwide Rights for Three New Afro-Surreal Books by Award-winning Eugen Bacon](https://jaylit.com/flame-tree-acquires-worldwide-rights-for-three-new-afro-surreal-books-by-award-winning-eugen-bacon/) - Flame Tree Publishing is delighted to announce the acquisition of worldwide rights for three new books by the award-winning African-Australian author Eugen Bacon. Secured by Flame Tree Founder and Publisher Nick Wells, the 24-month agreement marks a significant deepening of the creative partnership between the publisher and the author. The three upcoming releases showcase Bacon’s
- [The Caine Prize for African Writing Announces 2026 Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/the-caine-prize-for-african-writing-announces-2026-shortlist/) - The Caine Prize for African Writing has announced its 2026 shortlist, selected from over four hundred submissions across the continent and its diaspora. The shortlisted authors and stories are: Gladwell Pamba of Kenya for "The Last Shop.” Melara Mvogdobo of Cameroon for "Dieu Merci.” Akinwande Jordan of Nigeria for "So Long It's Starting To Look
- [Africa World Initiative at Princeton University Announces Inaugural Fellows of the Mpala Artists and Writers Residency](https://jaylit.com/africa-world-initiative-at-princeton-university-announces-inaugural-fellows-of-the-mpala-artists-and-writers-residency/) - The Africa World Initiative (AWI) at Princeton University is pleased to announce the inaugural recipients of the 2026 Mpala Artists and Writers Residency: Frank Njugi (Kenya), selected as the residency's first Writer Fellow, and Elizabeth Kobusinge (Uganda), selected as the inaugural Visual Artist Fellow. Established by the Africa World Initiative in partnership with Princeton University's
- [Ishola Abdulwasiu Ayodele wins 2026 Iska Book Prize](https://jaylit.com/ishola-abdulwasiu-ayodele-wins-2026-iska-book-prize/) - Nigerian writer Ishola Abdulwasiu Ayodele has been announced as the winner of the 2026 Iska Book Prize for his manuscript, A Conspiration of Guardian Demons. Ayodele emerged as the winner from a shortlist of eight writers, which included Ghanaian writer and JAY Lit poetry editor Gabriel Awuah Mainoo for Keteke Symphony. The Iska Book Prize
- [Rasaq Malik Gbọ́láhàn Wins TFAAi Prize for Literature in Oyo State ](https://jaylit.com/rasaq-malik-gbolahan-wins-tfaai-prize-for-literature-in-oyo-state/) - Nigerian poet and translator Rasaq Malik Gbọ́láhàn has been announced as the winner of the Literature category at the inaugural Future Awards Africa Independent (TFAAi) in Oyo State. Rasaq Malik Gbọ́láhàn emerged as the winner after being nominated alongside Oluwabukola Atanda Abdulrafiu, Oladosu Michael Emerald and Makinde Olubusayo Aderonke for the Oyo State edition of
- [Lola Shoneyin’s “The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives” To Premiere at TIFF 2026 ](https://jaylit.com/lola-shoneyins-the-secret-lives-of-baba-segis-wives-to-premiere-at-tiff-2026/) - Nigerian film adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s acclaimed novel The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is set to have its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it will feature in the festival’s Centrepiece programme. Baba Segi is a proud, prosperous and uneducated Yoruba patriarch whose household, made up of three
- [Sarah Adeyemo Wins 2026 Sealey Challenge](https://jaylit.com/sarah-adeyemo-wins-2026-sealey-challenge/) - Nigerian poet and editor, Sarah Adeyemo has been declared winner of the 2026 Giveaway for the Sealey Challenge, a giveaway that recognizes and celebrates her enthusiasm and consistency in the Nicole Sealey Poetry Collection Reading throughout the month of August. The Felis Catus Press established the give away to promote reading culture in honour of
- [Esther Ifesinachi Okonkwo’s “The Tiny Things Are Heavier” Named 2026 Zora Award for Debut Fiction Finalist](https://jaylit.com/esther-ifesinachi-okonkwos-the-tiny-things-are-heavier-named-2026-zora-award-for-debut-fiction-finalist/) - Nigerian writer Esther Ifesinachi Okonkwo’s debut novel, The Tiny Things Are Heavier, has been revealed as a finalist for the 2026 Zora Award for Debut Fiction. Her novel is among three works selected in the category for the 25th annual Hurston/Wright Legacy Awards, alongside Justin Haynes’ Ibis and Joy L. Perry’s This Here Is Love,
- [God is Good](https://jaylit.com/god-is-good/) - I sit at the alter of my life, Small and humble like Every thing God created before It was touched by sin, I’m before the transgressions of My life and I’m not perfect. Forgive me, father for I have sinned, I have lied and I have cheated and I have done things I know not
- [Nnedi Okorafor’s “Death of the Author” Shortlisted for the 2026 Glass Bell Award](https://jaylit.com/nnedi-okorafors-death-of-the-author-shortlisted-for-the-2026-glass-bell-award/) - Nigerian-American author Nnedi Okorafor has been shortlisted for the 2026 Glass Bell Award for her novel Death of the Author. Death of the Author is one of six books selected for the shortlist by Goldsboro Books, drawn from an initial longlist of 12 novels, and marks the 10th anniversary of the literary award. Published by
- [[Featured Post] What Can Griots and Bards Teach Contemporary Society? ](https://jaylit.com/featured-post-what-can-griots-and-bards-teach-contemporary-society/) - I am reminded of the Olúgbọ́n and Arẹ̀sà in the Yorùbá hortatory discourse. Whoever they were, these anonymous figures have etched their names in the resonance of idealistic necessities. The rhetoric about what they experienced and how they went about salvaging their vulnerable lots strikes as a course of social re-engineering. In the course of diagnosing the failures of
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Mariam Mohammed](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-mariam-mohammed/) - Mariam Mohammed is a Ghanaian poet and short-story writer whose earliest memories of literature date back to primary five, when her English teacher read her exam essay aloud to the class. She wished she had kept the essay but also gained from the experience, because the excitement of people making sense of what she wrote,
- [What is Incredible About Umar Abubakar Sidi's The Incredible Dreams of Garba Dakaskus?](https://jaylit.com/what-is-incredible-about-umar-abubakar-sidis-the-incredible-dreams-of-garba-dakaskus/) - Certain questions can be asked in Speculative Fiction that can be dangerous to ask elsewhere. Kaveh Akbar, in a Lecture on ‘Poetry and Spirituality’, quotes a poem that ends with “such vertigo of the infinite.” In penetrating Umar Abubakar Sidi’s two hundred and sixty-seven paged novel, I take that phrase as necessary. The piece is an
- [The African Speculative Fiction Society Reveals Nominees for the 2026 Nommo Awards](https://jaylit.com/the-african-speculative-fiction-society-reveals-nominees-for-the-2026-nommo-awards/) - The African Speculative Fiction Society has revealed the shortlist for the 2026 Nommo Awards, recognising African writers across four speculative fiction categories. The shortlist was announced during the first virtual session of this year’s LA Con, with the nominees selected through the awards’ peer nomination process. The nominees, according to their genres, are: The 2026
- [Call for Submissions: ‘Depressed in the AI and Social Media World’ Anthology ](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-depressed-in-the-ai-and-social-media-world-anthology/) - Writing EDEN, African Youth Artistic Poetry (AYAP), and Africa Teen Authors Book Initiative (ATABI) have opened submissions for the “Depressed in the AI and Social Media World” anthology. Open to poets of all ages and nationalities, entrants are required to submit: original and unpublished poems. Poets may write in any style. Each submission should include
- [[Cover Reveal] Masobe Books Acquires Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim’s “Dear Descendant(s)”](https://jaylit.com/masobe-books-acquires-ibrahim-babatunde-ibrahims-dear-descendants-reveals-cover/) - Masobe Books has announced the acquisition of Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim’s debut work of fiction, Dear Descendant(s). The publisher has also revealed the cover of the forthcoming book, which is set to be released on March 18, 2027. Set in the 1870’s, Alabi sits down to write a letter to descendants he will never meet. He
- [Rasaq Malik Gbolahan’s “The Origin of Wounds” Named Co-Winner of the 2025 Julie Suk Award](https://jaylit.com/rasaq-malik-gbolahans-the-origin-of-wounds-named-co-winner-of-the-2025-julie-suk-award/) - Nigerian poet Rasaq Malik Gbolahan’s The Origin of Wounds has been selected as a co-winner of the 2025 Julie Suk Award. The collection, published by Anhinga Press, shares the award with Arah Ko’s Brine Orchid, published by YesYes Books. The two winning books were selected by Jaki Shelton Green, North Carolina’s Poet Laureate and the
- [The Nigeria Prize for Literature Announces 2026 Poetry Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/the-nigeria-prize-for-literature-announces-2026-poetry-shortlist/) - The Nigeria Prize for Literature has revealed the shortlist for its 2026 poetry edition, with three collections selected to compete for the $100,000 award sponsored by Nigeria LNG (NLNG). The shortlisted collections are: Flora’s Love Colony by Tares Oburumu Why Does God Need a Gun? by Ogaga Ifowodo Unbind Me Now by James Ngwu Eze
- [AARA 2026 Opens Call for Judges, Book Exhibitors and Awards Registration ](https://jaylit.com/aara-2026-opens-call-for-judges-book-exhibitors-and-awards-registration/) - The African Authors Recognition Awards (AARA) has opened applications for its 2026 edition with a call for judges, an invitation to authors and literary organisations to exhibit their work, and registration for its award ceremony. The three initiatives form part of AARA’s mission to bring together African authors, publishers, literary organisations and other members of
- [Iskanchi Press Announces 2026 Iska Book Prize Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/gabriel-awuah-mainoo-among-the-2026-iska-book-prize-shortlist/) - 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
- [Brittle Paper To Host Inaugural Literary Festival on August 29](https://jaylit.com/brittle-paper-to-host-inaugural-literary-festival-on-august-29/) - Brittle Paper will host its inaugural Literary Festival on Saturday, August 29, 2026, bringing together emerging writers in the African literary space for a one-day virtual event. The festival will feature poetry and fiction readings, conversations on the publishing industry, and sessions focused on helping writers build their careers. The festival is centred on emerging
- [Difficult Women and the Literature of Refusal: A Review of Mubanga Kalimamukwento's The Shipikisha Club](https://jaylit.com/difficult-women-and-the-literature-of-refusal-a-review-of-mubanga-kalimamukwentos-the-shipikisha-club/) - Salifyanji Ada Nanyangwe-Penda is on trial for the murder of her policeman husband, Kasunga. She claims it was in self-defence because he shot her first. There is proof of his assault but no witnesses to corroborate Sali’s story. As the novel rotates between Sali’s diary entries, her mother Peggy’s perspective, and her daughter Ntashé’s point
- [What the Flesh Knows: On Timi Sanni's The Ordinary Affair of Being Human](https://jaylit.com/what-the-flesh-knows-on-timi-sannis-the-ordinary-affair-of-being-human/) - I first encountered Timi Sanni's poems the way you encounter some moments waiting for you: without warning, and with the mild shock of recognition. There was a quality in the lines that I could not immediately name; not beauty exactly, though the beauty was there; not intelligence exactly, though the intelligence was considerable. Something quieter.
- [The Humanity of a Maltreated Nigerian Immigrant in Emmanuel Eruemulor's Unwanted](https://jaylit.com/the-humanity-of-a-maltreated-nigerian-immigrant-in-emmanuel-eruemulors-unwanted/) - It is often possible, in reading a poet’s work, to get a complete sense of what occupied their mind and what fueled their creative impulses in creating their art. Emmanuel Eruemulor’s collection of poems, “Unwanted,” easily gives out the poet as one who loses sleep over the sociopolitical issues in Nigeria which has created the
- [Crown of Blood Review: Shakespeare, Nollywood, and Wonderfully Wicked Women](https://jaylit.com/crown-of-blood-review-shakespeare-nollywood-and-wonderfully-wicked-women/) - Macbeth has always been my favourite of Shakespeare’s tragedies. As an adolescent, I connected with it deeply because it reflected the stories I grew up on. A cautionary tale about the intoxicating allure of power, complete with prophecy, witchcraft and political corruption– it has the narrative poeticism of an African parable and the dramatic turbulence
- [[Featured Post] Pioneers of a New Frontier: A Decade of Poetic Wednesdays's Literary Renaissance in Northern Nigeria](https://jaylit.com/featured-post-pioneers-of-a-new-frontier-a-decade-of-poetic-wednesdayss-literary-renaissance-in-northern-nigeria/) - It was May 2016, a year into the wait for Buhari to deliver the Nigeria of our dreams, a promise not more than that of 40 acres and a mule in 19th century America. Probably famished and certainly frustrated, Salim Yunusa was in a rickshaw heading home after a busy day at school. It was
- [Taiwo Hassan Wins 2026 Poetry Wales Award](https://jaylit.com/taiwo-hassan-wins-2026-poetry-wales-award/) - Nigerian poet Taiwo Hassan has won the First Award at the 2026 Poetry Wales Award for his poem, conversations with my mother on the prayer mat. Judged by Welsh writer and poet Bethany Handley, Hassan’s winning poem was selected from a list of more than 600 poets who submitted over 1,600 poems to the competition.
- [Alhaji Arole Agarawu Foundation Reveals 2026 Poetry Prize Longlist](https://jaylit.com/alhaji-arole-agarawu-foundation-reveals-2026-poetry-prize-longlist/) - The Alhaji Arole Agarawu Foundation has announced its African Poetry Prize longlist, featuring 30 poetry manuscripts selected from 356 submissions received from poets across the African continent and its global diaspora. The longlist includes: Bright Poems of Lyric by Bright Aboagye, Ghana. Decolonized Ear by Daniel Naawenkangua Abukuri, Ghana. Tattoo For Survivors Of Suicide by
- [Call for Submissions: Stripes Literary Magazine](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-stripes-literary-magazine-2/) - Stripes Literary Magazine is accepting submissions for Issue 6.2, themed 'Fables & Folklore.' Submit poetry, art, and more by August 30, 2026.
- [Witsprouts Opens Nominations For The 2nd Edition Of The Witsprouts Storytelling Prize](https://jaylit.com/witsprouts-opens-nominations-for-the-2nd-edition-of-the-witsprouts-storytelling-prize/) - The Witsprouts Project, a cultural organisation dedicated to inspiring increased participation in African arts and culture, is excited to announce that nominations for the second edition of the Witsprouts Storytelling Prize are now open. The Witsprouts Storytelling Prize celebrates talented young creators and artists who are pushing the limits of narrative storytelling through multimedia. It
- [Call for Submissions: A Third Space](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-a-third-space/) - A Third Space, in partnership with CHEVS, is calling for submissions from queer West African writers for ‘Mismemories: Contemporary Writing from Queer West-African Voices.’ The anthology, curated and published by A Third Space under its Long Story Project, will bring together LGBTQIA+ contemporary fiction and nonfiction writers exploring love, desire, class, ambition and the ways
- [Applications Open for Inaugural Abebi AfroNonfiction Fellowship 2026](https://jaylit.com/applications-open-for-inaugural-abebi-afrononfiction-fellowship-2026/) - The Abebi AfroNonfiction Foundation has opened applications for its inaugural Abebi AfroNonfiction Fellowship, a six-week programme for African women writers working in creative nonfiction. The fellowship is designed for writers who are interested in exploring African womanhood through creative nonfiction with depth, originality, and literary ambition. Rather than rewarding completed work alone, the programme creates
- [The Future Awards Africa Independent Prize for Literature 2026 Unveils Oyo State Nominees](https://jaylit.com/the-future-awards-africa-independent-prize-for-literature-2026-unveils-oyo-state-nominees/) - The nominees for the Oyo State edition of the 2026 The Future Awards Africa Independent Prize for Literature (TFAAi) have been announced, with four writers making the list: Rasaq Malik Gbolahan Oluwabukola Atanda Abdulrafiu Oladosu Michael Emerald Makinde Olubusayo Aderonke The nominees were announced on Wednesday as part of the inaugural The Future Awards Africa
- [Fiston Mwanza Mujila Wins 2026 Erich Fried Prize](https://jaylit.com/fiston-mwanza-mujila-wins-2026-erich-fried-prize/) - Congolese writer Fiston Mwanza Mujila has been named the winner of the 2026 Erich Fried Prize, one of Austria's most prestigious literary awards, making him the first African writer to receive the award since its founding in 1990. Awarded annually by the International Erich Fried Society and endowed by Austria's Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts,
- [BBC Reveals Cast for Caleb Azumah Nelson's ‘Open Water’ As Filming Begins](https://jaylit.com/bbc-reveals-cast-for-caleb-azumah-nelsons-open-water-as-filming-begins/) - BBC has unveiled the cast for ‘Open Water’, the television adaptation of British-Ghanaian author Caleb Azumah Nelson's 2021 debut novel, as filming officially gets underway in Birmingham and London. The eight-part drama series, produced by Mam Tor Productions, a Banijay UK company, and B-Side Productions for BBC iPlayer and BBC One, will star Toheeb Jimoh
- [Salim Hussein Ng'anzi, Ali Hilal Ali Win 10th Safal Kiswahili Prize for African Literature](https://jaylit.com/salim-hussein-nganzi-ali-hilal-ali-win-10th-safal-kiswahili-prize-for-african-literature/) - Tanzanian novelist Salim Hussein Ng'anzi and Zanzibari poet Ali Hilal Ali have won the Fiction and Poetry categories of the 10th Safal Kiswahili Prize for African Literature, one of Africa's leading awards dedicated to creative writing in Kiswahili. Selected from a pool of 230 submissions from seven African countries, Ng'anzi received the Fiction prize for
- [Djamel White's ‘All Them Dogs’ Makes 2026 Booker Prize Longlist](https://jaylit.com/djamel-whites-all-them-dogs-makes-2026-booker-prize-longlist/) - Algerian-Irish writer Djamel White has been longlisted for the 2026 Booker Prize for his debut novel, All Them Dogs, becoming the only writer of African heritage on this year's list of 13 books competing for one of the world's most prestigious literary awards. The Booker Prize Foundation announced the longlist on Tuesday, selecting 13 novels
- [What Went Down at Umuofia Arts and Books Festival 4.0](https://jaylit.com/what-went-down-at-umuofia-arts-and-books-festival-4-0/) - The Architecture of Our Stories Planning the Umuofia Arts and Books Festival is the gambler’s dream. The risks. The odds. Planning so much with imaginary funds. A fever dream, in essence. This is how the fourth edition’s planning began, in regular fashion. At the first text of “we need to start discussing plans for this
- [The Many Deaths in Chukwuemeka Famous’ Many Ways to Die](https://jaylit.com/the-many-deaths-in-chukwuemeka-famouss-many-ways-to-die/) - Too many dead bodies. That was my first impression of Many Ways to Die (The Roaring Lion Newcastle, 2026), a collection of short stories by Chukwuemeka Famous. When I finished reading it, I went back to take stock of the number of recorded deaths in the stories––both overt and implied. In all the eight stories, only one
- [The Nigeria Prize for Literature Announces 2026 Poetry Longlist](https://jaylit.com/the-nigeria-prize-for-literature-announces-2026-poetry-longlist/) - The Nigeria Prize for Literature has unveiled the longlist for its 2026 poetry edition, with eleven collections selected to compete for the $100,000 award sponsored by Nigeria LNG (NLNG). A few months after the call for submissions was made, with this year's edition dedicated to poetry, the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Literature longlist includes: Adult
- [Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim Makes Radix Co-op’s Science Fiction Series, 'Futures' Longlist](https://jaylit.com/ibrahim-bahatunde-ibrahim-makes-radix-co-ops-science-fiction-series-futures-longlist/) - Nigerian UK-based writer and editor Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim has been named to the selected longlist for Futures, the science fiction series published by Radix Media Co-op, with his story, Save Son. He is the only African writer on the newly announced longlist, joining 12 other writers whose works were selected among a long entry of
- [LIPFest Selects 11 Writers for Inaugural Craft and Development Lab](https://jaylit.com/lipfest-selects-11-writers-for-inaugural-craft-and-development-lab/) - The Lagos International Poetry Festival (LIPFest) has announced the cohort for its Craft and Development Lab, selecting 11 poets and writers from more than 300 applicants across Africa and the Caribbean. The four-month programme will bring together writers from Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Botswana, Jamaica/Canada, and Haiti/Trinidad and Tobago. Participants will receive workshops, one-on-one mentorship,
- [Francis-Xavier Mukiibi, Takunda Muzondiwa, Maureen Onwunali Make 2026 Forward Prizes for Poetry Shortlist ](https://jaylit.com/francis-xavier-mukiibi-takunda-muzondiwa-maureen-onwunali-make-2026-forward-prizes-for-poetry-shortlist/) - 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 –
- [Copper Monstera Launches "The Boy in the Red Car and Other Stories", a Women and Money Anthology](https://jaylit.com/copper-monstera-launches-the-boy-in-the-red-car-and-other-stories-a-women-and-money-anthology/) - Copper Monstera, a Zambian publishing house founded by Natasha Omokhodion, is launching its Women and Money anthology titled The Boy In The Red Car And Other Stories, a collection of short stories. The launch is set for this Saturday, 18 July 2026. The anthology features thirteen stories from thirteen talented contributors. Among the contributors are:
- [Call for Submissions: New Voices Fiction Contest 2026](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-new-voices-fiction-contest-2026/) - The New Voices Fiction Contest has opened submissions for its 2026 edition, calling on emerging writers to explore the theme "A Country in Motion" through original fiction rooted in Ghanaian life. In announcing this year's theme, the organisers describe Ghana as "never still," pointing to the country's people, politics, histories, cultures, languages and everyday realities
- [Book O’Clock Invites Creative Submissions for the Nyamiri-Bàsakkwacḕ Anthology](https://jaylit.com/book-oclock-invites-creative-submissions-for-the-nyamiri-basakkwacḕ-anthology/) - Book O’Clock has opened submissions for Nyamiri-Bàsakkwacḕ: Stories from Another Home, an anthology exploring the lived experiences of Nigerians born in, migrated to, or living in Northern Nigeria who are originally from other regions of the country. The anthology invites essays, short stories, and poetry from writers whose lives reflect this duality and whose experiences
- [Presenting "Where Shadows Gather": The Writing of a Horror Novel](https://jaylit.com/presenting-where-shadows-gather-the-writing-of-a-horror-novel/) - The best stories aren’t created. They are discovered. That’s my firm belief. There are snatches of time when it peels open—the place where stories reside. I see the back of a character’s head, a frozen scene of whispering trees, a coin changing hands. My heart lurches, I stay with the moment, praying the gap doesn’t
- [Faith Nyokabi Njunge, Augustine Tashinga Mudzudza Among Winners of Pulitzer Center's 2026 Fighting Words Poetry Contest for Young Adults](https://jaylit.com/faith-nyokabi-njunge-augustine-tashinga-mudzudza-among-winners-of-pulitzer-centers-2026-fighting-words-poetry-contest-for-young-adults/) - Kenyan poet Faith Nyokabi Njunge and Zimbabwean poet Augustine Tashinga Mudzudza are among the winners of the Pulitzer Center's 2026 Fighting Words Poetry Contest for young adults. Selected from 334 entries submitted by graduating high school seniors and poets aged 18 to 24, representing 27 U.S. states and 27 countries, the winners were chosen by
- [PAWA Announces Free Virtual Poetry Workshop for July 19](https://jaylit.com/pawa-announces-free-virtual-poetry-workshop-for-july-19/) - The Pan-African Writers Association (PAWA) invites poets from around the world to participate in the virtual PAWA poetry workshop, to be held on 19 July 2026. 10 poets from across Africa will facilitate 10 masterclasses on rhythm, imagery, symbolism, tension, and other Ingredients of a Great Poem. The two-hour workshop will start at: 14:00 hrs
- [Latif Askia Ba Wins 2026 Firecracker Award for Poetry](https://jaylit.com/latif-askia-ba-wins-2026-firecracker-award-for-poetry/) - Poet Latif Askia Ba has won the Poetry category at the 2026 Firecracker Awards for his collection The Choreic Period: Poems, published by Milkweed Editions. The winners of the annual awards, presented by the Community of Literary Magazines & Presses (CLMP), were announced during a virtual ceremony on June 25. In announcing the award, the
- [Edo State University, Iyamho, Adopts Ebhohon’s "The Great Delusion"](https://jaylit.com/edo-state-university-iyamho-adopts-ebhohons-the-great-delusion/) - The Department of English, Edo University, Iyamho, has adopted The Great Delusion, a prize-winning play by Nigerian dramatist Majekodunmi Oseriemen Ebhohon, for formal undergraduate studies. The adoption follows an expanding body of scholarship surrounding the text, which examines racial justice, epistemic theft, and the historic contributions of Africans to science and technology. The drama, which
- [Lola Shoneyin, Claudia Roden Elected Fellows of the Royal Society of Literature](https://jaylit.com/lola-shoneyin-claudia-roden-elected-fellows-of-the-royal-society-of-literature/) - Nigerian novelist and Aké Arts and Book Festival founder Lola Shoneyin and Egyptian-born British food writer Claudia Roden have been elected Fellows of the Royal Society of Literature (RSL) as part of the society's 2026 cohort of 22 new Fellows. The Royal Society of Literature Fellowship is one of the United Kingdom's highest literary honours,
- [The Professor Moussa Traoré Poetry Prize Unveils 2026 Longlist](https://jaylit.com/the-professor-moussa-traore-poetry-prize-unveils-2026-longlist/) - The Department of English at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), in collaboration with its Creative Writers’ Club, has announced the longlist for the inaugural Professor Moussa Traoré Poetry Prize. Established to honour Professor Moussa Traoré, Head of the Department of English at UCC, the prize celebrates emerging poetic voices that engage with questions of
- [Ubwali Hope Prize Announces 2026 Mentors and Protégés for Mentorship Programme](https://jaylit.com/ubwali-hope-prize-announces-2026-mentors-and-proteges-for-mentorship-programme/) - The Ubwali Hope Prize has announced the mentors and protégés selected for its 2026 Mentorship Programme, a six-month virtual initiative that pairs emerging Zambian writers with established African writers across poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Running from July to December, the mentor-led programme supports emerging writers through one-on-one virtual check-ins, discussions on craft, and guidance
- [Musonda Mukuka Wins the 2026 Ubwali Hope Prize](https://jaylit.com/announcing-the-2026-ubwali-hope-prize-winner/) - Ubwali Literary Magazine is thrilled to announce the winner of the 2026 Ubwali Hope Prize as Musonda Mukuka for her essay “Tethered,” published in the magazine's sixth issue. Musonda wins publication in the fall issue of Shenandoah Literary Magazine and a prize of $500 upon publication, future publication in the Journal of African Youth and
- [Chiemeziem Everest Udochukwu Wins Inaugural Afro RomCon Literary Prize](https://jaylit.com/chiemeziem-everest-udochukwu-wins-inaugural-afro-romcon-literary-prize/) - Chiemeziem Everest Udochukwu has won the inaugural Afro RomCon Literary Prize for his short story, ‘The Channels We Find.’ The winners were announced during the second edition of Afro RomCon, with: Olu Allen's ‘When the Lake Carries’ named first runner-up; and Emmanuella Omonigho's ‘The Date’ taking second runner-up. The Afro RomCon Literary Prize was established
- [Frank Thabani SAYI Wins 2026 RSL Christopher Bland Prize](https://jaylit.com/frank-thabani-sayi-wins-2026-rsl-christopher-bland-prize/) - Zimbabwean writer Frank Thabani SAYI has won the 2026 Royal Society of Literature (RSL) Christopher Bland Prize for his memoir, No Safer Kinder Hatred. The memoir tells the story of a childhood conditioned in the shadow of the mayhem brought about by the structure and dehumanising effects of colonialism, its dreadful legacy, and the impact
- [Chika Onyenezi Wins 2025 George Garrett Fiction Prize](https://jaylit.com/chika-onyenezi-wins-2026-george-garrett-fiction-prize/) - Nigerian writer Chika Onyenezi has won the 2025 George Garrett Fiction Prize for his work, Blood, as selected by final judge Fernando Flores. This is the kind of collection one hopes to find—filled with an urgency of voice bordering on desperation, and vivid characters, vivid originality—this collection of interconnected stories shook me with its poetry
- [Call for Submissions: AARA 2026 Second Edition](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-aara-2026-second-edition/) - The African Authors Recognition Awards (AARA) is now receiving entries for its 2026 second edition. Founded in 2025 by Victoria Haihambo (Namibia) and Marcia Chavunduka (Zimbabwe), AARA is a continental literary initiative dedicated to recognising, celebrating, and promoting African authors, storytellers, publishers, literary organisations, and contributors to the growth of literature across Africa and the
- [Afia Ansong Wins 2026 Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets](https://jaylit.com/afia-ansong-wins-2026-sillerman-first-book-prize-for-african-poets/) - Ghanaian-American poet Afia Ansong has won the 2026 Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets for her collection, I buried [her] in a field of lemongrass. As the winner of this year's prize, Ansong will receive a $1,000 cash award, while her manuscript will be published by the University of Nebraska Press as part of
- [Olufunke Grace Bankole Wins 2026 VCU First Novelist Award](https://jaylit.com/olufunke-grace-bankole-wins-2026-vcu-first-novelist-award/) - ​Nigerian-American writer Olufunke Grace Bankole has been named the 2026 winner of the VCU First Novelist Award for her book The Edge of Water. The award, now in its 25th year, recognizes an outstanding debut novel published during the preceding calendar year. She was selected from more than 200 submissions and emerged as the winner
- [Call for Submissions: Ubwali Literary Magazine](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-ubwali-literary-magazine-2/) - Ubwali Literary Magazine has opened submissions for short stories, essays, visual art (including photography), and poems. The magazine has outlined submission guidelines covering eligible work, eligibility, word limits, formatting requirements, language, submission rules, response time, publication rights, and payment. Submission Guidelines Work should be free from obvious grammatical errors. No revisions are allowed while a
- [Love and Poetic Observations in Tobi Aluko’s Seagulls and Seashells](https://jaylit.com/love-and-poetic-observations-in-tobi-alukos-seagulls-and-seashells/) - Tobi Aluko’s work first appeared in the literary scene in 2021 with the publication of his short story, “Looking for Euthymia”, in The Atherton Review. Of Yoruba origin, Tobi Aluko hails from Ekiti State in Southwestern Nigeria. Trained as a lawyer in Bournemouth University and the Nigerian Law School, Aluko has always had a knack for
- [Introducing JAY Lit Issue 11 - The Nature/Climate Issue](https://jaylit.com/introducing-jay-lit-issue-11-the-nature-climate-issue/) - The Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) is pleased to unveil its nature/climate-themed 11th issue, released to the public from today, June 30, 2026. The new issue explores a wide spectrum of the nature and climate discourse, creatively articulating African experiences in these areas. In her editor’s note, JAY Lit peer reviewer, Bongiwe Maphosa described the new issue thus:
- [Editor’s Note – Issue 11](https://jaylit.com/editors-note-issue-11/) - Reading through the submissions for this climate and nature issue has been an incredibly moving experience. I was deeply inspired by just how much passion creators poured into this topic. Much like the majestic African elephant on our cover, a symbol of deep memory and resilience, these pieces carry an undeniable weight and beauty. It’s
- [Red (Darkness) As in the Fire Quenching My Garden](https://jaylit.com/red-darkness-as-in-the-fire-quenching-my-garden/) - These days, I keep stretching my hands high above my head for a glimpse of heaven, but I guess our wildness have evapourated so much into the cloud too. When I was five, I would cleanse my hands with heaven’s dew on the leaves, every morning. A way of saying, I too have touched heaven.
- [Galamsey is a Quiet Word for Murder](https://jaylit.com/galamsey-is-a-quiet-word-for-murder/) - Who was it that took away my voice? The black wound he left in my throat can’t even cry. Hwɛ sɛ Pra ɛtutu kɔɔbre—her once-clear body now dressedin dirty-brown kente ngusuo.The Ashanti Hemaa is crying again,retwa adwadwoɔ—she remembers Katamanso, 1826. Except this time she is not in Densinkran mourning Osei Tutu I or fallen warriors. She is mourning herself. Barefoot. Standing on business— as when she
- [Before Every Rain was Drought](https://jaylit.com/before-every-rain-was-drought/) - Isaiah 35:1We were born during theTime of thirst, the world wasFilled with dryness, the warWas almost encroaching ourFathers and their fathers andTheir sons and daughters andThe deaths were picking thePeople we loved most and theHunger was eating the thingsWe wanted to eat and the uglinessOf things were
- [3 Poems](https://jaylit.com/3-poems-3/) - Long Enough I have been called alot of names, Sunflower, sun kissed by the momentary Existence of beautiful things. Been named a black boy because I was long forgotten in the darkness But I have changed, and my Fingers are now neatly cut, I let the waters thrive on my body, I become one with
- [Green River](https://jaylit.com/green-river/) - The Nairobi River turns greenso green, dead leaves sink. I never believed in love,not the stitched-in-heaven kind.Still, I searched for signs and found a shade of green that stayed. You appeared a rainy April,no lightning strike in sight.Only floating jacaranda leaves,and the jacket you offered. Your clothes summoned meback to my body.The light fabric bruisedas it brushed my skin. I loved
- [The Double Funeral](https://jaylit.com/the-double-funeral/) - I am sitting at a desk made of oak, holding a white sheet of what used to be a different, taller version of the forest. We were not satisfied with the first death— the sudden bite of the steel, the heavy shudder of the trunk hitting the forest floor. We required a second, slower exit. So we took the timber to the vats, washing away the green spirit with a caustic bath, until the wood forgot the
- [Mundane Bewilderment](https://jaylit.com/mundane-bewilderment/) - There’s nothing astonishing About the plague of my life. Sometimes, in June, the doors Of what I love shut cold and leave Me outside, in the rain that is Ready with cane to beat me smitten. I like, that the little, of course I be blessed With, by kind hearts, has made me content, The
- [The Reeds of Kalwanyemba](https://jaylit.com/the-reeds-of-kalwanyemba/) - I The bus left Intercity before the city woke up. Bupe had arrived early and still could not find a seat that didn't smell of someone else's overnight journey—old cloth and the particular sourness of sleep held too long in one position. She settled near the window and balanced her notebook on her knees and
- [Ekaette](https://jaylit.com/ekaette/) - When I was born, all the cocks in our compound crowed, and my grandmother said it was a good sign. It meant I was going to be a great person, and that is why the gods sent me down from the heavens with such noise. It was an unusual thing to happen with the birth
- [Patron Saint of Dying Waters](https://jaylit.com/patron-saint-of-dying-waters/) - I was sixteen, a rebellious child, stubborn and full of trouble. In one year, I broke our neighbour’s windows, killed a few of their chickens and bloodied up at least four of my classmates so badly that I was suspended the first couple of times, and then expelled the fourth time. This was a rejection that hurt
- [Spills](https://jaylit.com/spills/) - Things I don’t have eyes to see, my skin feels, my nose smells, and my ears fill up until there are spills. News so sad they send tears rolling down my face. And there have been spills. Long before my eyes lost their use. Long before I became confined within the walls of this vast
- [When the Rain Became Ruin](https://jaylit.com/when-the-rain-became-ruin/) - The wind screamed through the trees, rattling the straw fence of Ako’na’atu’s hut. Dust spun in frantic eddies, lifting the kitchen curtains high before they flopped back, lifeless. Dark clouds sagged low, heavy with rain. The hut crouched, braced against the shifting climate that had turned their sanctuary volatile. Gusts slammed like an animal at
- [Moremi’s Escape](https://jaylit.com/moremis-escape/) - Intro The night was pregnant with danger, and the scent of blood filled the ever-whispering woods as Baderin pressed her trembling hands against the blood-soaked blouse folded on Moremi’s punctured belly, she watched as her cocoa-toned skin began to pale under the moonlit rock that sheltered them ever so slightly. Her breaths were shallower and
- [Òjò (Yorùbá Story)](https://jaylit.com/ojo-yoruba-story/) - Odun mewa ree ti moti’n reti ojo. Kosi ounje, kosi omi. Eye oke bi eye. Eku oke bi eku. Koda, kosi eye tabi eku mo. Gbogbo won ti wa ibo miran gba lo. Kii se wipe emi naa ofe wa igbi gba lo. Sugbon ina ati omi ni koje k’in ri ona lo. Tofi je
- [Rainwater](https://jaylit.com/rainwater/) - The day after a seven-day downpour, Soji’s body was found, swollen like bread left too long in water, ashen white like our hands after a rigorous Saturday washing. Ajeromi, the community where I lived, groaned under the weight of an immature death, mourning Soji’s demise. Amongst the voices that blamed the government for failing to
- [Children of Dust and Puddles](https://jaylit.com/children-of-dust-and-puddles/) - In the beginning, God moulded the earth from nothing, He gave man hands to tend and not to destroy, All things were bright and beautiful. All creatures, great and small, were plentiful. The lush pink
- [The Season of Brown Water](https://jaylit.com/the-season-of-brown-water/) - CHARACTERS MAMA BOLU: A woman in her mid-50s, owner of a foodstuff shop. BOLU: A young man in his mid-20s. MAMA NKECHI: A woman in her late 40s, and a shop neighbor to MAMA BOLU. OFFICER 1: Police Officer OFFICER 2: Police Officer YOUNG GIRL: A young girl of 7 years old, Mama Bolu’s customer.
- [Tusks](https://jaylit.com/tusks/) - Middle of the night,Mosi-oa-tunya road,not a street lamp in sight.My four-year-old selfis jolted awake in the back seatof my mother’s Fiat 127.I watch ten of them—a mama, and her baby, just like me—stomp by,trunks swinging, ears spread wide.They cross from the Zambezi,into the bush.One of my earliest memories.I hadn’t yet understood—the creamy-white bangles, necklaces, and
- [Solace](https://jaylit.com/solace/) - Solace rejects a world of frantic consumption and self-sabotage. Eyes closed, the figure retreats into stillness — an act of defiance against a climate in crisis and a society too fast to feel. Scorched earth tones speak to a warming planet, while hand-sculpted flowers made from plastic waste and lavender fronds insist on blooming anyway.
- [Nzulezu Stilt Village](https://jaylit.com/nzulezu-stilt-village/) - At Nzulezu, nature as an idea, as a concept, and as a phenomenon is no longer a backdrop. I found the very structure of life itself. The village rests on water with grace, and as I moved through it, I was drawn to the stillness of the lagoon, the soft spread of lily pads, and
- [Doreen Mwenda Appointed AARA Country Ambassador for Zambia 2026-2027](https://jaylit.com/doreen-mwenda-appointed-aara-country-ambassador-for-zambia-2026-2027/) - Zambian writer, literature promoter, and JAYLIT Social Media Manager, Doreen Mwenda, has been appointed as African Authors Recognition Awards (AARA) Country Ambassador for Zambia for the 2026 to 2027 term. The announcement was made on 14 June by AARA founding partner, Victoria Haihambo. Doreen was selected from a competitive pool of applicants. According to AARA,
- [Melting Clocks, Open Doors: Notes on Grief in Abdulkareem Abdulkareem's Loss is a Door](https://jaylit.com/melting-clocks-open-doors-notes-on-grief-in-abdulkareem-abdulkareems-loss-is-a-door/) - I read Loss is a Door in the way you listen to someone cry in the next room, aware of every pause, every resumption. There is a particular grammar to grief, one that Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has described as a failure of language and a grasping for it at once, and Abdulkareem Abdulkareem seems to have arrived
- [Quick 7 Questions with 2026 Ubwali Hope Prize Shortlistee, Natasha N. Mukamba](https://jaylit.com/quick-7-questions-with-2026-ubwali-hope-prize-shortlistee-natasha-n-mukamba/) - Natasha N. Mukamba is one of six Zambian writers shortlisted for the 2025 Ubwali Hope Prize, presented by Ubwali Literary Magazine in partnership with Shenandoah. The Prize celebrates the best of Zambian prose and poetry. One winner is selected each year, receives an honorarium of $500, is featured in the fall issue of Shenandoah, has future publication in the Journal of African
- [Noisy Streetss Opens Submissions for Love in Detty December Vol. 4](https://jaylit.com/noisy-streetss-opens-submissions-for-love-in-detty-december-vol-4/) - Noisy Streetss is accepting submissions for the fourth edition of its annual storytelling series, Love in Detty December, from June 15 to July 31, 2026. The series, which explores romantic and human love during the African December season, has grown into one of the continent's more distinctive literary projects. Its first three editions produced the
- [Poetic Wednesdays Initiative Turns 10, Unveils "Reclaiming Languages" As The Theme for KAPFEST 3.0 at EID POP-UP](https://jaylit.com/poetic-wednesdays-initiative-turns-10-unveils-reclaiming-languages-as-the-theme-for-kapfest-3-0-at-eid-pop-up/) - Poetic Wednesdays Initiative celebrated a decade of literary and cultural impact on Saturday, 6 June 2026, with a special Eid Pop-Up event that brought together poets, artists, literature enthusiasts, and members of the public for an afternoon of performances, reflection, and conversation. Held at Alliance Française, Kano, the event served as both a celebration of
- [A Review of JC Amaechi's Black Ink, White Paper ](https://jaylit.com/a-review-of-jc-amaechis-black-ink-white-paper/) - From the beginning, the male main character was honestly just... a lot. He came off very mean, cold, and unnecessarily harsh, and instead of it being the "mysterious brooding MMC" type of energy, it just felt discouraging at times. I don't mind a grumpy or emotionally unavailable male lead, but there needs to be something
- [Quick 7 Questions with 2026 Ubwali Hope Prize Shortlistee, Mutinta Nanchengwa](https://jaylit.com/quick-7-questions-with-2026-ubwali-hope-prize-shortlistee-mutinta-nanchengwa/) - Mutinta Nanchengwa is one of six Zambian writers shortlisted for the 2025 Ubwali Hope Prize, presented by Ubwali Literary Magazine in partnership with Shenandoah. The Prize celebrates the best of Zambian prose and poetry. One winner is selected each year, receives an honorarium of $500, is featured in the fall issue of Shenandoah, has future publication in the Journal of African Youth
- [Zambian Writer and Literary Scholar Anna Zgambo Selected for Nairobi Writing Workshop](https://jaylit.com/zambian-writer-and-literary-scholar-anna-zgambo-selected-for-nairobi-writing-workshop/) - Zambian writer and literary scholar Anna Zgambo has been selected to participate in the African Literary and Cultural Studies Writing Workshop and Mentoring Programme. Designed by the University of Nairobi and funded by the British Academy, the programme runs from June 2026 to May 2027 and will culminate in publication. It focuses on building networks
- [Pan-African Writers Association Reveals First Phase of Longlisted Poems for 2026 Poetry Competition](https://jaylit.com/pan-african-writers-association-reveals-first-phase-of-longlisted-poems-for-2026-poetry-competition/) - The Pan-African Writers Association has announced the first phase of longlisted poems for the PAWA Poetry Competition 2026. A total of 293 poets from 20 nations submitted entries to the competition. Through its Young African Writers Committee, PAWA will publish the longlisted poems across two anthologies. The poems selected for Anthology 1 are: Analgesic Situations
- [Ekenedilichukwu Alita Wins 2026 Afritondo Short Story Prize](https://jaylit.com/ekenedilichukwu-alita-wins-2026-afritondo-short-story-prize/) - Nigerian writer Ekenedilichukwu Alita has won the 2026 Afritondo Short Story Prize for his story ‘Ozoemekwanam’. Alita's winning entry was selected from 760 submissions across more than 40 countries, this year themed around Transition. The prize, which celebrates outstanding short fiction by writers of African and Black heritage, was judged by short story writer and
- [Olufunke Grace Bankole Reaches Final Three of 2026 VCU Cabell Award](https://jaylit.com/olufunke-grace-bankole-reaches-final-three-of-2026-vcu-cabell-award/) - Nigerian-American writer Olufunke Grace Bankole has been named one of three finalists for the 2026 VCU Cabell First Novelist Award. Her novel, The Edge of Water (Tin House), earned the spot alongside: Homeseeking by Karissa Chen (G.P. Putnam’s Sons) North Sun, or, the Voyage of the Whaleship Esther by Ethan Rutherford (A Strange Object/Deep Vellum)
- [[Featured Post] The AI-Induced Granta/Commonwealth Controversy: Who Really Bears the Brunt?](https://jaylit.com/featured-post-the-ai-induced-granta-commonwealth-controversy-who-really-bears-the-brunt/) - I am not interested in arguing about whether Jamir Nazir used AI. I do not know, you do not know, the judges do not know, Granta does not know, the Commonwealth Foundation does not know. The AI detection tools certainly do not know. Their own creators have repeatedly acknowledged that these systems identify statistical patterns
- [JAY Lit Issue 11: Cover Reveal & Contributors List](https://jaylit.com/jay-lit-issue-11-cover-reveal-contributors-list/) - The 11th issue of The Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) is slated for release later in June 2026. Here is announcing the covers and contributors. JAY Lit Issue 11, which is nature/climate-themed, explores a wide spectrum of the nature and climate discourse, creatively articulating African experiences in these areas. The works featured in this issue span
- [Quick 7 Questions with 2026 Ubwali Hope Prize Shortlistee, Musonda Mukuka](https://jaylit.com/quick-7-questions-with-2026-ubwali-hope-prize-shortlistee-musonda-mukuka/) - Musonda Mukuka is one of six Zambian writers shortlisted for the 2025 Ubwali Hope Prize, presented by Ubwali Literary Magazine in partnership with Shenandoah. The Prize celebrates the best of Zambian prose and poetry. One winner is selected each year, receives an honorarium of $500, is featured in the fall issue of Shenandoah, has future publication in the Journal of African Youth
- [Quick 7 Questions with 2026 Ubwali Hope Prize Shortlistee, Lucas Lungu](https://jaylit.com/quick-7-questions-with-2026-ubwali-hope-prize-shortlistee-lucas-lungu/) - Lucas Lungu is one of six Zambian writers shortlisted for the 2025 Ubwali Hope Prize, presented by Ubwali Literary Magazine in partnership with Shenandoah. The Prize celebrates the best of Zambian prose and poetry. One winner is selected each year, receives an honorarium of $500, is featured in the fall issue of Shenandoah, has future publication in the Journal of African Youth
- [Laila Lalami Makes 2026 Arthur C. Clarke Award Shortlist ](https://jaylit.com/laila-lalami-makes-2026-arthur-c-clarke-award-shortlist/) - Moroccan-American novelist Laila Lalami has been shortlisted for the 2026 Arthur C. Clarke Award for Science Fiction Book of the Year, the United Kingdom's leading prize for science fiction, for her novel The Dream Hotel. The Arthur C. Clarke Award is given annually for the best science fiction novel first published in the United Kingdom
- [Oyinkan Braithwaite, Tochi Onyebuchi, and Others Make 2026 Ignyte Awards Finalists ](https://jaylit.com/oyinkan-braithwaite-tochi-onyebuchi-and-others-make-2026-ignyte-awards-finalists/) - African writers and editors have been named finalists across multiple categories in the 2026 Ignyte Awards, the annual prize organized by FIYAH Literary Magazine to celebrate outstanding storytelling in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. The finalists were announced on June 8, 2026. Public voting is open through August 16, with winners to be decided by
- [Calls for Submissions: Isele Magazine](https://jaylit.com/calls-for-submissions-isele-magazine/) - Isele Magazine has announced a call for submissions for its upcoming quarterly issue themed "Red." The magazine is seeking fiction, nonfiction, poetry, photography, visual art, and hybrid works that engage with the theme. Isele welcomes interpretations of red in its many forms, including roses, ladybugs, love, blood, sacrifice, and Taylor Swift's album Red. Submission Guidelines
- [Porter House Review Announces 2025-2026 Editors' Prize in Poetry and Fiction Finalists](https://jaylit.com/porter-house-review-announces-2025-2026-editors-prize-in-poetry-and-fiction-finalists/) - Porter House Review has revealed the finalists for its 2025–2026 Editors' Prize in Poetry and Fiction. In the poetry category, judged by Carl Phillips, the finalists are: Inferno by Nnamdi Ndiolo Bollywood Sex Poem by Kandala Singh new fascism and the self-Important by Simeon Pereira-Madder Portrait of My Father Spilling War Stories by Saheed Sunday
- [Arewa Review Opens Submissions for Anthology themed ‘Conspiracy.’](https://jaylit.com/arewa-review-opens-submissions-for-anthology-themed-conspiracy/) - Arewa Review has announced a call for submissions for its latest anthology, inviting writers and photographers of Nigerian descent to submit creative works exploring the theme, “Conspiracy.” The publication is seeking poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and photography that reflect the complexities of Northern Nigeria’s identities, histories, and aspirations. Dedicated to preserving and amplifying the creative voices
- [New York Playwright Wins African-Based International Prize](https://jaylit.com/new-york-playwright-wins-african-based-international-prize/) - The short play Bella Napoli by Steve Gold (USA) is the winner of the second annual Alexander Nderitu Prize for World Literature. The 2025 prize accepted scripts for ten-to fifteen-minute stage plays. In total, 266 entries were received from 23 countries. The winner was announced by Ugandan poet Carolyne ‘Afroetry’ Acen, on 30 May 2026,
- [Afreximbank Announces Third Edition of Canex Prize for Publishing in Africa](https://jaylit.com/afreximbank-announces-third-edition-of-canex-prize-for-publishing-in-africa/) - Afreximbank has announced the third edition of the CANEX Prize for Publishing, an arm of the CANEX Book Factory, to be supported by Narrative Landscape Press Limited. Launched in 2020 by Afreximbank, the CANEX Book Factory spotlights and elevates the African book value chain through a Pan-African writing workshop, an e-newsletter highlighting African literature, and
- [Quick 7 Questions with 2026 Ubwali Hope Prize Shortlistee, Henry Joe Sakala](https://jaylit.com/quick-7-questions-with-2026-ubwali-hope-prize-shortlistee-henry-joe-sakala/) - Henry Joe Sakala is one of six Zambian writers shortlisted for the 2025 Ubwali Hope Prize, presented by Ubwali Literary Magazine in partnership with Shenandoah. The Prize celebrates the best of Zambian prose and poetry. One winner is selected each year, receives an honorarium of $500, is featured in the fall issue of Shenandoah, has future publication in the Journal of African
- [The Umuofia Arts and Books Festival Hosts Chigozie Obioma in a Pre-Festival Event in Enugu](https://jaylit.com/the-umuofia-arts-and-books-festival-hosts-chigozie-obioma-in-a-pre-festival-event-in-enugu/) - The Umuofia Arts and Books festival is set to host world-renowned novelist and serial Booker Prize nominee, Chigozie Obioma, in Enugu, in his first book reading in the southeast. The event, tagged “A Literary Evening with Chigozie Obiọma,” is scheduled to be held on Saturday, 20th June 2026. This is a pre-festival event held in
- [Oyinkan Braithwaite's “Cursed Daughters” Wins at the 2026 British Book Awards](https://jaylit.com/oyinkan-braithwaites-cursed-daughters-wins-at-the-2026-british-book-awards/) - Nigerian-British writer Oyinkan Braithwaite has won the Book of the Year – Audiobook: Fiction category at the 2026 British Book Awards, popularly known as the Nibbies, for Cursed Daughters. Published by WF Howes and narrated by Weruche Opia, Diana Yekinni, and Nnei Opia Clark, Cursed Daughters was named the winner in the audiobook fiction category
- [2 Poems](https://jaylit.com/2-poems-2/) - Tongue-Tied Treacherous towel— thick root in a cavern of teeth, you curled on yourself like a serpent who forgot its own venom. Pink cowardly organ— pressed flat against the roof of your master’s mouths. You have gone slack at every open moment— that time someone professes love, at the boardroom table, when the idea
- [Mubanga Kalimamukwento Receives Foreword INDIES Honorable Mention for “Another Mother Does Not Come When Yours Dies”](https://jaylit.com/mubanga-kalimamukwento-receives-foreword-indies-honorable-mention-for-another-mother-does-not-come-when-yours-dies/) - Mubanga Kalimamukwento has received an Honorable Mention in the Grief/Grieving category at the 2025 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards for her hybrid collection Another Mother Does Not Come When Yours Dies. Published by Wayfarer Books in April 2025, the book was recognized among titles that explore loss and the grieving process. The Foreword
- [Cassava Republic Press Opens Call for Submissions](https://jaylit.com/cassava-republic-press-opens-call-for-submissions/) - Cassava Republic Press has announced its 2026 manuscript submission windows, inviting writers to submit works across fiction and non-fiction categories. Submissions will be accepted on a rotating basis throughout the year, beginning with Literary Fiction and Speculative Fiction, which are currently open. Writers in these categories have until 30 June 2026, 23:59 BST to submit
- [Call for Submissions: ZODML Poetry Prize 2026](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-zodml-poetry-prize-2026/) - The ZODML Foundation has opened submissions for the 2026 edition of the ZODML Poetry Prize, inviting students enrolled in public tertiary institutions across Nigeria to submit original poems for a chance to win cash prizes worth over ₦1 million. Themed “Stories We Carry,” the competition is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students currently studying at
- [Olufunke Grace Bankole, Latif Askia Ba Among 2026 Firecracker Awards Finalists](https://jaylit.com/olufunke-grace-bankole-latif-askia-ba-among-2026-firecracker-awards-finalists/) - The Community of Literary Magazines & Presses (CLMP) has announced the finalists for the 2026 Firecracker Awards, recognising independently published books across fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and literary magazines. Among the finalists are two African writers: Olufunke Grace Bankole, finalist in the Fiction category for The Edge of Water (Tin House) Latif Askia Ba, finalist
- [LIPFest Opens Applications for 2026 Craft & Development Lab](https://jaylit.com/lipfest-opens-applications-for-2026-craft-development-lab/) - LIPFest has opened applications for its 2026 Craft & Development Lab, a four-month virtual programme designed to support poets, spoken word artists, and writers from Nigeria, across Africa, and the diaspora. The Lab is designed for early- to mid-career writers with active projects in development: manuscripts, spoken word albums, poetry films, stage works, and other
- [Somto Ihezue Wins 2026 Perkoff Prize for Fiction](https://jaylit.com/somto-ihezue-wins-2026-perkoff-prize-for-fiction/) - Nigerian writer Somto Ihezue has won the 2026 Perkoff Prize for Fiction for his story, “Di Nwanne’m.” The annual Perkoff Prize, administered by Hippocampus Magazine, recognises outstanding writing in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Ihezue was announced as the winner of the fiction category in the 2026 contest results, ahead of runner-up Isabel Torrence of Oakland,
- [Call for Submissions: Saraba Magazine](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-saraba-magazine/) - Saraba Magazine has opened submissions for June 2026, with entries accepted throughout the month. The magazine is also accepting submissions for The Revival Project, a multi-phase archival and editorial initiative aimed at reclaiming, digitising, and celebrating significant African writing that is currently inaccessible to modern digital readers. Submission Guidelines Send your unpublished work in any
- [Sunday Times Literary Awards Unveils 2026 Longlist](https://jaylit.com/sunday-times-literary-awards-unveils-2026-longlist/) - The 2026 Sunday Times Literary Awards longlist has been announced, featuring 42 books across fiction and non-fiction categories. The Sunday Times Literary Awards are annual South African literary prizes that recognise outstanding works of fiction and non-fiction published in South Africa. The awards were first established in 1989 with the Alan Paton Award for Non-Fiction,
- [Petina Gappah Wins 2026 Flora Nwapa Literary Society Award](https://jaylit.com/petina-gappah-wins-2026-flora-nwapa-literary-society-award/) - Zimbabwean author Petina Gappah has been honoured with the 2026 Flora Nwapa Literary Society Award, becoming the second Zimbabwean writer after Tsitsi Dangarembga to receive the honour. Gappah announced the news on X, writing: "I'm thrilled to be the 2026 recipient of the Flora Nwapa Literary Society Award. I'm honoured to be given an award
- [Quick 7 Questions with 2026 Ubwali Hope Prize Shortlistee, Bwalya S. Kondwani](https://jaylit.com/quick-7-questions-with-2026-ubwali-hope-prize-shortlistee-bwalya-s-kondwani/) - Bwalya S. Kondwani is one of six Zambian writers shortlisted for the 2025 Ubwali Hope Prize, presented by Ubwali Literary Magazine in partnership with Shenandoah. The Prize celebrates the best of Zambian prose and poetry. One winner is selected each year, receives an honorarium of $500, is featured in the fall issue of Shenandoah, has future publication in the Journal
- [Ubwali Literary Magazine Unveils 2026 Ubwali Hope Prize Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/ubwali-literary-magazine-unveils-2026-ubwali-hope-prize-shortlist/) - Ubwali Literary Magazine has announced the 2026 Ubwali Hope Prize Shortlist. In partnership with Shenandoah, the Ubwali Hope Prize celebrates the best of Zambian prose and poetry. One winner is selected each year, receives an honorarium of $500, and is featured in the fall issue of Shenandoah. This year’s winner will also be featured in
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Naomi Nduta Waweru](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-naomi-nduta-waweru/) - Naomi Nduta Waweru grew up in Turi, a small village in Nakuru, Kenya, where she lived with her mother in a three-room mud house surrounded by a farm of about 3 hectares. Growing up in a remote area, she was fascinated by the four huge clay tile-roofed mansions that had belonged to the white settlers,
- [Narrative Landscape Press Acquires World Rights to Ugo Anidi’s “When Pigs Fly”](https://jaylit.com/narrative-landscape-press-acquires-world-rights-to-ugo-anidis-when-pigs-fly/) - Narrative Landscape Press has acquired world rights to When Pigs Fly, a forthcoming children's picture book by Nigerian author Ugo Anidi. When Pigs Fly follows Ezi, a determined pig who dreams of flying despite repeated failures, and Nne, an eight-year-old girl who wants to dress as an Igbo masquerade for her school's Halloween competition, her
- [Call for Submissions: Majesty Publishing House Africa](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-majesty-publishing-house-africa/) - Majesty Publishing House Africa has announced the launch of the Africa Women Writers Residency, a fully funded four-week programme that supports emerging women writers from five African countries and amplifies new voices in African literature. The residency, scheduled for September 2026, will select 12 women writers from Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. Participants
- [Habiba Dokubo-Asari Wins 2026 Jacob Zilber Prize for Short Fiction](https://jaylit.com/habiba-dokubo-asari-wins-2026-jacob-zilber-prize-for-short-fiction/) - PRISM International has announced the winners of the 2026 Jacob Zilber Prize for Short Fiction. Selected by judge Molly Cross-Blanchard, this year’s Jacob Zilber Prize for Short Fiction was awarded to Habiba Dokubo-Asari (H.B. Asari) for ‘Bodies of Water.’ Matt Hawkins was named runner-up for ‘Trespasses,’ while Cletus Okoro (Chimezie Okoro) earned second runner-up for
- [[Featured Post] ZABAFEST 2.0: A Convergence for the Future ](https://jaylit.com/zabafest-2-0-a-convergence-for-the-future/) - One of my most dramatic experiences recently has been working with the organizing team for the second edition of the Zazzau Books and Arts Festival, held on the 24th and 25th of April, 2026. The aim is to have a better edition than the first. As the pidgin saying goes, "Better soup na money"—funding is
- [Noisy Streetss Launches Literary Advisory Arm, Deepening Its Commitment to the Art and Infrastructure of Books](https://jaylit.com/noisy-streetss-launches-literary-advisory-arm-deepening-its-commitment-to-the-art-and-infrastructure-of-books/) - Noisy Streetss, a dynamic publishing house and media company, announced the formal launch of its Literary Advisory arm on 29th April, 2026. This new division offers bespoke strategic, editorial, design, and book distribution services to authors, traditional and independent publishers, literary estates, and cultural organisations. The announcement of the advisory arm marks a significant expansion
- [An Intimate Engagement with The Human Condition: A Review of Aisha A. Bolaji’s Flowers at The City of Dreams](https://jaylit.com/an-intimate-engagement-with-the-human-condition-a-review-of-aisha-a-bolajis-flowers-at-the-city-of-dreams/) - Life is a vast expanse of land on which the human existence is planted, manured by generous quantities of feelings and experiences. These experiences and feelings are unquantifiable, yet somehow connect all humans such that there exists the possibility of one person finding themselves in another. One of the fundamental aspects of poetry is its
- [Ankara Press, Cassava Republic Announce ‘Inside the Editorial Room’ Event in Lagos](https://jaylit.com/ankara-press-cassava-republic-announce-inside-the-editorial-room-event-in-lagos/) - Ankara Press, in partnership with Cassava Republic, has announced a new literary event titled Inside the Editorial Room, aimed at giving writers direct access to editors and insight into how manuscripts are assessed for publication. The event is scheduled to be held in Lagos on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Roving Heights, Landmark Centre, Victoria
- [Eni’s Book Club Launches Professor Femi Adeoluwa Essay Prize in Ekiti](https://jaylit.com/enis-book-club-launches-professor-femi-adeoluwa-essay-prize-in-ekiti/) - Eni’s Book Club has launched the first edition of the Professor Femi Adeoluwa Essay Prize for students in public secondary schools across Ekiti State. The essay competition will be held across various public secondary schools in the state, with students participating under the theme: “Education Beyond the Classroom: What Should Young People Be Taught That
- [Impressions on Migration in Salmah Salam Oiza’s Foreign in a Long Familiar Leap Year](https://jaylit.com/impressions-on-migration-in-salmah-salam-oizas-foreign-in-a-long-familiar-leap-year/) - Migration is today one of the concerning subjects in contemporary African literature. Partly because it borders between status symbols and the consequent need to find a safer space for ‘survival’, it has gained attention as one of the critical conditionings of socio-political realities – at large. But the writer reserves the right to reflect on
- [Taiwo Hassan Among 13 Poets Shortlisted for Poetry Wales Award 2026 ](https://jaylit.com/taiwo-hassan-among-13-poets-shortlisted-for-poetry-wales-award-2026/) - Nigerian poet Taiwo Hassan has been shortlisted for the 2026 Poetry Wales Award, joining 12 other poets selected from more than 600 entrants worldwide. Hassan was recognised for his poem, ‘conversations with my mother on the prayer mat,’ which earned a place on the 13-poet shortlist chosen by this year’s judge, Bethany Handley. A writer
- [A Review of Helon Habila's The Chibok Girls](https://jaylit.com/a-review-of-helon-habilas-the-chibok-girls/) - Helon Habila approaches the 2014 mass abduction from Chibok not as an isolated cataclysm but as a lens on modern Nigeria: state dysfunction, politicking of insecurity, and everyday mechanisms—roads, schools, checkpoints—through which Boko Haram and the state interact. Its core claim is also epistemic, especially in a spatiotemporal setting where access is policed and information is strategic. Therefore, the debate over
- [Inkspires Kreation to Host 2026 African Poetry Book Fund Reading](https://jaylit.com/inkspires-kreation-to-host-2026-african-poetry-book-fund-reading/) - Inkspires Kreation has announced the 2026 edition of its POETVERSATION: African Poetry Book Fund (APBF) Reading, an event dedicated to celebrating African poets published in the APBF Chapbook Series. Scheduled for May 17, 2026, the virtual literary gathering will bring together poetry lovers for an evening of readings, reflection, and conversation centered on contemporary African
- [Chukwuemeka Famous Announces New Short Story Collection, “Many Ways to Die”](https://jaylit.com/chukwuemeka-famous-announces-new-short-story-collection-many-ways-to-die/) - Nigerian writer Chukwuemeka Famous is set to release a new short story collection titled Many Ways to Die. Forthcoming from The Roaring Lion Newcastle, Many Ways to Die is a powerful new collection of short stories that explores loss, memory, and the resilience of marginalised lives under pressure. It is a quietly devastating work of
- [Marie Ndiaye’s “The Witch” Shortlisted for International Booker Prize 2026](https://jaylit.com/marie-ndiayes-the-witch-shortlisted-for-booker-prize-2026/) - The International Booker Prize has announced Marie NDiaye, alongside five other authors, as one of six shortlisted authors for the 2026 prize for her novel The Witch, translated into English by Jordan Stump. Marie NDiaye's The Witch was chosen from a long list of 13 books, which were selected from 128 books submitted by publishers. Shortlist:
- [Siphokazi Jonas Wins 2025 Glenna Luschei Prize for African Poetry](https://jaylit.com/siphokazi-jonas-wins-2025-glenna-luschei-prize-for-african-poetry/) - South African poet, playwright, actor, and producer Siphokazi Jonas has won the 2025 Glenna Luschei Prize for African Poetry for her poetry collection, Weeping Becomes a River. The prize, administered by the African Poetry Book Fund, awards $1,000 annually to a book of poetry by an African writer published in the previous year. Phillippa Yaa
- [The Mega Story Hunt: Turn Your Story Into an All-Expense-Paid Trip to Paris](https://jaylit.com/the-mega-story-hunt-turn-your-story-into-an-all-expense-paid-trip-to-paris/) - The Mega Story Hunt, a new storytelling competition inspired by An Escape to Paris, is inviting participants to share compelling travel stories drawn from their personal experiences, whether local or international. The competition encourages entrants to submit memorable travel narratives ranging from humorous and emotional to transformative or unexpected moments, accompanied by a photo of
- [Applications Open for 2026/2027 RESONANCE Artistic Residency Programme](https://jaylit.com/applications-open-for-2026-2027-resonance-artistic-residency-programme/) - ART X Lagos, in partnership with Cité internationale des arts and the Embassy of France in Nigeria / Institut Français du Nigeria, has announced the call for applications for the 2026–2027 edition of RESONANCE, its annual residency programme for visual artists, designers, and curators of all nationalities based in Nigeria. Established in 2020 by Cité
- [Olufunke Grace Bankole, Stephanie Wambugu Make the 2026 Cabell First Novelist Award Top 10 Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/olufunke-grace-bankole-stephanie-wambugu-make-the-2026-cabell-first-novelist-award-top-10-shortlist/) - Two African writers have been named among the 2026 Cabell First Novelist Award top 10 shortlist, which highlights standout novels selected this year by students in the Virginia Commonwealth University MFA in Creative Writing program. Representing Africa on the shortlist are: Olufunke Grace Bankole - The Edge of Water (Tin House): Olufunke Grace Bankole is
- [Aishat Yahkub Wins 2025 Kukogho Iruesiri Samson Poetry Prize](https://jaylit.com/aishat-yahkub-wins-2025-kukogho-iruesiri-samson-poetry-prize/) - Poetry Sango-Ota has announced Aishat Yahkub as the winner of the 2025 Kukogho Iruesiri Samson Poetry Prize for her poem What Holds the Needy Road on the Way Home. First Runner-Up Samuel A. Betiku for Epiphany II. Second Runner-Up Adejoke A. Alagbe for Dusk in the Cassava Fields. The organisers also announced two Honourable Mentions,
- [Michael Chiedoziem Chukwudera’s Sophomore Novel, “Woman at a Crossroads" Drops June 12th](https://jaylit.com/michael-chiedoziem-chukwuderas-sophomore-novel-woman-at-a-crossroads-drops-june-12th/) - Mmuta Books has announced the publication of Woman at a Crossroads, the second novel by the writer and community builder, Michael Chiedoziem Chukwudera. This novel follows the success of his debut novel, Loss is an Aftertaste of Memories, which was largely touted in The Republic and Afrocritik as a potential classic and an example of
- [Cover Reveal: Wole Talabi’s “The Fist of Memory”](https://jaylit.com/cover-reveal-wole-talabis-the-fist-of-memory/) - The cover of The Fist of Memory, the forthcoming novel by Nigerian speculative fiction writer Wole Talabi, has been officially unveiled ahead of its October 2026 release by DAW Books in the United States and Gollancz in the United Kingdom. Described as a first-contact speculative thriller, the novel explores memory, power, and interconnectedness against the
- [University of Nairobi Opens Applications for Writing and Mentoring Programme for Early Career African Literary Scholars](https://jaylit.com/university-of-nairobi-opens-applications-for-writing-and-mentoring-programme-for-early-career-african-literary-scholars/) - Applications are invited from early-career scholars of African Literary and Cultural Studies based in Eastern and Southern Africa to take part in a year-long writing and mentoring programme, including a 4-day in-person writing workshop at the University of Nairobi. Designed in partnership with the journal Eastern African Literary and Cultural Studies and funded by the
- [Chii Ọganihu, Nyachiro Lydia Kasese Make 2026 Propel Cambridge Poetry Prize Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/chii-oganihu-nyachiro-lydia-kasese-make-2026-propel-cambridge-poetry-prize-shortlist/) - Chii Ọganihu and Nyachiro Lydia Kasese have been shortlisted for the Propel Cambridge Poetry Prize 2026, selected from 1,400 submissions by emerging poets worldwide. This year’s judge, Bhanu Kapil, chose a shortlist of seven writers from a longlist of 50. Launched in Summer 2022, Propel Magazine is a literary magazine featuring the work of poets
- [Abdulrahman M. Abu-Yaman, Daniel Echezona, and Ujama Kadri Make 2026 "London" Literary Prize Prose Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/abdulrahman-m-abu-yaman-daniel-echezona-and-ujama-kadri-make-2026-london-literary-prize-prose-shortlist/) - Three African writers, Abdulrahman M. Abu-Yaman, Daniel Echezona, and Ujama Kadri, have been shortlisted in the Prose category of the 2026 "London" Literary Prize. The shortlist, announced this week, features five writers competing in the prose category of the annual literary contest organised by The /tƐmz/ Review: Abdulrahman M. Abu-Yaman was shortlisted for Midwife Crisis
- [Platinum Authors Conference Launches Platinum Zambia Book Award in Lusaka](https://jaylit.com/platinum-authors-conference-launches-platinum-zambia-book-award-in-lusaka/) - Dr. Dora Siliya, a published author in Zambia and convenor of the Platinum Authors Conference, officially launched the Platinum Zambia Book Award on Friday, 10 April 2026, at The Mocha Puddle in Lusaka. The award aims to celebrate Zambian writers, strengthen the country’s reading culture, and create economic opportunities within the local publishing industry. In
- [Masobe Books Reveals Cover for Eugen Bacon's ‘Danged Black Thing’](https://jaylit.com/masobe-books-reveals-cover-for-eugen-bacons-danged-black-thing/) - Masobe Books has unveiled the cover of Danged Black Thing by Tanzanian-born author Eugen Bacon. The book is part of the five-title acquisition announced in March 2026. A collection of short stories about love and migration, gender, class, patriarchy, and womanhood, Danged Black Thing is scheduled for release on 21 August 2026, together with the
- [Noisy Streetss Publishing Opens Erotica Manuscript Submission for African Writers](https://jaylit.com/noisy-streetss-publishing-opens-erotica-manuscript-submission-for-african-writers/) - Noisy Streetss Publishing has opened submissions for erotica and erotic-leaning manuscripts from African writers across the continent and in the diaspora. The publisher is seeking unpublished original works in categories such as heavy romance, taboo romance, kink and exploration, and everyday erotic fiction. Eligibility Each writer may submit one manuscript per submission window. Multiple submissions from
- [The Poetry of a Fierce Poet Kindling His Consciousness in Hannu Afere’s Go Home](https://jaylit.com/the-poetry-of-a-fierce-poet-kindling-his-consciousness-in-hannu-aferes-go-home/) - Hannu Afere is one of the young writers who were inspired by the Facebook wave of social media writers who began to write on Facebook in the early to mid 2010s. Known for his muscular prose, filled with witty and shocking revelations in commas, which he has also doubled into fantasy as a result of
- [Safia Elhillo Named Wasafiri’s International Writer in Residence for 2026](https://jaylit.com/safia-elhillo-named-wasafiris-international-writer-in-residence-for-2026/) - The literary magazine Wasafiri has announced Sudanese American poet Safia Elhillo as its new International Writer-in-Residence for April to September 2026. Founded in 1984 in the spirit of recognising the largest possible literary community, Wasafiri has since platformed the voices of multilingual writers and writing that traverses linguistic and geographical boundaries. They remain committed to
- [Afritondo Announces Shortlist for 2026 Short Story Prize](https://jaylit.com/afritondo-announces-shortlist-for-2026-short-story-prize/) - Afritondo has unveiled the shortlist for its 2026 Short Story Prize, narrowing its longlist of 15 outstanding writers to five finalists whose stories will now compete for the top prize. The shortlisted writers and their stories are: Joe Lyimo — "Things We Don’t Say at the Border" (Tanzania/Austria) Lynette Sifiso — "Between Living and Gone"
- [The 2025 All African Women Poetry (AAWP) Festival Returns to Accra from May 22 to 24, 2025](https://jaylit.com/the-2025-all-african-women-poetry-aawp-festival-returns-to-accra-from-may-22-24-2025/) - The 2025 All African Women Poetry (AAWP) Festival started off activities with events in Nairobi, Kenya, in January. This will now be followed by the main festival dates in Accra, Ghana, this May. The Nairobi leg celebrated award-winning Kenyan poet, playwright, and performing artist Sitawa Namwalie, who is known for her unique dramatized poetry performances,
- [Zambia Holds Second Platinum Authors Conference and Book Fair](https://jaylit.com/high-costs-low-reach-zambian-book-industry-challenges-drive-calls-for-reform/) - Zambian writers, publishers, and government agencies gathered in Lusaka on 24 March to confront challenges facing the country’s book industry, with calls for greater investment, stronger systems, and wider access to local content. Held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, the second Platinum Authors Conference brought together industry players seeking practical solutions to longstanding constraints.
- [Iheoma J. Uzomba Wins the 2026 Evaristo Prize for ‘Father’s Love’](https://jaylit.com/iheoma-j-uzomba-wins-the-2026-evaristo-prize-for-fathers-love/) - The African Poetry Book Fund has announced Iheoma J. Uzomba as the winner of the 2026 Evaristo Prize for her poem, Father’s Love. Selected by a judging panel comprising Ladan Osman (Chair), Tsitsi Jaji, and Leila Chatti, Uzomba’s piece stood out after a rigorous evaluation process. A Nigerian poet, Uzomba, is a winner of the
- [The Impulsive Lives of Lagos Lovers: A Review of Ayo Deforge’s Under the Rain](https://jaylit.com/the-impulsive-lives-of-lagos-lovers-a-review-of-ayo-deforges-under-the-rain/) - 1. What the jury knows about dating in Lagos is that it remains a horror story. It did not even start with Damilare Kuku and her dreary chronicles of the same in Nearly All…. Our love interests in Ayo Deforge’s new book, Bolaji, and Shola, think they have hacked it. Dizzy desire would drive them
- [Cassava Republic Press Makes History with Marcia Hutchinson's The Mercy Step, as First African Publisher on Women's Prize Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/cassava-republic-press-makes-history-as-first-african-publisher-on-womens-prize-shortlist/) - Marcia Hutchinson's The Mercy Step, published by Cassava Republic Press, has been shortlisted for the 2026 Women's Prize for Fiction, one of the world's most prestigious literary awards. This is a truly historic feat as it is the first time an African and Black woman-owned small press has ever reached this shortlist in the prize's thirty-year
- [Frances Ogamba Wins Gulliver Travel Grant, Advances to Chautauqua Janus Prize Finals](https://jaylit.com/frances-ogamba-advances-to-chautauqua-janus-prize-finals-while-winning-gulliver-travel-grant/) - Frances Ogamba, award-winning Nigerian writer and 2025 JAY Lit Prize for Fiction judge, has won the 2025 Gulliver Travel Grant from the Speculative Literature Foundation, and has been named one of ten finalists for the 2026 Chautauqua Janus Prize. 2025 Gulliver Travel Grant Winner Ogamba has also been awarded the 2025 Gulliver Travel Grant by
- [Salvation Street](https://jaylit.com/salvation-street/) - The madness swelled into a cankerous beast, until I could no longer tell myself apart from the malady that consumed me. Sitting here, I ask myself, “What is real?” Like a sick child, silence vomits the answer onto my trembling palms: Alas, nothing. ~ When I enter Gran’s room, I find her twirling, jerking, squirming
- [The  Caine Prize for African Writing Presents: An Evening of Readings With The Caine Prize Writers’ Workshop 2026 Cohort](https://jaylit.com/the-caine-prize-for-african-writing-presents-an-evening-of-readings-with-the-caine-prize-writers-workshop-2026-cohort/) - The Caine Prize for African Writing Writers’ Workshop is being held in Zanzibar in honour of the 2025 Chair of Judges, Nobel Laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah. This is the nineteenth Writers’ Workshop. Ten writers from nine countries have convened in Stone Town, Zanzibar, for fourteen days (11 – 24 April) to develop works in progress, as
- [Mariam Mohammed, Olayinka Yaqub, and Naomi Nduta Waweru Emerge Winners of The 2025 JAY Lit Awards](https://jaylit.com/announcing-the-2025-jay-lit-awards-winners/) - Ghanaian poet Mariam Mohammed (Poetry), Nigerian writer Olayinka Yaqub (Fiction), and Kenyan essayist Naomi Nduta Waweru (Non-Fiction) have emerged as the winners of the 2025 JAY Lit Awards, an initiative of the Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) that seeks to recognise excellence and honour the finest voices published in the journal in a
- [Yemisí Aríbisálà Makes Shortlist for Fortnum & Mason Food Writer of the Year 2026](https://jaylit.com/yemisi-aribisala-makes-shortlist-for-fortnum-mason-food-writer-of-the-year-2026/) - Yemisí Aríbisálà has been shortlisted for Food Writer of the Year at the Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards 2026, in recognition of work published in Vittles and Scribehound Food. Aríbisálà is the author of Longthroat Memoirs, a work that examines Nigerian food culture through memory and narrative. Her writing spans food and cultural
- [Ridwan Badamasi Wins 2025 Awele Creative Trust Award](https://jaylit.com/ridwan-badamasi-wins-2025-awele-creative-trust-award/) - The Awele Creative Trust has announced Ridwan Badmasi as the winner of the 2025 Awele Creative Trust Award for his entry 'In the Shape of the Branch.' The award, dedicated to providing a platform and enabling environment for creative young persons in Nigeria through literature and arts, awards N100,000 to the winner. 'In the Shape
- [Ghanaian Poet Gabriel Awuah Mainoo Wins 2025–2026 Diann Blakely Prize](https://jaylit.com/ghanaian-poet-gabriel-awuah-mainoo-wins-2025-2026-diann-blakely-prize/) - Ghanaian poet and creative practitioner Gabriel Awuah Mainoo has been named the winner of the 2025–2026 Diann Blakely Emerging Poet Prize, awarded by the Creative Writing Program at the University of Georgia. Mainoo received the honor for his poem, A Pathogenesis of the First Slave Ship, selected by poet Karla Kelsey, who served as judge
- [Chinaza James-Ibe Wins Inaugural Creative Writing News Editorial Fellowship](https://jaylit.com/chinaza-james-ibe-wins-inaugural-creative-writing-news-editorial-fellowship/) - Chinaza James-Ibe has been announced as the winner of the inaugural Creative Writing News Editorial Fellowship. The fellowship, sponsored by Asterism Communications, is a newly established initiative aimed at supporting writers who demonstrate exceptional literary talent alongside a strong commitment to fostering growth within the literary space. Designed to encourage sustained engagement and advocacy in
- ["Ṣẹgilọlá Arómirẹ̀ Ògìdán" Wins Best Thriller Book at Africa Laureate Awards 2026](https://jaylit.com/ṣegilola-aromire-ogidan-wins-best-thriller-book-at-africa-laureate-awards-2026/) - Arẹmọ Yusuf Alábí Balógun's Ṣẹgilọlá Arómirẹ̀ Ògìdán has won the Best Thriller Book prize at the Africa Laureate Awards 2026. The novel follows Segilola, a woman torn between her values and desire, whose decision to risk a night stand for her lover alters the course of her life. Cultural taboo, a mother’s love, misogyny, and
- [Tade Thompson and Eugen Bacon Win at Britain's 2026 BSFA Awards](https://jaylit.com/tade-thompson-and-eugen-bacon-win-at-britains-2026-bsfa-awards/) - British-Nigerian author Tade Thompson and African-Australian writer Eugen Bacon are among the winners at the 2026 British Science Fiction Association (BSFA) Awards, announced on April 5 at Eastercon in Birmingham, England. Tade Thompson won the award for Best Shorter Fiction for his novella The Apologists, published in Clarkesworld, while Eugen Bacon took home Best Non-Fiction
- [palmtrees Partners with NEON to Launch Global Screenplay Incubator](https://jaylit.com/palmtrees-partners-with-neon-to-launch-global-screenplay-incubator/) - A new international opportunity is opening for emerging and established screenwriters across the Global South. palmtrees, a screenplay development incubator, has announced a development partnership with NEON for its inaugural cohort. The program is designed to support writers from Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Oceania. Between eight
- [Gbenga Adesina and Nick Makoha Among 2026 Griffin Poetry Prize Longlist](https://jaylit.com/gbenga-adesina-and-nick-makoha-among-2026-griffin-poetry-prize-longlist/) - The Griffin Poetry Prize has announced its 2026 longlist, and among the selected writers are two African poets: Gbenga Adesina for Death Does Not End at the Sea (University of Nebraska Press) Nick Makoha for The New Carthaginians, Allen Lane (Penguin Books) Selected by judges Andrea Cote, Luke Hathaway, and Major Jackson, this year’s longlist
- [Adedayo Agarau Wins the 2026 Nossrat Yassini Poetry Prize](https://jaylit.com/adedayo-agarau-wins-the-2026-nossrat-yassini-poetry-prize/) - Adedayo Agarau has been named the winner of the 2026 Nossrat Yassini Poetry Prize for his poetry collection, The Years of Blood. Housed and managed by the University of New Hampshire’s English Department, the prize honors a first book by a U.S. based poet of exceptional promise, recognizing both the writer and the press behind
- [When Grief Mistakes Its Enemy: A Review of Kwame, Come Home](https://jaylit.com/when-grief-mistakes-its-enemy-a-review-of-kwame-come-home/) - Vanessa tucks a Nokia phone in her bra and waits outside on a wooden stool, watching the road from morning through evening, certain her son, Kwame, will return because a prophet promised a date. When she wakes from exhausted sleep, it is already midnight. She does not know that in Agadez, Kwame's friend Jide clutches
- [Recipe for Dissidence: A Review of Ifésinàchi Nwàdiké’s How We Became Heroes](https://jaylit.com/recipe-for-dissidence-a-review-of-ifesinachi-nwadikes-how-we-became-heroes/) - In December 2025, Noirledge Publishing released How We Became Heroes, the second collection of poems from Ifésinàchi Nwàdiké. The collection accentuates the strong voice of a counter-hegemonic, marked by the idiosyncratic scathing rage that seeks to dismantle unscrupulous systems. The poems initiate one into a world that froths with an unquenchable thirst for vengeance against oppressive orders. Ifésinàchi
- [Call for Submissions: 2026 Unserious Collective Fellowship](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-2026-unserious-collective-fellowship/) - The Unserious Collective has opened submissions for the 2026 Unserious Collective Fellowship, marking the return of its annual prize after a one-year hiatus. The fellowship recognizes outstanding poetry by emerging Nigerian poets. Submissions are open from April 1 to June 30, 2026. Four fellows will be selected, each receiving ₦150,000, for a total prize of
- [Awele Creative Trust Announces 2025 ACT Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/awele-creative-trust-announces-2025-act-shortlist/) - The Awele Creative Trust (ACT) has announced the shortlist for its 2025 short story prize. The selected writers are: Chidera Anikpe for "A Fragile Language" Ridwan Badamasi for "In the Shade of the Branch" Ikechukwu Henry for "The Light Between Us" Founded by Chika Unigwe, the ACT Short Story Prize is awarded annually to a
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Chiwenite Onyekwelu](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-chiwenite-onyekwelu/) - Chiwenite Onyekwelu grew up passing by late Chinua Achebe's house on the way to Boys Secondary School in Ogidi, a semi-urban town in Anambra State. Before the town became semi-urban, it was very remote, where his childhood was filled with moonlight plays, fetching firewood from the bush, looking for wild fruits, hunting grasshoppers with traps
- [Announcing The 2025 JAY Lit Awards—Judges, Shortlists & Longlists](https://jaylit.com/announcing-the-2025-jay-lit-awards-judges-shortlists-longlists/) - It is the pleasure of the Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) to recognise excellence, and to honour the finest voices published in our journal. Starting in 2024, the JAY Lit Awards recognizes the best work published in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, across all of the journal's issues every calendar year. The awards categories are “JAY Lit
- [Waxwing Literary Journal to Host Virtual Event with Frances Ogamba, Mubanga Kalimamukwento, and Chika Unigwe](https://jaylit.com/waxwing-literary-journal-to-host-virtual-event-with-frances-ogamba-mubanga-kalimamukwento-and-chika-unigwe/) - Waxwing Literary Journal will host a virtual literary event on April 11, 2026, featuring writers Frances Ogamba, Mubanga Kalimamukwento, and Chika Unigwe. Scheduled to hold via Zoom, the session will be facilitated by Ogamba, and she will be joined by Kalimamukwento, author of The Shipikisha Club, and Unigwe, the Nigeria Prize for Literature-winning author of
- [Meet the Longlist: 2026 Afritondo Short Story Prize](https://jaylit.com/meet-the-longlist-2026-afritondo-short-story-prize/) - Afritondo has officially unveiled the longlist for the 2026 Afritondo Short Story Prize. This year’s theme, 'Transition,' sparked an extraordinary global response, drawing over 760 submissions from writers across more than 40 countries. Following a rigorous selection process, the judges have announced the following longlisted writers: Caiphus Mmino Mangenela — 'When Heaven Went Quiet' (Botswana)
- [Awuor Ouma Wins 2026 Cave Canem Prize for "Blue Hands, Brown Skin"](https://jaylit.com/awuor-ouma-wins-2026-cave-canem-prize-for-blue-hands-brown-skin/) - Cave Canem has announced Awuor Ouma as the winner of the 2026 Cave Canem Prize for her manuscript, Blue Hands, Brown Skin. The prize recognizes exceptional first manuscripts by unpublished poets from the African diaspora. Since its launch in 1999—when Rita Dove selected Domestic Work by Natasha Trethewey, who went on to serve as the
- [Masobe Books Acquires Nigerian Rights for Five Eugen Bacon Afro-Irreal Titles](https://jaylit.com/masobe-books-acquires-nigerian-rights-for-five-eugen-bacon-afro-irreal-titles/) - Othuke Ominiabohs, founder and publisher of Masobe Books, has acquired Nigerian rights to publish five works by African-Australian author Eugen Bacon. The acquisition covers: Mage of Fools, an Afrofuturistic dystopian novel on climate action and socialism. The Road to Woop Woop and Other Stories, an African-Australian collection of short stories. Serengotti, a literary novel haunted
- [Poda-Poda Stories Opens Submissions for ‘Omission’ Issue, Deadline March 30](https://jaylit.com/poda-poda-stories-opens-submissions-for-omission-issue-deadline-march-30/) - Poda-Poda Stories has officially opened submissions for its next themed issue, inviting African writers and those across the diaspora to respond to the theme “Omission.” With a submission deadline set for March 30, 2026, the call is open to writers at all stages of their careers, spanning fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. This issue will feature
- [Nnedi Okorafor, Wole Talabi, Somto Ihezue Among 2026 Nebula Awards Finalists](https://jaylit.com/nnedi-okorafor-wole-talabi-somto-ihezue-among-2026-nebula-awards-finalists/) - The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA) has unveiled the finalists for the 61st Nebula Awards, with three writers from the African and African diaspora literary community earning nominations across major categories. Nnedi Okorafor is a finalist for Best Novel Wole Talabi for Best Novella Somto Ihezue for Best Novelette Nigerian-American writer Nnedi Okorafor
- [Masobe Launches an App for Ebook Reading ](https://jaylit.com/masobe-launches-an-app-for-ebook-reading/) - Masobe Books has announced the launch of the Masobe App, a new digital platform designed to expand access to African literature and deepen reading culture across the continent and beyond. The app introduces a more accessible way for readers to engage with a wide range of genres, including mystery, poetry, non-fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and
- [Call for Entries: 2027 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize Opens](https://jaylit.com/call-for-entries-2027-joe-ushie-poetry-prize-opens/) - The Joe Ushie Literature Foundation has announced a call for submissions for the 2027 Joe Ushie Poetry Prize, inviting Nigerian poets to submit original works for consideration. The annual prize recognises excellence in Nigerian poetry and aims to support the growth of Nigerian literature by rewarding creativity and amplifying literary voices. It is open to
- [Call for Submissions: The Alhaji Arole Agarawu African Poetry Prize](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-the-alhaji-arole-agarawu-african-poetry-prize/) - The Arole Agarawu Foundation has opened submissions for the inaugural Alhaji Arole Agarawu African Poetry Prize, inviting poets of African descent worldwide to submit original, unpublished poetry. The prize is established in memory of Alhaji Arole Agarawu (1930s–1995), whose work contributed significantly to Yoruba musical traditions such as Sakara, Apala, and Waka. Through the prize,
- [Call for Entries: The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2026](https://jaylit.com/call-for-entries-the-nigeria-prize-for-literature-2026/) - Entries are now open for the 2026 edition of the Nigeria Prize for Literature, with this year’s competition dedicated to Poetry. The yearly prize, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited, is awarded to the author of the best book by a Nigerian and rotates among four genres: Prose Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Children’s Literature. Submission Procedure
- [Call for Submissions: Moveee Culture Narratives](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-moveee-culture-narratives/) - Moveee Culture Narratives has opened submissions for a new cycle of long-form essays, calling for deeply personal stories that sit at the intersection of individual experience and collective culture. Framed as an archive of lived realities, the platform seeks narratives that go beyond surface-level storytelling—essays that treat memory, identity, and experience as intellectual contributions worthy
- [Cover Reveal: Eugen Bacon’s Afro-irrealist "Black Dingo"](https://jaylit.com/cover-reveal-eugen-bacons-afro-irrealist-black-dingo/) - Award-winning Flame Tree Publisher, Nick Wells, and author Eugen Bacon are delighted to reveal the cover of her newest collection of Afro-irrealist tales—stories of longing, belonging, and the uncanny, deeply rooted in her African Australian heritage. K. Ibura’s foreword playfully weaves with Eugen’s text in a reflexive act that is also a deep dive into
- [Abu Bakr Sadiq Makes Pollard Poetry Prize 2026 Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/abu-bakr-sadiq-makes-pollard-poetry-prize-2026-shortlist/) - Nigerian poet Abu Bakr Sadiq has been shortlisted for the John Pollard Foundation International Poetry Prize 2026, following the official announcement by the Trinity Oscar Wilde Centre. Now in its seventh year, the prize is awarded annually for an outstanding debut poetry collection in English. Valued at €10,000, it is sponsored by the John Pollard
- [Copper Monstera Announces The Launch Of Its Upcoming Anthology](https://jaylit.com/copper-monstera-announces-the-launch-of-its-upcoming-anthology/) - The Copper Monstera Publishing firm has announced its upcoming anthology launch, set for 2026, with the exact date to be confirmed soon. Led by founder Natasha Omokhodion, the women and money anthology is titled The Boy In The Red Car & Other Stories and features thirteen stories from thirteen bright contributors. Among the contributors are:
- [Call for Submissions: “Her Voice Beyond the Camp” Women & Girls Poetry Anthology Opens](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-her-voice-beyond-the-camp-women-girls-poetry-anthology-opens/) - African Youth Artistic Poetry (AYAP), in partnership with Writing EDEN, The Publishing Company, has announced the launch of “Her Voice Beyond the Camp,” a poetry anthology dedicated to amplifying the voices of girls and women living in refugee camps and marginalized communities. Through poetry, participants are invited to share their experiences, resilience, identity, struggles, and
- [Cassava Republic Press Champions "The Mercy Step" After 50 Publisher Rejections](https://jaylit.com/cassava-republic-press-champions-the-mercy-step-after-50-publisher-rejections/) - After being rejected by fifty publishers, The Mercy Step, the debut novel by British writer Marcia Hutchinson, is now receiving major recognition on the UK literary stage. The novel has been longlisted for the 2026 Women's Prize for Fiction and shortlisted for the Discover Prize at the British Book Awards. Senior Editor Layla Mohamed acquired
- [Chidera Udochukwu-Nduka Wins 2025 Iskanchi Magazine Prize for Short Story “User Not Found”](https://jaylit.com/chidera-udochukwu-nduka-wins-2025-iskanchi-magazine-prize-for-short-story-user-not-found/) - Chidera Udochukwu-Nduka has been announced as the 2025 Iskanchi Magazine Prize winner for her short story "User Not Found", emerging as the top writer from a competitive field of submissions from across Africa and the diaspora. The announcement was made following the release of the prize shortlist: João Melo for "The Yellow Peril" Chidera Udochukwu-Nduka
- [OlongoAfrica Presents Volume 2 of Multi-Lingua Anthology ](https://jaylit.com/olongoafrica-presents-volume-2-of-multi-lingua-anthology/) - OlongoAfrica has released the second volume of its multilingual anthology project, expanding its effort to make African literature accessible in indigenous languages across the continent. The new edition was launched on February 21, 2026, to coincide with International Mother Language Day, a global observance that highlights the importance of linguistic diversity and the preservation of
- [Moremi Review to Host 2026 International Women’s Day Reading Featuring African Women Poets](https://jaylit.com/moremi-review-to-host-2026-international-womens-day-reading-featuring-african-women-poets/) - Moremi Review will host the 2026 International Women’s Day Reading, bringing together a lineup of African women poets from across the continent and the diaspora for an evening of poetry, conversation, and literary exchange. The event, hosted by Nigerian writer Jakky Bankong-Obi, is scheduled for March 8, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. (WAT) via Google Meet,
- [Words-Empire Magazine Opens Call for Submission](https://jaylit.com/words-empire-magazine-opens-call-for-submission/) - Words-Empire Magazine has announced a call for submissions for its upcoming Issue 3, open till 31st March, 20226. For its themeless Issue 3, Words-Empire Magazine is seeking unpublished, bold prose, poetry, essays, memoirs, and reviews that explore a range of styles. Submission Guidelines: Submit 1 or 2 poems with no length restrictions. Submit Essays, Reviews, and Memoirs
- [Chukwuebuka Ibeh to Host Enugu Literary Masterclass](https://jaylit.com/chukwuebuka-ibeh-to-host-enugu-literary-masterclass/) - In a bold move to nurture the next generation of voices in Nigeria's "literary renaissance," author Chukwuebuka Ibeh has announced an intensive, one-day masterclass for emerging writers. The workshop, organized by the Umuofia Creative Foundation, is designed to provide up-and-coming talent in the Southeast with the technical tools and industry insights necessary to refine their
- [Nnedi Okorafor Wins the NAACP Image Award for “Death of the Author”](https://jaylit.com/nnedi-okorafor-wins-the-naacp-image-award-for-death-of-the-author/) - Nigerian-American science fiction writer Nnedi Okorafor has been announced as the winner of the Outstanding Literary Work for Fiction award at the 57th NAACP Image Awards for Death of the Author (William Morrow). The win was announced on 23 February 2026 during the first night of the ceremony’s virtual pre-show. The NAACP Image Awards, often
- [Celebrating the 2025 Rajat Neogy Editorial Fellowship Chapbooks](https://jaylit.com/celebrating-the-2025-rajat-neogy-editorial-fellowship-chapbooks/) - “Editing is not just about correcting errors, it's also about strengthening writing.” — Josiah DeGraaf The 2025 Rajat Neogy Editorial Fellowship, presented by Alonghouse, continues to uphold its commitment to nurturing bold editorial voices with the release of two powerful chapbooks: RADIANCE and Chronic. Named in honour of Rajat Neogy—the visionary founder of Transition magazine—the
- [PAWA Opens Submissions for 2026 Young African Writers’ Poetry Competition](https://jaylit.com/pawa-opens-submissions-for-2026-young-african-writers-poetry-competition/) - The Young African Writers Committee of the Pan-African Writers Association (PAWA) has announced an open call for entries for the 2026 Young African Writers’ Poetry Competition, inviting poets aged 18 to 45 from across the continent to submit their work. The annual continental competition is designed to identify, celebrate, and promote exceptional poetic talent while
- [Layers of Avarice: A Review of Hussani Abdulrahim’s Gold-Plated Boy](https://jaylit.com/layers-of-avarice-a-review-of-hussani-abdulrahims-gold-plated-boy/) - Among the many benefits of my Flame Tree Fellowship was the gift of friendship with Hussaini (officially misspelled as ‘Hussani’). I believe he is the best of us. You can read the recently released Flame Tree Anthology to ascertain my claim. His "Gold-Plated Boy", the 11th in Ivor W. Hartmann’s ZamaShort series curated by the prestigious Story Time,
- [Masobe Books to Publish Echezonachukwu Nduka’s Third Poetry Collection, "Jazz Negotiations", in March 2026](https://jaylit.com/masobe-books-to-publish-echezonachukwu-ndukas-third-poetry-collection-jazz-negotiations-in-march-2026/) - Masobe Books has acquired the publishing rights to Jazz Negotiations, the highly sought third poetry collection by Nigerian poet and pianist Echezonachukwu Nduka. Jazz Negotiations, praised by NLNG Nigeria Prize for Poetry winner Obari Gamba as a “collection of lovely poems,” maintains Nduka’s intersectional musico-poetic lens as it engages histories, identities, and quotidian realities, seeking
- [Crumpled Pieces of a Mother and Her Son](https://jaylit.com/crumpled-pieces-of-a-mother-and-her-son/) - Because at midday Sori is a furnace, shortly after relocating back here I adopted the small habit of enjoying the breeze while sitting under the neem tree in front of my house. From there, leaning against the tree, I could see the path leading down to the market, the rusty tin roofs of the market
- [Ajja and the Children of Nature](https://jaylit.com/ajja-and-the-children-of-nature/) - “So, will you tell me the story?” asked Som, his small voice sunny with hope. With a long sigh, I replied, “But after the story, you sleep. No mumu questions, and tomorrow, if you like cry blood, I’m not telling you anything.” Giggling, he nodded. The rough floor of the hut chaffed my buttocks and
- [Ernest O. Jésùyẹmí to Feature in March Edition of Poetversation](https://jaylit.com/ernest-o-jesuyemi-to-feature-in-march-edition-of-poetversation/) - Inkspires Kreation has announced the March 2026 edition of its poetry series, Poetversation, featuring Nigerian poet and critic Ernest O. Jésùyẹmí as guest poet. The session, themed Poetic Cadence: An Evening of Words, will be hosted by Sarah Adeyemo. The virtual event is scheduled for Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- [Sundress Publications Announces the Release of "Quantum Entanglements with Notes on Loss" by Abdulrazaq Salihu](https://jaylit.com/sundress-publications-announces-the-release-of-quantum-entanglements-with-notes-on-loss-by-abdulrazaq-salihu/) - Sundress Publications has announced the release of Quantum Entanglements with Notes on Loss, a poetry chapbook by Nigerian poet and performance artist Abdulrazaq Salihu. A runner-up in the Sundress Publications Chapbook Contest, Quantum Entanglements with Notes on Loss, explores the brutal ache of loss and grief in a haunting, heart-aching collection of poems. The horrors
- [Talescapes Launches Mosaic Novel Project Across Five African Regions in Collaboration with JAY Lit](https://jaylit.com/talescapes-launches-mosaic-novel-project-across-five-african-regions/) - A new literary initiative, The Pan-African Chain, has opened applications for a collaborative storytelling project that will bring together five writers from five African regions to produce a single continuous narrative. Created by Talescapes in partnership with the Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit), the project will take the form of a Mosaic Novel —
- [Yarnz Magazine Reveals Cover for its First Issue](https://jaylit.com/yarnz-magazine-reveals-first-issue-cover/) - Yarnz Magazine has unveiled the cover of its inaugural issue, featuring poetry, short stories, essays, visual art, photo stories, interviews, and cultural criticism from African creatives. Yarnz aspires to serve as a bridge, curating African metaphors, music, memory, imagination, ideas, and meaning-making for audiences across the continent and around the world. In a time of
- [Quramo Writers’ Prize 2026 Opens for Submissions](https://jaylit.com/quramo-writers-prize-2026-opens-for-submissions/) - Quramo Publishing Ltd. (QPL) is now accepting entries for the 2026 edition of the Quramo Writers’ Prize (QWP), marking the tenth year of the annual competition. The prize invites unpublished Nigerian and other African writers to submit a complete work of fiction prose written in English. Submissions are open to writers residing within and outside
- [Call for Entries: The Kuchalo Song and Poetry Competition](https://jaylit.com/call-for-entries-the-kuchalo-song-and-poetry-competition/) - Kuchalo Media Limited, a digital platform dedicated to connecting Zambians in the diaspora with opportunities and stories that celebrate cultural identity, has announced an open call for entries for the Kuchalo Song and Poetry Competition. The competition is open to Zambians of all ages, with submissions closing on 20 February 2026. Participants are invited to
- [The Professor Moussa Traoré Poetry Prize Opens for Submissions](https://jaylit.com/the-professor-mousah-traore-poetry-prize-opens-for-submissions/) - The Department of English at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), in collaboration with its Creative Writers’ Club, has announced the inaugural Professor Moussa Traoré Poetry Prize, a new literary initiative designed to spotlight emerging poetic voices across Ghanaian tertiary institutions. The prize honours Professor Moussa Traoré, Head of the Department of English at UCC,
- [Cover Reveal: "A Museum of Unfinished Men"](https://jaylit.com/cover-reveal-a-museum-of-unfinished-men/) - Masobe Books has unveiled the cover of A Museum of Unfinished Men, a new poetry collection by Nigerian writer Kukogho Iruesiri Samson, set for release on 20 March 2026. The cover features three sculpted male busts mounted on classical pedestals, reinforcing the “museum” motif embedded in the title. Rendered in stark black against a muted
- [[Featured Post] Analogy In Sensing The Self](https://jaylit.com/analogy-in-sensing-the-self-through-the-lens-of-raphael-banda/) - On January 17th, the Henry Tayali Visual Arts Center in Lusaka hosted the Sensing the Self with Analogy Poetry Workshop, a gathering that brought together poets, facilitators, and enthusiasts in an atmosphere charged with artistic energy. Organized by JAY Lit contributor, Anna Zgambo under the auspices of the Zambia National Visual Arts Council, the workshop
- [Wole Talabi’s “The Fist of Memory” Set for October 2026 Release from DAW Books/Gollancz](https://jaylit.com/wole-talabis-the-fist-of-memory-set-for-october-2026-release-from-daw-books-gollancz/) - Nigerian speculative fiction writer Wole Talabi is set to release his second novel, The Fist of Memory, in October 2026 through DAW Books in the United States and Gollancz in the United Kingdom. The novel follows Talabi’s critically acclaimed Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon, which was recognised as one of The Washington Post’s
- [Eight African Voices Nominated for Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award 2026](https://jaylit.com/eight-african-voices-nominated-for-astrid-lindgren-memorial-award-2026/) - Eight African authors and reading-promotion organisations have been named among the nominees for the 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, the world’s most valuable prize for children’s and young adult literature. The award’s organisers announced 263 nominees from 74 countries and regions for the 2026 edition. With a prize of five million Swedish kronor (approximately $570,000),
- [The Caine Prize for African Writing Announces 2026 Judges Panel](https://jaylit.com/the-caine-prize-for-african-writing-announces-2026-judges-panel/) - The Caine Prize for African Writing has announced the panel of judges for its 2026 edition, bringing together a diverse group of cultural practitioners whose work spans literature, academia, curatorial practice, theatre, film, and broadcasting. The 2026 judging panel will be chaired by Nigerian journalist, broadcaster, and documentary maker Bola Mosuro, who was announced last
- [A Review of Mohammed Babajide Mohammed's Balaqh’ees and Other Stories](https://jaylit.com/a-review-of-mohammed-babajide-mohammeds-balaqhees-and-other-stories/) - Mohammed Babajide Mohammed’s Balaqh’ees and Other Stories is a daring collection that refuses to be neatly shelved. Across eleven stories, he blends Yoruba folklore, horror, speculative fiction, and myth to create a book that feels at once rooted in tradition and unafraid of experimentation. It’s definitely not a comfort read, but the kind of fiction that unsettles,
- [Thirty Poems Make the Longlist for the Eriata Oribhabor Poetry Prize 2025](https://jaylit.com/thirty-poems-make-the-longlist-for-the-eriata-oribhabor-poetry-prize-2025/) - Thirty poems have been selected for the longlist of the Eriata Oribhabor Poetry Prize (EOPP) 2025, following a highly competitive submission process that drew entries from poets across Nigeria and beyond. Founded in 2012, the EOPP promotes Nigerian poetry centered on nation-building, patriotism, and social issues. It pushes poets to tackle governance and spark change,
- [Tampered Press Invites Submissions for Its Ninth Issue](https://jaylit.com/tampered-press-invites-submissions-for-its-ninth-issue/) - Tampered Press is currently accepting submissions for its ninth issue, inviting writers and artists to engage with stories shaped by continuity, memory, and return. The forthcoming issue draws inspiration from the narrative traditions of 1990s Ghanaian films—stories that unfolded across multiple instalments, resisting neat endings and embracing the tension of what comes next. For this
- [Tsitsi Dangarembga, Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at Sharjah Festival of African Literature](https://jaylit.com/tsitsi-dangarembga-honoured-with-lifetime-achievement-award-at-sharjah-festival-of-african-literature/) - Zimbabwean writer and filmmaker Tsitsi Dangarembga has been awarded the Sharjah Lifetime Achievement in Literature Award at the second edition of the Sharjah Festival of African Literature, in recognition of her impact on African storytelling. The award was presented during the festival’s opening ceremony at Sharjah University City. Dangarembga’s work—spanning novels, essays, and film—has consistently
- [Call for Submissions: Writers Space Africa](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-writers-space-africa/) - Writers Space Africa (WSA) has opened submissions for the 112th edition of its magazine, scheduled for April 2026, with the theme “Déjà vu.” African writers are invited to explore the ideas of repetition, memory, cyclical experiences, and the feeling of reliving moments, interpreting the theme across a range of literary forms. WSA is accepting submissions
- [The Roaring Lion Newcastle Launches dRAFTed Quarterly Fund for Nigerian Writers](https://jaylit.com/the-roaring-lion-newcastle-launches-drafted-quarterly-fund-for-nigerian-writers/) - The Roaring Lion Newcastle has launched dRAFTed, a quarterly funding scheme created to financially support Nigerian creative writers and enable them to focus on developing their work. Through the initiative, a ₦100,000 fund will be awarded to selected writers each quarter based on need. The scheme is open to writers working across fiction, nonfiction, poetry,
- [The Abebi AfroNonfiction Institute Announces Winners of the 2025 Abebi Award](https://jaylit.com/the-abebi-afrononfiction-institute-announces-winners-of-the-2025-abebi-award/) - The Abebi AfroNonfiction Institute has announced the winners of the 2025 Abebi Award in AfroNonfiction, celebrating the extraordinary power of Nigerian women’s stories rooted in lived truth, courage, and witness. Now in its third year, the Award invited submissions on the theme of “Witness” — a call for writers to observe themselves, their communities, and
- [[Featured Post] Authorial Mastery, Characterisation, and Contemporary Realism in Selected Works of Ayo Deforge](https://jaylit.com/featured-post-authorial-mastery-characterisation-and-contemporary-realism-in-selected-works-of-ayo-deforge/) - From the inception of the novel as a literature genre throughout the centuries of its engagement and to date, critics have always found the representation of society in certain intrinsic elements deployed by the writer. The elements of the story serve as rigid indexes to the themes of the age. For example, a typical 20th
- [Olufunke Grace Bankole Wins 2025 John C. Zacharis First Book Award](https://jaylit.com/olufunke-grace-bankole-wins-2025-john-c-zacharis-first-book-award/) - Ploughshares has announced Olufunke Grace Bankole as the winner of the 2025 John C. Zacharis First Book Award for her novel, The Edge of Water (Tin House, 2025). The annual prize, which carries a $1,500 award, recognises the best first book by a Ploughshares contributor. Named in honour of John C. Zacharis, former president of
- [[Featured Post] Bookish Alchemy: Building a Literary Renaissance from the Margins of Zaria](https://jaylit.com/featured-post-bookish-alchemy-building-a-literary-renaissance-from-the-margins-of-zaria/) - Maryam Shehu Reflects on building Bookish Alchemy, Zaria's foremost literary movement In a city where creative spaces often depend on institutional permission, and where young dreamers are frequently advised to wait their turn, Bookish Alchemy has emerged as one of Northern Nigeria’s quietest but most determined revolutions. Its story is not one of sudden applause
- [[Featured Post] Aké 2025: Thirteen and Counting](https://jaylit.com/ake-2025-thirteen-and-counting/) - The gradual defamiliarization of Aké in the lit space—from the childhood memoir of a literary sage to the annual pilgrimage that draws faithful from the nooks and crannies of the literary ummah to pay homage to African arts and literature and to deliberate on pressing issues of the Global South—began in 2013 with a perpetuity that now
- [[Featured Post] Introducing A Dying Giant in the Palm of Your Hand: A Novel](https://jaylit.com/featured-post-introducing-a-dying-giant-in-the-palm-of-your-hand-a-novel/) - Adelehin shares thoughts on his debut novel, A Dying Giant in the Palm of Your Hand, out today from Masobe Books Every story has a beginning—both literal and figurative. A kernel of an idea. A dream. A line of poetry. An image glimpsed in a rear-view mirror, or an obscure painting encountered by accident. Something
- [[Featured Post] An Exploration of the Animated Film, Nate & John](https://jaylit.com/feature-post-an-exploration-of-the-animated-film-nate-john/) - To say that I am enthralled by the movie would be an understatement! Part of what made me love this short, animated movie is my love for animation. I always enjoy watching animated movies. I would honestly say that the awards won by this movie, Nate & John, is well deserving. Now you might be
- [[Featured Post] Prelude to Hausa Day: About a Must-Read Book for All Hausa Readers](https://jaylit.com/prelude-to-hausa-day-about-a-must-read-book-for-all-hausa-readers/) - On Sunday, 18th of August, exactly eight days to Hausa (International) Day, 2024 edition, Zeen Noor Hotels, situated in Kano State of Nigeria, hosted a prelude: Conversation & Autograph with Ado Bala. It is doubtful if the organizers (Kano Book Club) of this event considered it a prelude or thought of "Hausa Day" while planning.
- [[Featured Post] African Cultural Heritage Speedily Going into Extinction](https://jaylit.com/african-cultural-heritage-speedily-going-into-extinction/) - I was having a conversation with my colleague some time ago. I paused and told her that I was feeling hurt. She looked at me and asked what was making me feel hurt. I told her I was feeling hurt because she and I are Blacks but were conversing in a foreign language! It is
- [[Featured Post] Travel Diary: A London Feast with Literary Stars](https://jaylit.com/travel-diary-a-london-feast-with-literary-stars/) - The rule is simple: always use the Tube in London unless your next stop is just two hops away. If you ignore this, you'll pay dearly—as I did when trying to make it to the lunch Frankie Chike Edozien had invited me to on a warm Saturday afternoon. I left my lodgings with a heavy
- [[Featured Post] Harrowing Horrors: 10 Must-Read African Horror Books for Halloween](https://jaylit.com/harrowing-horrors-10-must-read-african-horror-books-for-halloween/) - Do you dare to explore where shadows linger and eerie whispers dance in the air? If sleepless nights and goosebumps are what you crave, you’re in the right place. But what if the tales that haunt you came from closer to home? Across Africa, the concept of Halloween is slowly taking root, year after year.
- [[Featured Post] A Town in Nigeria Made Famous Through Music](https://jaylit.com/a-town-in-nigeria-made-famous-through-music/) - From ancient times, music has been an important aspect of human existence. Suffice to say that music is a food for the soul (if you understand the power of sound, you will know this as a fact). Music is a universal language that connects people across cultures and borders. One question that has been on
- [[Featured Post] 4 African Women Who Are Powerful Role Models](https://jaylit.com/4-african-women-who-are-powerful-role-models/) - Despite the systemic limitations that has plagued the Black race and African women in general, many African women have distinguished themselves as dazzling beacons, leaving indelible footprints in the sands of time. This article sheds light on four of such women. Although there are so many other African women who have done very well in
- [[Featured Post] Remembering OkadaBooks–One Year Later](https://jaylit.com/remembering-okadabooks-one-year-later/) - OkadaBooks' closure hurt a lot of people and a year later, many still hope for its return. Will that ever happen? What does its absence mean for the ecosystem?
- [[Featured Post] Masobe Books Wraps Up an Eventful 2024 With an Impressive 41 Books Published](https://jaylit.com/masobe-books-wraps-up-an-eventful-2024-with-an-impressive-41-books-published/) - Masobe Books wraps up an eventful 2024 with an impressive 41 books published. See all 41 books listed here for your reading list.
- [[Featured Post] Witnesses to Our Own Being: A Tribute to Leila Aboulela’s Minaret](https://jaylit.com/witnesses-to-our-own-being-a-tribute-to-leila-aboulelas-minaret/) - ...and to Every Muslim Woman Writer Before and Afterwards To be a visibly-Muslim woman with big dreams is to be plagued by labels. Bittersweet of them all is ‘First … woman to …’; these labels strive to hide our reality. That we often swim, or were carried, through the infernal glass ceilings on the rising
- [[Featured Post] Celebrating African Literary Festivals: A Compendium of Post-2020 Debuts](https://jaylit.com/african-literary-festivals/) - This piece highlights some of the African literary festivals that have emerged since 2020, offering insight into their impact and potential.
- [[Featured Post] “Dream Count” is a Promising Narrative by the Mother of all Comebacks](https://jaylit.com/dream-count-is-a-promising-narrative-by-the-mother-of-all-comebacks-commentary/) - “Where have all the years gone, and have I made the most of life? But what is the final measure for making the most of life, and how would I know if I have?” —Chimamanda Adichie, Chuka. I read Zikora for the first time in 2020, the year it was published. I was filled with
- [[Featured Post] The Kingmaker: A Love Note to Lola Shoneyin](https://jaylit.com/the-kingmaker-a-love-note-to-lola-shoneyin/) - Dear Lola 1 of African literature, I write to you as a lad who has been seduced by the delectation of letters into infinite rounds of cohabitation with books. Your imprints in the literary space provide some of the aphrodisiacs sustaining my libido to perpetually go into bed with arts and literature. Let me begin
- [[Featured Post] For the Love of Stories](https://jaylit.com/featured-post-for-the-love-of-stories/) - Every time I order a book and finally hold it in my hands, my excitement rivals that of a child unwrapping a long-awaited present. Whenever I buy a new book, my first instinct is to bring it close to my nose. I love, love the smell of new books. The aroma evokes joyful memories from
- [[Featured Post] My Beautiful LOATAD Experience](https://jaylit.com/my-beautiful-loatad-experience/) - I had never really heard about LOATAD, the Library of Africa and the African Diaspora, before. I had seen it mentioned a couple of times in writers’ bios, but it never really stayed with me. It was Abu Bakr Sadiq, the 2023 Sillerman First Book Prize winner, who sent me the link one afternoon. When
- [[Featured Post] Muti'ah Badruddeen: Writing to Amplify Black Muslim Womanhood](https://jaylit.com/mutiah-badruddeen-writing-to-amplify-black-muslim-womanhood/) - In literature, certain stories stay with you, as powerful and unforgettable as a first heartbreak. For me, it was my introduction to Mariama Ba’s So Long A Letter. Set in an African Islam society, the novella laid bare the struggles of women caught in the vise of cultural oppression. At my first read, it was
- [[Featured Post] KAPFEST 2.0: The Three Days of Cultural Immersion in Kano](https://jaylit.com/kapfest-2-0-the-three-days-of-cultural-immersion-in-kano/) - “There is African time,” said Nana Sule, host of the Kano International Poetry Festival (KAPFEST), “and there is Kano time”. These were her opening words at the previous year’s event, as the commencement was delayed by logistical issues, likely stemming from a paucity of funds, faced by the curating team. This year, however, there was
- [[Featured Post] Celebrating Black Stories at Europe's Largest Black Literature Festival, Black British Book Festival 2025](https://jaylit.com/celebrating-black-stories-at-black-british-book-festival-2025-europes-largest-black-literature-festival/) - N. Viktoria reflects on participating in the Black British Book Festival 2025 On October 19, 2025, I stood in the iconic Barbican Centre in London, surrounded by hundreds of readers, fellow authors, and book lovers who had come together for one purpose: to celebrate Black literature. As an exhibiting author at the Black British Book
- [[Featured Post] Poetry as Sanctuary: Society260 Event Offers a Crucial Space for Mental Well-being](https://jaylit.com/poetry-as-sanctuary-society260-event-offers-a-crucial-space-for-mental-well-being/) - In a society where discussions about mental health are often overlooked or silenced, Society260’s recent 260 Poetry event emerged not just as entertainment, but as a vital community sanctuary. Billed as a place "where words meet community and expression to create moments that warm the heart," the evening successfully carved out a safe space for
- [[Featured Post] Griots and Bards: Conversation Will Build Healthy Society ](https://jaylit.com/griots-and-bards-conversation-will-build-a-healthy-society/) - In one little corner of Ikoyi, a community of creatives and professionals, Griots and Bards (GAB) is building a narrative of emerging healthy society. The attendance is a personification of industry meet-ups. A crop of white-collar workers milling into Rap Joint Lagos on Norman William Street, Ikoyi, at 5pm on a Thursday. Really? In the
- [The FA Yuletide Writing Prize Announces Winners of 2025 Edition](https://jaylit.com/the-fa-yuletide-writing-prize-announces-winners-of-2025-edition/) - The organisers of the FA Yuletide Writing Prize have announced the winners of the 2025 edition of the literary award, recognising outstanding short fiction from a competitive pool of 127 submissions. The announcement, made on January 15, 2026, confirmed prize placements across four categories, including First Prize, Second Prize, Third Prize, and a Special Attempt
- [Pacella Chukwuma-Eke, Muna, Jay Sukpa Win 2025 PIN National Poetry Slam](https://jaylit.com/pacella-chukwuma-eke-muna-jay-sukpa-win-2025-pin-national-poetry-slam/) - Pacella Chukwuma-Eke, Muna, and Jay Sukpa have been announced as the first, second, and third prize winners, respectively, maiden edition of the Poets in Nigeria (PIN) National Poetry Slam
- [Call for Submissions: Stripes Literary Magazine](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-stripes-literary-magazine/) - The Stripes Literary Magazine has announced a call for submissions for its upcoming Place Issue (6.1)
- [Salmah Salam Oiza Celebrates Debut Poetry Pamphlet with Intimate Birmingham Launch](https://jaylit.com/salmah-salam-oiza-celebrates-debut-poetry-pamphlet-with-intimate-birmingham-launch/) - On November 28, 2024, Nigerian poet and writer Salmah Salam Oiza launched her debut poetry pamphlet Foreign in a Long-Familiar Leap Year at Birmingham’s Old Print Works, a historic industrial building in Balsall Heath that has become one of the city’s most cherished creative hubs since its transformation in 2009. The evening brought together Birmingham’s
- [Editor’s Note – Issue 10](https://jaylit.com/editors-note-issue-10/) - As an editor, reading submissions for forthcoming issues of The Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) does not prepare one for the sumptuous experience that beholding a new issue of the journal always turns out to be. It is, I believe, similar to unwrapping a present. Right from discovering the issue’s cover, which is
- [Penguin Random House Names New Prizes After Chinua Achebe, Maya Angelou, Others](https://jaylit.com/penguin-random-house-names-new-prizes-after-chinua-achebe-others/) - Penguin Random House has introduced new prizes within its long-running Creative Writing Awards program, including Chinua Achebe, among others.
- [Shortlist Announced: The Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize 2025](https://jaylit.com/shortlist-announced-the-brigitte-poirson-literature-prize-2025/) - The Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize (BPLP) has announced its shortlist for the 2025 edition of the prize, following a competitive selection process that considered poetry and short fiction submissions from across Africa and the diaspora. Named in honour of French poet, editor, and literary patron Brigitte Poirson, the BPLP continues its commitment to recognising outstanding
- [Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki, Kem Joy Ukwu, and MaryAnn Ifeanacho Make 2025 Santa Fe Writers Project Longlist](https://jaylit.com/oghenechovwe-donald-ekpeki-makes-2025-santa-fe-writers-project-longlist/) - Nigerian speculative-fiction author Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki, Bronx-born fiction writer Kem Joy Ukwu, and JAY Lit contributor MaryAnn Ifeanacho have been named to the longlist of the 2025 Santa Fe Writers Project (SFWP) Literary Awards. The announcement, part of the programme’s annual update, received nearly 1,700 entries this year and recognises works across fiction and creative
- [JAY Lit Opens Submission for Climate-Themed Issue](https://jaylit.com/jay-lit-open-submissions-for-climate-themed-issue/) - We are happy to announce that we are now open to receive submissions for our 11th issue. This issue will be climate-themed so all submissions must align with the theme to be accepted. We publish creative writing, poetry, prose (stories and narratives), plays, visual stories such as photo essays, and comic and graphic artwork with
- [Introducing JAY Lit Issue 10](https://jaylit.com/intoducing-jay-lit-issue-10/) - The Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) is pleased to unveil its 10th issue, released to the public from today, December 31, 2025. In her editor’s note, JAY Lit fiction editor, Deborah Oluniran-Adeniyi described the new issue thus: “Undoing the ribbon knots and introducing you to this issue is introducing you to rich poetry that preaches love,
- [Chigozie Obioma Institutes Best of the Year Book Selection; Kicks Off with Adedayo Agarau’s "The Years of Blood" as 2025 Pick](https://jaylit.com/chigozie-obioma-institutes-best-of-the-year-book-selection-starts-with-adedayo-agaraus-the-years-of-blood-as-2025-pick/) - Chigozie Obioma has announced the launch of a new annual literary initiative, the Best of the Year book selection, beginning with Adedayo Agarau’s poetry collection The Years of Blood as its 2025 pick. The initiative will focus on debut books of poetry or fiction, with personal essay collections also eligible for consideration. Each year, one
- [How to Love Like a Child](https://jaylit.com/how-to-love-like-a-child/) - Children begin by loving their parents; as they grow older they judge them; sometimes they forgive them. —Oscar Wilde I bring my mother a flower I stole from a neighbor’s garden. She says stealing is wrong, but keeps the flower. I say sorry, she says louder. I say I love you, she says okay. I
- [Damp Lines and Canvas](https://jaylit.com/damp-lines-and-canvas/) - It is chaotic that I am still living.| Life carries itself in illusions | My heart withers with tree trunks;| leaves become | a template for the afterlife.| Everything bores | and excites only slightly.| The shifts toll music | like beads| caught up in a single line thread | and I am one of them.| It is chaotic that
- [Remembrance](https://jaylit.com/remembrance/) - All things deserve their portion of aireven if borrowed, even if it lingers no longer than a sigh caught between silence and vanishing. The mango tree opens its green-veined skin,offering its throat to the blade—resistance in silence. Forgive the tree its barren seasons,when hunger settled in our bellies.Forgive it still, for the memory it holds. Surely, all things wilt away, some
- [Voice of a Barren Land](https://jaylit.com/voice-of-a-barren-land/) - The wind sweeps through empty fields,carrying whispers of forgotten seeds.Rivers run shallow, silent.their waters heavy with memory. Trees stand like tired sentinels,leaves brittle, falling without sound.The sun drags its gold across the sky,but the earth drinks only dust. Children chase shadows along cracked roads,their laughter thin, echoing against walls.Old men sit by broken wells,hands empty, waiting for
- [Spontaneity](https://jaylit.com/spontaneity/) - Should I do it like this? Move like that? Feel this way? Breathe in and stop? The answer is no answer, Originality waits, not for your decision, But for your emptiness. Hyper-intellectualism, is a boring waste of time, And the world isn’t interested in winning anyway, That’s what people do, Gaia just wants to dance.
- [Golgotha](https://jaylit.com/golgotha/) - & I watched father unearth grief& plant his brotherWhom a pellet kissed sweetlyOn the left part of his chest His sister kissed his cheekAnd whispered“finally I be stripped this burden”And her nightmare carried heron a beautiful dawn Then my foreof whom I only heard whispers & my mamaWhose eyes have watered the earthMore than the rain of mercy Laid
- [The Cub Who Sought a Cherub](https://jaylit.com/the-cub-who-sought-a-cherub/) - Cincinnati, my angel, regret holds me by a leash. I am hurt more by the choices of my youth that the ache in my knees. As this November snow whitens, the leash tightens and my heart won’t take it. Please listen to all the pups do for Papa. They do for His design. They dread
- [One More Night With My Dead Father](https://jaylit.com/one-more-night-with-my-dead-father/) - “I will talk like I remember you cradling my baby body.” — Linda Laderman Tonight, my father is no longer dead. He’s alive & blooming like the cancer that claimed my brother's life at twelve. He’s no longer wrapped in that silk shroud my mother bought with her last tears & pleas. He now floats
- [Coming Home is Now a Journey into the Throat of Leviathan](https://jaylit.com/coming-home-is-now-a-journey-into-the-throat-of-leviathan/) - I’ve been a whirlwind pelting after you for the doing of the needful . Now i sit my kneels on the stoop, hands raised in submission. The thing I baptized needful scuttled into blaze-filled crucible & morphed to behemoths. It’s now a longing tucked in the nub of crypt – gashed , mashed & comatose. remember the cantata we hum as we cortege towards the cemetery? that requiem we don’t want the tongue to kiss because it tastes like hell-coated spikes ? It’s what my desire morphed to . A
- [Dentist Blues](https://jaylit.com/dentist-blues/) - let me bend the poem this way… as if I’m plunged like a placenta of despair. as if I’m buried within these vermilion walls. The room walls bleeding with veiled violations. I disguise a romance to stop myself from folding into another place. Silence is a lover lips sweeter like the silky press of a
- [Self-Portrait as an Unforgiving Son](https://jaylit.com/self-portrait-as-an-unforgiving-son/) - The summer he clocks one year dead, I begin to chisel my father into a shape that is easier to remember. When I gather him into a memory for my new college friends to see,I speak of him without his anger, without the gall in his speech. Sometimes my mother asks if I have managed to forgive him
- [Cursed Daughters (Excerpts)](https://jaylit.com/cursed-daughters-excerpts/) - There was the time before Monife, and the time after. The time before was slow, dreary, but most of all, it had been so very lonely. Ebun had lived in the Falodun house with her mother, who would disappear for hours at a time in search of husband number four or selling imported jewellery to
- [The One Who Works in the Garden](https://jaylit.com/the-one-who-works-in-the-garden/) - Bruce Chisanga drilled a new hole into his tan-coloured belt using the sharpened point of his granddaughter’s compass. The belt was a gift from his wife on their twentieth wedding anniversary. He had lost weight. His belts needed holes further and further away from the buckle. But he saw a plump man this morning as
- [Trouble at the Tailor’s](https://jaylit.com/trouble-at-the-tailors/) - If them say make I talk true, before God and man, na Oga been cause the wahala for himself. E get as person go drag him luck reach, the thing sef go cut, tawaai! But them no dey follow elder argue something; you no fit correct your own teacher, so, as Oga say everything na
- [The Dying Man](https://jaylit.com/the-dying-man/) - I. The air was putrid. Sulphur and chlorine mixed in an unholy vat of drinking water fit only to be shared by poor men and livestock. He was a poor man, so he survived. He had awoken in agony; it was the only reason he found himself here. His night terrors had returned and would
- [Bad People](https://jaylit.com/bad-people/) - “Your feet are soft. From the moment we met, I knew.” Njavwa said out of the blue. “How?” Sara asked. His observations were dangerous. “It’s in the way you move.” He ran the nail of his little finger along her outer arm, and goosebumps formed. “Sounds like one of the things you say that are
- [Mirror](https://jaylit.com/mirror/) - The stars put out their lamps And the night wailed When my prize was stolen # The chilly harmattan air slapped my face as my eyes fluttered open. For a few seconds, my mind struggled to make sense of where I was. The sour, earthy smell of local fermented brew, burukutu, filled my nostrils, settling like
- [Interview with an Incel](https://jaylit.com/interview-with-an-incel/) - TW: Rape, Graphic Violence “How did you kill her?” I ask, my fingers shaking as I try to steady the pen over my unlined note. Debo stares at me square in the face. His eyes are empty, soulless. I’ve never seen anything like this—a lack of regard for anything. It’s haunting. I try not to
- [Frigid](https://jaylit.com/frigid/) - Days before the COVID-19 outbreak came to our borders, we had a bitter exchange, flinging words at each other as though they were dirty rags. We barely spoke in the following two days. For the next three weeks, while the country stocked up on liquid soap and hand sanitiser, our conversations were transactional, stripped of
- [The Orphan](https://jaylit.com/the-orphan/) - When news reached you that your father had died, you broke down and cried, shocking yourself. Why were you crying? You weren’t bereft, nor were you bereaved. You didn’t love him, nor did you hate him. You had had the opportunity to mend your cracked relationship, but you didn’t. You had been certain that it
- [Poems Holding My Hand](https://jaylit.com/poems-holding-my-hand/) - In 2017, tucked beneath the upper deck of my campus room bed, I wrote I have a tribute that stretches from my navel. The words, scribbled inside my Calculus II notes, would come to me within minutes of one other, like a string of sweat drops trickling down your stomach. Screenshots of Tryphena Yeboah’s untitled
- [The Architecture of Promises](https://jaylit.com/the-architecture-of-promises/) - I found myself walking through empty school corridors in Ibadan, drawn to buildings that once buzzed with the voices of school children but now echo only with my footsteps. The covered walkway stretches ahead of me, its damaged ceiling creating patterns of light and shadow on concrete that shows its age in stains and cracks.
- [The Psychology of Return and Exile in Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s The Black Hermit](https://jaylit.com/the-psychology-of-return-and-exile-in-ngugi-wa-thiongos-the-black-hermit/) - Introduction Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o has cemented his place among the legends of African Nationalism as seen in his literary contributions across the three genres. His critique is both external and internal. In his 1962 play The Black Hermit, first performed at the famous Makerere University at a critical time - the independence of Uganda and the
- [The Unbearable Weight of the Surface](https://jaylit.com/the-unbearable-weight-of-the-surface/) - I still replay the line my younger sister said during our call yesterday: “Why do you question everything? You don’t have to think deep about everything or try to find depth in everything. Some things are just surface level.” I’ve heard this before, statements like, “It’s not that deep,” or “Not everything has a backstory.” This
- [The Lagos Lagoon](https://jaylit.com/the-lagos-lagoon/)
- [Lace](https://jaylit.com/lace/)
- ['Untitled'](https://jaylit.com/untitled/)
- [Palm Shadows at Dusk](https://jaylit.com/palm-shadows-at-dusk/)
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Boakye D. Alpha](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-boakye-d-alpha/) - Boakye D. Alpha is a young Ghanaian creative writer who found his love for literature at a very young age. Falling in love with reading, he began writing alternative stories, rewriting plots, and imagining new possibilities for the characters in the books he read. Before Boakye discovered African writing and storytelling, he had long leaned
- [A Review of Majekodunmi Oseriemen Ebhohon's The Great Delusion](https://jaylit.com/a-review-of-majekodunmi-oseriemen-ebhohons-the-great-delusion/) - The Great Delusion by Majekodunmi Oseriemen Ebhohon is a grand dramatic enactment of the saga of African Americans to restore their historic contribution and identity in a race-torn society. They are victims of exploitation and oppression engendered by the experience of slavery and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Ebhohon explores the resourcefulness and resolute spirit of
- [Deep Breath](https://jaylit.com/deep-breath/) - Suspended in moments,Are clues we missed,In the struggle to pay our duesHoping to receive life’s bliss. I stopped to take a deep breath,In ambush for the signs from withinResting on this golden crossroadI reach deep inwardTo draw strength. It’s not a choice at my callTo the will of my learning, writeMy present past, my future definedI keep
- [Idembeka Creative Writing Workshop Announces 2026 Fellows](https://jaylit.com/idembeka-creative-writing-workshop-announces-2026-fellows/) - The Idembeka Creative Writing Workshop has announced the fellows selected for its 2026 edition, marking the programme’s fourth cohort since its launch. Applications for the workshop opened in October 2025 and closed after receiving 100 submissions from prose and poetry writers living across Africa. Founded in 2022 by Frances Ogamba, Kasimma, and Mubanga Kalimamukwento, the
- [JAY Lit Issue 10: Cover Reveal & Contributors List](https://jaylit.com/jay-lit-issue-10-cover-reveal-contributors-list/) - The 10th issue of The Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) is slated for release later in December 2025. Here is announcing the covers and contributors. JAY Lit Issue 10 boasts of great width in terms of content and exploration, with contributions spanning poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, critical essays, and photography. Contributors are by African writers from Nigeria,
- [Gbenga Adesina Makes 2026 PEN Longlist (Voelcker Award for Poetry)](https://jaylit.com/gbenga-adesina-makes-2026-pen-longlist-voelcker-award-for-poetry/) - Nigerian poet Gbenga Adesina has been named to the longlist for the 2026 PEN/Voelcker Award for Poetry Collection, one of the categories in the 2026 PEN America Literary Awards. He was longlisted for his poetry collection, Death Does Not End at the Sea, published by the University of Nebraska Press. The PEN/Voelcker Award for Poetry
- [Oghenechovwe Ekpeki Makes The 2025 Santa Fe Writers Project Literary Awards Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/oghenechovwe-ekpeki-makes-the-2025-santa-fe-writers-project-literary-awards-shortlist/) - Nigerian writer Oghenechovwe Ekpeki has been shortlisted for the 2025 Santa Fe Writers Project (SFWP) Literary Awards for his novel, Birth of Orisha. An award-winning Nigerian speculative fiction author, editor, and publisher, Ekpeki began his career in 2018 and has won multiple prestigious honours, including the Nebula Award, World Fantasy Award, British Fantasy Award, Otherwise
- [The Abebi AfroNonfiction Institute Announces 2025 Abebi Award Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/the-abebi-afrononfiction-institute-announces-2025-abebi-award-shortlist/) - The Abebi AfroNonfiction Institute has revealed the shortlist for the 2025 Abebi Award in AfroNonfiction, a prize that ‘celebrates and elevates personal nonfiction narratives by African women and foregrounds lived experience, identity and truth-telling at a time when nonfiction remains underrepresented in the continent’s literary landscape’. A total of 11 writers made the 2025 shortlist.
- [Ignorance is Brit](https://jaylit.com/ignorance-is-brit/) - Hot and whitewashed, I thought as I got off the plane, moving glibly through the sea of predominantly white faces. I didn’t know what to expect, but in my realm of no expectations, I did not expect the abroad to be like this. Sweat dripped down my sides and collected at the small of my
- [Longlist Announced for the 2025 Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize](https://jaylit.com/longlist-announced-for-the-2025-brigitte-poirson-literature-prize/) - The Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize (BPLP) has released its longlist for the 2025 competition, continuing its mission to recognise outstanding literary talent in poetry and short fiction. Named in honour of French poet, editor, and literary patron Brigitte Poirson, the BPLP evolved from the earlier Brigitte Poirson Poetry Contest into a broader literature prize celebrating
- [The African Poetry Digital Portal Opens Call for 2026 Digital Humanities Grant](https://jaylit.com/the-african-poetry-digital-portal-opens-call-for-2026-digital-humanities-grant/) - The African Poetry Digital Portal (APDP) has announced a call for proposals for its 2026 African Poetry Digital Humanities Grant, inviting scholars and researchers to submit projects focused on African poetry and digital humanities. Funded by the Andrew Mellon Foundation, the grant supports research that applies digital tools and computational methods to the study, documentation,
- [Zaynab Iliyasu Bobi Wins the 2025 Other Futures Award](https://jaylit.com/zaynab-iliyasu-bobi-wins-the-2025-other-futures-award/) - Nigerian poet and multidisciplinary artist Zaynab Iliyasu Bobi has been named the winner of the 2025 Other Futures Award for her full-length manuscript, dreed of dandelions. The award is administered by Futurepoem and is presented annually to an innovative work that challenges conventional approaches to genre, language, and literary form. As the 2025 recipient, Bobi’s
- [Boakye D. Alpha Selected for the Escalator New Writing Fellowship 2025](https://jaylit.com/boakye-d-alpha-selected-for-the-escalator-new-writing-fellowship-2025/) - Ghanaian interdisciplinary creative Boakye D. Alpha has been selected as one of ten fellows for the 2025–2026 Escalator New Writing Fellowship, an eight-month creative development programme for emerging writers in the United Kingdom. Now in its twentieth year, the Escalator New Writing Fellowship supports unpublished fiction writers based in the East of England, including Bedfordshire,
- [Ibrahim Nureni Wins the 2025 Haiku International Association (HIA) Contest](https://jaylit.com/ibrahim-nureni-wins-the-2025-haiku-international-association-hia-contest/) - Nigerian poet Ibrahim Nureni has won a major prize at the 2025 Haiku International Association (HIA) Contest, earning recognition in the Overseas Category. The award was presented during the 27th HIA Award Ceremony held on December 1, 2025, in Japan. The ceremony featured a special address by Professor Emeritus Robert Campbell of the University of
- [Angolan Writer Nituecheni Africano Appointed Ambassador of Literature in Africa](https://jaylit.com/angolan-writer-nituecheni-africano-appointed-ambassador-of-literature-in-africa/) - Angolan writer Nituecheni Africano has been appointed Ambassador of Literature in Africa by the Sankofa Organization. The announcement was made on December 12, 2025, in Malabo during a cultural meeting that brought together writers, cultural practitioners, and representatives of African organisations. According to the Sankofa Organization, the appointment recognises Africano’s literary achievements and his commitment
- [NoViolet Bulawayo in Conversation with Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim](https://jaylit.com/noviolet-bulawayo-in-conversation-with-ibrahim-babatunde-ibrahim/) - NoViolet Bulawayo first won the Caine Prize for African Writing in 2011 for her short story "Hitting Budapest," which became the opening chapter of her novel We Need New Names. In 2025, she won the special "Best of Caine" Award for the same story, celebrating the prize's 25th anniversary and recognizing the most outstanding winning
- [LOATAD Announces 2026 Black Atlantic Residents](https://jaylit.com/loatad-announces-2026-black-atlantic-residents/) - The Library of Africa and the African Diaspora (LOATAD) has announced the recipients of its third and final Black Atlantic Residency, supported by the Hawthornden Foundation. Following a rigorous selection process, nine exceptional writers were chosen from a poll of over 300 applicants across Africa and the diaspora. These writers will be in residence at
- [Quick 7 Questions with 2025 Ubwali Hope Prize Shortlistee, Suwilanji Namusamba](https://jaylit.com/q7q-with-2025-ubwali-hope-prize-shortlistee-suwilanji-namusamba/) - Suwilanji Namusamba is one of six Zambian writers shortlisted for the 2025 Ubwali Hope Prize, presented by Ubwali Literary Magazine in partnership with Shenandoah. The winner, who will be announced in a few days, will receive $500 and be featured in the fall issue of Shenandoah. Suwilanji was shortlisted for her essay, "Thoughtlets on Immersion",
- [Quick 7 Questions with 2025 Ubwali Hope Prize Shortlistee, Mwanabibi Sikamo](https://jaylit.com/q7q-with-2025-ubwali-hope-prize-shortlistee-mwanabibi-sikamo/) - Mwanabibi Sikamo is one of six Zambian writers shortlisted for the 2025 Ubwali Hope Prize, presented by Ubwali Literary Magazine in partnership with Shenandoah. The winner, who will be announced in a few days, will receive $500 and be featured in the fall issue of Shenandoah. Mwanabibi was shortlisted for her essay, "Conditioned Roots", published
- [Quick 7 Questions with 2025 Ubwali Hope Prize Shortlistee, Mwinji Siame](https://jaylit.com/q7q-with-2025-ubwali-hope-prize-shortlistee-mwinji-siame/) - Mwinji Siame is one of six Zambian writers shortlisted for the 2025 Ubwali Hope Prize, presented by Ubwali Literary Magazine in partnership with Shenandoah. The winner, who will be announced in a few days, will receive $500 and be featured in the fall issue of Shenandoah. Mwinji was shortlisted for her short story, "Hometown Glory",
- [Quick 7 Questions with 2025 Ubwali Hope Prize Shortlistee, Mwila Agatha Zaza](https://jaylit.com/q7q-with-2025-ubwali-hope-prize-shortlistee-mwila-agatha-zaza/) - Mwila Agatha Zaza is one of six Zambian writers shortlisted for the 2025 Ubwali Hope Prize, presented by Ubwali Literary Magazine in partnership with Shenandoah. The winner, who will be announced in a few days, will receive $500 and be featured in the fall issue of Shenandoah. Mwila was shortlisted for her short story, "A
- [Quick 7 Questions with 2025 Ubwali Hope Prize Shortlistee, Isaac Kanyinji](https://jaylit.com/q7q-with-2025-ubwali-hope-prize-shortlistee-isaac-kanyinji/) - Isaac Kanyinji is one of six Zambian writers shortlisted for the 2025 Ubwali Hope Prize, presented by Ubwali Literary Magazine in partnership with Shenandoah. The winner, who will be announced in a few days, will receive $500 and be featured in the fall issue of Shenandoah. Isaac was shortlisted for his poem, "A 2019 Survey on
- [Nnedi Okorafor Wins She Reads’ Best Science Fiction of 2025 for “Death of the Author”](https://jaylit.com/nnedi-okorafor-wins-she-reads-best-science-fiction-of-2025-for-death-of-the-author/) - Death of the Author, the latest novel by Nnedi Okorafor, has been named She Reads’ Best Science Fiction Book of 2025. The novel follows Zelu, a disabled Nigerian-American writer who becomes an outsider in her family and loses her university job while facing repeated rejections from publishers. She begins writing a new story, Rusted Robots,
- [Inkspires Kreation to Host 2025 “Sunset Sonata” Poetry Reading](https://jaylit.com/inkspires-kreation-to-host-2025-sunset-sonata-poetry-reading/) - Inkspires Kreation will host the 2025 edition of its poetry reading event, Sunset Sonata, bringing together Nigerian and Liberian poets for an evening of shared literary expression. The virtual programme is scheduled for December 21st, 2025, and will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (WAT) on Google Meet. The event will feature readings
- [Oxbelly Opens Applications for 2026 Fiction Writers Program](https://jaylit.com/oxbelly-opens-applications-for-2026-fiction-writers-program/) - Applications have opened for the 2026 Oxbelly Fiction Writers program, which will take place from July 1 to 9, 2026, at Costa Navarino in Messinia, Greece. Directed by novelist Chigozie Obioma, the program will bring together emerging writers for a week of workshops, craft sessions, and dedicated writing time. Applications opened on December 2, 2025,
- [Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Siphwe Gloria Ndlovu Nominated for Dublin Literary Award Worth €100,000](https://jaylit.com/chimamanda-ngozi-adichie-and-siphwe-gloria-ndlovu-nominated-for-dublin-literary-award-worth-e100000/) - The Dublin Literary Award has announced Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu among the nominees for its prestigious 2026 prize. Widely regarded as the world’s most valuable prize for a single work of fiction—worth €100,000—the award features Ndlovu’s The Creation of Half-Broken People and Adichie’s Dream Count as two of the African novels longlisted
- [Call for Submissions: The Caine Prize for African Writing](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-the-caine-prize-for-african-writing/) - The Caine Prize for African Writing has opened submissions for its 2026 edition, inviting publishers to submit eligible fictional short stories between 1 December 2025 and 27 February 2026. An annual award celebrating outstanding short fiction by African writers published in English, the Caine Prize for African Writing was established in 2000 in memory of
- [Cover Reveal: Eugen Bacon's “Crimson in Quietus”](https://jaylit.com/cover-reveal-eugen-bacons-crimson-in-quietus/) - Meerkat Press has unveiled the cover of Crimson in Quietus, the forthcoming Sauúti novel by African Australian author Eugen Bacon, a Solstice and British Fantasy Award winner and a founding member of the Sauúti Collective. Supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund, Australia, as part of the University of Tasmania’s Hedberg Fellowship, Crimson in Quietus
- [The Ake Festival 2025: Experiences from the 13th Edition ](https://jaylit.com/the-ake-festival-2025-experiences-from-the-13th-edition/) - From its inception and remarkable growth, the Ake Arts and Book Festival has been a haven where hundreds of writers, artists, filmmakers, and readers across the globe blend words, creativity, art, and emotion into a thrilling and indelible experience. Through readings, interactive workshops, book chats, and performances, the festival maintains its vibrant tradition. This year,
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Aremo Gemini](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-aremo-gemini/) - The Self-Taught Custodian Reimagining Yoruba Literature “There are no mistakes in the world of art, because even what you consider as a mistake eventually leads you somewhere.” — Aremo Gemini Growing up in Ijora, a Lagos area notorious for hooliganism, taught Yusuf everything he didn't want to be; another poster child for crime, a boy
- [Noisy Streetss Publishing Opens Call for African Manuscripts for 2026 Slate](https://jaylit.com/noisy-streetss-publishing-opens-call-for-african-manuscripts-for-2026-slate/) - Noisy Streetss Publishing has announced an open call for manuscript submissions from African writers worldwide as part of its preparations for its 2026 publishing slate. The house plans to publish between five and ten new titles next year, with a particular focus on high-quality African romance, love stories, and literary fiction. The call forms part
- [Adedayo Agarau Wins 2024 C.P. Cavafy Prize for “Halloween, Iowa”](https://jaylit.com/adedayo-agarau-wins-2024-c-p-cavafy-prize-for-halloween-iowa/) - Nigerian poet Adedayo Agarau has been named the winner of the 2024 C.P. Cavafy Prize by Poetry International, for his poem "Halloween, Iowa". The piece was selected by judge Sandra Alcosser and will appear in a forthcoming issue of Poetry International. Sandra Alcosser noted: “Adedayo Agarau’s "Halloween, Iowa" moves with urban grace through interior America,
- [The Morland Foundation Announces 2025 Writing Scholarship Winners](https://jaylit.com/the-morland-foundation-announces-2025-writing-scholarship-winners/) - The Morland Foundation has announced four new Morland Writing Scholars for 2025, selected from more than 800 entries submitted by published authors from across Africa and the diaspora. The 2025 Morland Writing Scholars are: Adeola Opeyemi, Nigeria Carlo Saio, Kenya Chinelo Onwualu, Nigeria Monique Eleanor Kwachou, Cameroon Each of the four winners will receive a
- [Arc Manor Acquires Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki’s “Birth of Orisha”](https://jaylit.com/arc-manor-acquires-oghenechovwe-donald-ekpekis-birth-of-orisha/) - Nigerian writer Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki’s Afropantheology novel, Birth of Orisha, has been acquired by Caezik Books, an imprint of Arc Manor, with editing by Lezli Robyn. The deal places Ekpeki’s first novel alongside a publisher’s list that includes figures such as H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, Robert Heinlein, and George R.R. Martin. Set in a far-future
- [2025 Nommo Award Winners Announced at Aké Arts and Book Festival](https://jaylit.com/2025-nommo-award-winners-announced-at-ake-arts-and-book-festival/) - The African Speculative Fiction Society (ASFS) has announced the winners of the 2025 Nommo Awards, revealing them during the Opening Ceremony of the Aké Arts and Book Festival on Thursday in Lagos. The announcement drew writers, artists, readers, and cultural leaders from across the world to celebrate the best speculative fiction by African creators. Now
- [Cover Reveal: Ifeoluwa Ayandele's “My Father Paints His Dreams on My Body”](https://jaylit.com/cover-reveal-heres-my-father-paints-his-dreams-on-my-body/) - Moon City Press has unveiled the cover of My Father Paints His Dreams on My Body, the forthcoming poetry collection by Nigerian poet Ifeoluwa Ayandele, winner of the 2024 Moon City Poetry Award. The cover shows a portrait marked with white lines across the face and body. Bright strokes of red, blue, yellow, and green
- [NLNG’s New Arts Prize Marks a Shift — but Not Everyone Is Applauding](https://jaylit.com/nlngs-new-arts-prize-marks-a-shift-but-not-everyone-is-applauding/) - Nigeria LNG Limited has launched the Nigeria Prize for Creative Arts, a $20,000 award aimed at young Nigerian documentary filmmakers. The new prize replaces the company’s long-standing literary criticism category under the Nigeria Prize for Literature, signaling a move from text to screen in its cultural sponsorship portfolio. The inaugural edition, set for 2026, centers
- [Arewa Poetry Review Presents “A Fire Kept Quiet”, A Northern Nigerian Poetry Anthology](https://jaylit.com/sevhage-ksr-presents-a-fire-kept-quiet-a-northern-nigerian-poetry-anthology/) - Arewa Poetry Review, in partnership with SEVHAGE, Konya Shamsrumi, and African & Black Creatives for Development (ABC4DE), has released A Fire Kept Quiet, a new anthology spotlighting poets from Northern Nigeria. Edited by Abdulrazaq Salihu, with a foreword by S. Su’eddie Vershima Agema and Oko Owoicho, the collection gathers writers whose work reflects an evolving
- [Bolu Babalola’s Bestseller Heads to Hollywood With Working Title Adaptation Deal](https://jaylit.com/bolu-babalolas-bestseller-heads-to-hollywood-with-working-title-adaptation-deal/) - Working Title Films has acquired the screen rights to Bolu Babalola’s hit romance novel Honey and Spice, setting the British Nigerian author to adapt her own work for the big screen. Published to widespread acclaim, Honey and Spice became a breakout bestseller on both sides of the Atlantic, set in motion by its warm storytelling,
- [Ake Arts & Book Festival 2025 Kicks Off in Lagos](https://jaylit.com/ake-arts-book-festival-2025-kicks-off-in-lagos/) - The Aké Arts & Book Festival opened Thursday, 20th November, 2025 at BON Hotel Ikeja drawing hundreds of writers, artists, filmmakers and readers for three days of panels, performances and literary events centered on the theme “Reclaiming Truth.” The festival, now in its 13th year, is organized by the Book Buzz Foundation and founded by
- [The Republic Announces Call for Pitches for 2026 “On Nigeria” Issue](https://jaylit.com/the-republic-announces-call-for-pitches-for-2026-on-nigeria-issue/) - The Republic has opened a call for three-paragraph pitches for its February–April 2026 issue, themed “On Nigeria.” The journal seeks original reporting that explores Nigeria’s politics, culture, identity, environment, inequality, creativity, and other defining topics. The call is open to writers, journalists, researchers, photographers, illustrators, and other storytellers. In addition to the submission details shared
- [Dr. Olúdàmọ́lá Adébọ̀wálé Releases “The Fabric of a Nation”, A New Study on Nigeria’s History and Culture](https://jaylit.com/dr-oludamola-adebowale-releases-the-fabric-of-a-nation-a-new-study-on-nigerias-history-and-culture/) - The Fabric of a Nation: Essays on Nigeria’s History, Arts & Culture, a new collection by Nigerian historian, archivist, and curator Dr. Olúdàmọ́lá Adébọ̀wálé, has been released and is now available globally. Edited with careful attention, the book is published on Amazon and Selar, giving readers both international and local access to the work. The
- [Nnamdi Ndiolo Wins Lucky Jefferson's Poetry Contest 2025](https://jaylit.com/nnamdi-ndiolo-wins-lucky-jeffersons-poetry-contest-2025/) - Nigerian poet Nnamdi Ndiolo has been named the winner of the 2025 Lucky Jefferson Poetry Contest for his standout poem, Testament. His work rose to the top from more than 600 submissions, earning him the contest’s $100 prize and publication in Lucky Jefferson’s 365 Collection, slated for release on January 25, 2026. Speaking on the
- [Adedayo Agarau Wins Future Awards Africa Literature Prize 2025](https://jaylit.com/adedayo-agarau-wins-future-awards-africa-literature-prize-2025/) - Nigerian poet and editor Adedayo Agarau has been named the winner of the 2025 Future Awards Africa Prize for Literature. The announcement was made at the 19th edition of the awards, held under the theme “Threads of Legacy.” Founded in 2006, the Future Awards Africa honors Africans between the ages of 18 and 35 for
- [Martha Khoeses' Whispers to Launch on 27 November, 2025](https://jaylit.com/martha-khoeses-whispers-to-launch-on-27-november-2025/) - Writing as Sibila, Namibian writer and JAY Lit Issue 8 guest editor, Martha Sibila Khoeses is set to launch her new title, Whispers: As We Break and Heal, on November 27, 2025. The launch is a ticketed event, taking place at the National Library of Namibia, Windhoek. Whispers is described as a deeply moving collection of fictional
- [A Case for Necessary Evil in Ikenna Okeh's They Killed Ahmet](https://jaylit.com/a-case-for-necessary-evil-in-ikennah-okehs-they-killed-ahmet/) - In his essay "Natives on the Boat," Teju Cole recalls Nobel Laureate V.S. Naipaul expressing disappointment that Chinua Achebe never wrote about his decades in America. Ikennah Okeh's crime thriller, They Killed Ahmet, departs from this “disappointment” by being set in Istanbul—the capital of Türkiye, a country where Okeh has lived. Written with a straightforward style
- [Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim Wins Fiction Prize at American Literary Review Awards 2026](https://jaylit.com/ibrahim-babatunde-ibrahim-wins-fiction-prize-at-american-literary-review-awards-2026/) - Nigerian writer Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim has won the fiction category of the 2026 American Literary Review Creative Writing Awards for his short story “A Hymen Tale.” Founded in 1990 at the University of North Texas, the American Literary Review publishes poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction from around the world and runs an annual contest that
- [Lola Shoneyin Wins 2025 Akada Children’s Book of the Year](https://jaylit.com/lola-shoneyin-wins-2025-akada-childrens-book-of-the-year/) - Nigerian author and publisher Lola Shoneyin has taken home the Akada 2025 Children’s Book of the Year Award for Tunde Onakoya: The Chess Champion, a vivid retelling of the life of chess prodigy Tunde Onakoya, whose journey from the slums of Lagos to global recognition has inspired millions. Published by Ouida Books and launched on
- [Call for Submission: Àkówdee Magazine](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submission-akowdee-magazine/) - Àkówdee Magazine has announced a call for submissions for its upcoming WALTA (Return) Issue, open from November 1 to November 30, 2025. The tri-annual literary magazine is seeking prose, poetry, drama, visual stories, and reviews that reflect bold, boundary-pushing storytelling across Africa and beyond. The WALTA Issue continues Àkówdee’s mission to publish rebellious and fearless
- [Of Nostalgia, Resilience, and Odes: A Reading of Sulaimon Sabitu's How It Will Be Told](https://jaylit.com/of-nostalgia-resilience-and-odes-a-reading-of-sulaimon-sabitus-how-it-will-be-told/) - Sulaimon Sabitu’s How It Will Be Told is a collection of thirty short evocative poems that invite readers into a lyrical odyssey. In the book, personal reflection, communal memory, and cultural belonging intertwine in tenderly haunting verses. As part of the African and Black Creatives for Development (ABC4D) Series, the collection explores the poet’s inner world, which
- [Call for Submissions: Brittle Paper 2025 Festive Anthology](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-brittle-paper-2025-festive-anthology/) - Brittle Paper has opened submissions for its 2025 Festive Anthology (Vol. IV), inviting writers and poets from across the world to share stories that capture the feeling of celebrating festive moments away from home. The call welcomes original works of poetry, fiction, and essays that explore the many emotions tied to spending holidays in unfamiliar
- [Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki’s Debut Novel Acquired by SFF Publisher of H.G. Wells, Jules Vernes, Heinlein, and G.R.R. Martin](https://jaylit.com/oghenechovwe-donald-ekpekis-debut-novel-acquired-by-sff-publisher-of-h-g-wells-jules-vernes-heinlein-and-g-r-r-martin/) - Award-winning Nigerian writer and editor Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki has signed a major publishing deal with Caezik SF & Fantasy, an imprint of Arc Manor, for his debut novel Birth of Orisha — the first book in a new trilogy titled The Orisha Cycle. The deal was acquired by publisher Shahid Mahmud, with Lezli Robyn as
- [Theresa Lola Wins 2025 Derek Walcott Prize for Poetry](https://jaylit.com/theresa-lola-wins-2025-derek-walcott-prize-for-poetry/) - British-Nigerian poet and writer Theresa Lola has been revealed as the joint winner of the 2025 Derek Walcott Prize for Poetry for her poetry collection Ceremony for the Nameless. She shares the honour with Irish poet Mary O’Malley, recognised for her collection The Shark Nursery. The Derek Walcott Prize for Poetry, awarded annually by Arrowsmith
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Selali Fiamanya + Before We Hit the Ground](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-selali-fiamanya-before-we-hit-the-ground/) - Selali Fiamanya’s debut novel, Before We Hit the Ground, is a tender and affecting story of love, grief, duty and self-actualisation. It begins in the wake of Elom’s death, where we meet his parents Abena and Kodzo and sister Dzifa in mourning for him. Then we’re invited into the family’s past. In chapters spanning decades,
- [Isabelle Baafi’s “Chaotic Good” Wins 2025 Jerwood Prize Best First Collection](https://jaylit.com/isabelle-baafis-chaotic-good-wins-2025-jerwood-prize-best-first-collection/) - Isabelle Baafi has been named the winner of the 2025 Jerwood Prize for Best First Collection for her poetry collection, Chaotic Good, published by Faber. Framed by the story of escape from a toxic marriage, Chaotic Good focuses on the incremental ways in which power accumulates, shifts and is relinquished within both home and community.
- [Doek! Announces 2025 Bank Windhoek Literary Awards Shortlist ](https://jaylit.com/doek-announces-2025-bank-windhoek-literary-awards-shortlist/) - Doek! Literary Magazine has released the shortlist for the 2025 Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Awards, celebrating Namibian writers, poets, and visual artists whose works were featured in the magazine between 2023 and 2025. Now in its third year, the biennial award honours excellence in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art published in Doek!, Namibia’s first
- [Efiko Magazine Opens Submission for 7th Issue](https://jaylit.com/efiko-magazine-opens-submission-for-7th-issue/) - Efiko Magazine has announced the call for submissions for its seventh issue, inviting African writers and those writing about Africa to send in their best poems, short stories, essays, humour pieces, interviews, and analyses. The magazine, founded by Ladi Opaluwa and Oris Aigbokhaevbolo, describes itself as a space for book lovers and readers interested in
- [SALA Announces 2025 Shortlisted Nominees](https://jaylit.com/sala-announces-2025-shortlisted-nominees/) - The South African Literary Awards (SALA) has announced the shortlisted nominees for its 2025 edition, marking 20 years of celebrating the country’s leading literary voices. With the final adjudication concluded by a 33-member panel of judges, the announcement reflects the culmination of a yearlong process honouring excellence in South African writing across all 11 official
- [Future Awards Africa Announces 2025 Literature Prize Finalists](https://jaylit.com/future-awards-africa-announces-2025-literature-prize-finalists/) - Five writers — Adedayo Agarau, Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu, Troy Onyango (Kenya), Chioma Rosemary, and Chukwuebuka Ibeh have been named finalists for the 2025 Future Awards Africa Prize for Literature. Founded in 2006, the Future Awards Africa honors Africans between the ages of 18 and 35 for excellence across arts, culture, enterprise, and public service. The
- [Between Absence and Belonging: Salmah Salam Oiza on Foreign in a Long-Familiar Leap Year](https://jaylit.com/between-absence-and-belonging-salmah-salam-oiza-on-foreign-in-a-long-familiar-leap-year/) - Somewhere between departure, return, and survival, Salmah Salam Oiza’s debut poetry collection Foreign in a Long-Familiar Leap Year was born. Written during her first year in the UK, the collection maps grief, migration, and memory across the passing months of a year. Bus rides, grocery trips, and shifting skies become charged with the strangeness of dislocation. From
- [Aisha Adesanya on Writing Through Grief, Migration, and Mental Health in “Funerals and Firecrackers”](https://jaylit.com/aisha-adesenya-on-writing-through-grief-migration-and-mental-health-in-funerals-and-firecrackers/) - The author discusses drawing from personal experience, navigating cultural transitions, and why not all stories of trauma end in healing. Somewhere between mourning and celebration, between the stillness of funerals and the startling burst of firecrackers, lie the stories in Aisha Adesanya’s debut collection. Funerals and Firecrackers is a work born out of dissonance, between
- [The Cyclical Nature of Abuse: A Review of Mubanga Kalimamukwento's The Shipikisha Club  ](https://jaylit.com/the-cyclical-nature-of-abuse-a-review-of-mubanga-kalimamukwentos-the-shipikisha-club/) - Sali is a smart and ambitious woman who thought she could use marriage to a wealthy man as a means to change her life. However, her plan is thwarted after Doc, her lover dies of a heart attack and Sali has to pick up the pieces quite quickly and quietly. Due to the nature of
- [Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie to Discuss ‘107 Days’ with Kamala Harris at London Literature Festival](https://jaylit.com/kamala-harris-chimamanda-ngozi-adichie-to-discuss-107-days-at-london-literature-festival/) - Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will appear in conversation with Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie at the London Literature Festival on Thursday, as part of her ongoing book tour for 107 Days, her new political memoir. The London event, already sold out, is among the most anticipated stops on the tour, which began in
- [Ibadan Book and Arts Festival Presents — IbaFest 2025: The Past as Prologue to the Future](https://jaylit.com/ibadan-book-and-arts-festival-presents-ibafest-2025-the-past-as-prologue-to-the-future/) - Ibadan, long considered Nigeria’s literary capital, will host the Ibadan Book and Arts Festival (IbaFest 2025) this October, a new gathering that hopes to blend the city’s storied past with a vision for its creative future. Set for October 24–25, the two-day festival will open with virtual sessions on Friday before moving to a physical
- [The Caine Prize Announces 2025 Online Editing Programme Cohort](https://jaylit.com/the-caine-prize-announces-2025-online-editing-programme-cohort/) - The Caine Prize for African Writing has unveiled the eight outstanding African writers selected for its 2025 Online Editing Programme
- [Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim, Chidima Anekwe, Others Among 2026 American Literary Review Awards Finalists](https://jaylit.com/ibrahim-babatunde-ibrahim-chidima-anekwe-others-among-2025-american-literary-review-finalists/) - Four African writers — Chidima Anekwe, Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim, Prosper C. Ìféányí and Maria Shehata have been named finalists in this year’s American Literary Review (ALR) Creative Writing Awards, one of the United States’ established literary competitions for emerging and mid-career voices in fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction. Founded in 1990 at the University of
- [Cover Reveal: Michael Imossan Unveils 'All That Refuses to Die'](https://jaylit.com/cover-reveal-michael-imossan-unveils-all-that-refuses-to-die/) - Nigerian poet Michael Imossan has revealed the cover of his full-length poetry collection, All That Refuses to Die, which will be released by the University of Nebraska Press on March 1, 2026. The collection earned him the 2024 Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poetry. Imossan’s manuscript was selected from hundreds of entries by a
- [Nick Makoha is a 2025 T. S. Eliot Prize Finalist](https://jaylit.com/nick-makoha-is-a-2025-t-s-eliot-prize-finalist/) - Ugandan-born British poet Nick Makoha has been named a finalist for the 2025 T. S. Eliot Prize for his poetry collection The New Carthaginians (Penguin Books). In The New Carthaginians, time—and with it, the world—is out of joint. A hijacked plane lands at Entebbe International Airport in 1976, setting off the crisis that turns Uganda
- [KÁNYIN Olorunnisola to Release Poetry Collection “Ara’luebo: The Immigrant Monologues” in March 2026](https://jaylit.com/kanyin-olorunnisola-to-release-poetry-collection-araluebo-the-immigrant-monologues-in-march-2026/) - Boston-based Nigerian experimentalist and writer KÁNYIN Olorunnisola has announced the forthcoming release of his full-length poetry collection, Ara’luebo: The Immigrant Monologues, scheduled for publication on March 15, 2026. The book will be published by Acre Books and distributed through the University of Chicago Press. Rooted in the layered experiences of immigrants, Ara’luebo is a layered
- [TY Buratai Literary Initiative Announces 2025 Zonal Winners](https://jaylit.com/ty-buratai-literary-initiative-announces-2025-zonal-winners/) - The TY Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI) has announced the six zonal winners for the 2025 edition of its Young Adult Literature Prize, selected from 106 entries received across Nigeria. The six regional winners and their stories are: Adoo Gyuur ('Daughters of Ashes', North Central) Daniel Yohanna ('A Boy From Far North', North East) E.R. Umukoro
- [The Miles Morland Foundation Unveils 2025 Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/the-miles-morland-foundation-unveils-2025-shortlist/) - The Miles Morland Foundation has announced the finalists for the 2025 Morland African Writing Scholarships, chosen from more than 800 submissions across the continent. The program recorded over 300 more entries than last year, marking its strongest turnout since inception. The annual scholarship, launched in 2013, offers financial support to African writers working on fiction
- [Eugen Bacon, Wole Talabi, Suyi Davies Okungbowa, and Other African Writers Shine at 2025 Ignyte Award](https://jaylit.com/african-writers-among-2025-ignyte-award-winners/) - Winners of the 2025 Ignyte Awards have been announced, recognizing outstanding contributions in speculative fiction. Several Africa writers were among those celebrated across major categories and they are as follows: Outstanding Novella Suyi Davies Okungbowa (Nigeria) – Winner for Lost Ark Dreaming Outstanding Novelette Shingai Njeri Kagunda (Kenya) – Winner for We Who Will Not
- [Nnamdi Anyadu’s Debut “A Meal Is a Meal” Arrives This October](https://jaylit.com/nnamdi-anyadus-debut-a-meal-is-a-meal-arrives-this-october/) - Narrative Landscape Press has announced the release of A Meal Is a Meal, the debut short story collection by writer Nnamdi Anyadu, due out on October 18, 2025. The book was first announced in July 2024 as part of the publisher’s forthcoming titles. At the time, The Lagos Review described Anyadu as a writer with
- [Anietie Isong’s "Radio Sunrise" Adapted into a Movie](https://jaylit.com/anietie-isongs-radio-sunrise-adapted-into-a-movie/) - Narrative Landscape Press has announced the adaptation of Radio Sunrise, a novel by Nigerian writer Anietie Isong, into a feature film. The story revolves around Ifiok, a young journalist working for a public radio station in Lagos who aspires to do the right thing but the odds seem to be against him. After the government
- [Sunday Times Announces 2025 Literary Awards Prize ](https://jaylit.com/sunday-times-announces-2025-literary-awards-prize/) - The Sunday Times, in partnership with Exclusive Books, has announced the shortlist for the 2025 Sunday Times Literary Awards. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Non-Fiction Award, which has, over the decades, spotlighted South Africa’s most incisive, critical, and thought-provoking works of narrative nonfiction. Kevin Ritchie, Chair of Judges, said: “It has been
- [Idembeka Creative Writing Workshop Opens Call for 2026 Edition](https://jaylit.com/idembeka-creative-writing-workshop-opens-call-for-2026-edition/) - The Idembeka Creative Writing Workshop has announced the call for applications for its fourth edition, scheduled to take place virtually from January 5 to 9, 2026. The annual program, designed for emerging African writers, remains free to enter and attend. Founded to support and mentor new literary voices across the continent, the Idembeka Workshop offers
- [Stella Gaitano Named Writer of Courage by 2025 PEN Pinter Prize Winner Leila Aboulela](https://jaylit.com/stella-gaitano-named-writer-of-courage-2025-by-leila-aboulela/) - Sudanese writer Stella Gaitano has been named the 2025 Writer of Courage by Leila Aboulela, winner of the PEN Pinter Prize 2025, in a ceremony held at the British Library on 10 October. The Writer of Courage award, presented in collaboration with English PEN, honors an author who demonstrates exceptional bravery in defending freedom of
- [Àrokò Anthology: Call for Submissions](https://jaylit.com/aroko-anthology-call-for-submissions/) - Àrokò Cooperative has opened submissions for the first edition of its anthology series, Àrokò Anthology No. 1: Folklore from Africa & the Diaspora. The anthology invites fiction that reimagines or reinvents folklore from Africa and the African diaspora. Writers are encouraged to explore myths, fables, legends, and folkloric figures—whether reimagined, adapted, or newly created. The
- [Nikhe Braimah Wins 2025 Adroit Prize for Poetry](https://jaylit.com/nikhe-braimah-wins-2025-adroit-prize-for-poetry/) - Nigerian-American poet Nikhe Braimah has been announced as the winner of the 2025 Adroit Prize for Poetry for his poem Still Life With Roses. The annual prize, presented by The Adroit Journal, recognizes exceptional work by emerging student writers across the globe in both poetry and prose categories. This year’s poetry category was judged by
- [African Voices Shine at the 2025 Creative Future Writers’ Award](https://jaylit.com/african-voices-shine-at-the-2025-creative-future-writers-award/) - Six African and African-diaspora writers have been recognised at the 2025 Creative Future Writers’ Award, and they are: Zahrah Nesbitt-Ahmed, Emma Allotey, Muti’ah Badruddeen, Uduak-Abasi Ekong, Catherine Ben-Ameh, and Afidi Nomo Ongolo. The award received over 1,600 submissions from writers across the country. In Creative Non-Fiction, Zahrah Nesbitt-Ahmed (Nigerian-British) earned a Highly Commended mention for
- [Omar El Akkad is a 2025 National Book Award Finalist](https://jaylit.com/omar-el-akkad-earns-spot-on-2025-national-book-award-finalists/) - Omar El Akkad, the Egyptian-born novelist and journalist, has been named a finalist for the 2025 National Book Award for Nonfiction. His nominated book, One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This, explores the responses of the United States and Europe to the destruction in Gaza. Combining reportage, analysis, and reflection, the work examines
- [Tega Oghenechovwen, Olakunle Ologunro Longlisted for the Deborah Rogers Award 2025](https://jaylit.com/tega-oghenechovwen-olakunle-ologunro-longlisted-for-the-deborah-rogers-award-2025/) - Nigerian writers Tega Oghenechovwen and Olakunle Ologunro have been named on the 2025 Deborah Rogers Award longlist, announced this week as the prize marks its tenth anniversary of supporting debut literary voices. Founded in memory of literary agent Deborah Rogers, the award has become a space where early-career writers gain the support needed to finish
- [Dr. Ainehi Edoro to Release “Forest Imaginaries” with Columbia University Press](https://jaylit.com/dr-ainehi-edoro-to-release-forest-imaginaries-with-columbia-university-press/) - Dr. Ainehi Edoro, literary scholar and founding editor of Brittle Paper, is set to publish her debut book Forest Imaginaries: How African Novels Think with Columbia University Press in January 2026. The forthcoming title explores how African writers have used the forest as a creative and political space within fiction. Through studies of authors such as
- [Oyin Olugbile’s “Sanya” Wins 2025 Nigeria Prize for Literature](https://jaylit.com/oyin-olugbiles-sanya-wins-2025-nigeria-prize-for-literature/) - The Advisory Board for The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by the Nigeria LNG (NLNG), has announced Oyin Olugbile as the winner of the 2025 edition of the prize for her novel Sanya. The announcement was made at a grand award ceremony held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Eko Hotels, Lagos. Olugbile’s Sanya emerged
- [Isele Magazine Calls for Submissions](https://jaylit.com/isele-magazine-calls-for-submissions/) - Isele Magazine has announced a call for submissions for its final quarterly issue of 2025, themed “Unwritten.” The issue invites writers and artists to explore themes of self-discovery, reinvention, transformation, and the undefined. Submission Guidelines For fiction and nonfiction, writers may submit up to five thousand words of prose. For poetry, a maximum of three
- [The Oriire Folktale Prize Announces 2025 Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/the-oriire-folktale-prize-announces-2025-shortlist/) - The Oriire Folktale Prize has released its 2025 shortlist, recognizing ten storytellers who have reimagined and preserved traditional African folk narratives by retelling them with respect to their original cultural roots. The selected stories are: Oche and The Sacred Drum by James Okoh The Story of Ogiso and Abhi by Stacey Osalumhense A Forest of
- [10th Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology: Call for Submission](https://jaylit.com/10th-chinua-achebe-poetry-essay-anthology-call-for-submission/) - The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (Anambra State Chapter) has announced a global call for entries for the 10th edition of the Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology. The publication invites writers from around the world to submit original poems and essays honouring the life and legacy of the late Prof. Chinua Achebe, Nigeria’s foremost novelist and
- [New Voices Poetry Contest Announces 2025 Winners](https://jaylit.com/new-voices-poetry-contest-announces-2025-winners/) - The organizers of the New Voices Poetry Contest have announced the winners of the 2025 edition, following the earlier release of a shortlist that featured ten poets and one honourable mention. Launched in May 2025, the contest was created to celebrate Ghana’s emerging poetic talents and provide a platform for young writers to explore themes
- [UJ Prize Announces 2025 Winners](https://jaylit.com/uj-prize-announces-2025-winners/) - The University of Johannesburg Prize for South African Writing (UJ Prize) has announced the winners of its 2025 edition, honoring works published in 2024. The adjudication panel was chaired by Prof Ronit Frenkel of the University of Johannesburg and included Prof Sikhumbuzo Mngadi, Prof Marzia Milazzo, Dr Rebecca Fasselt, Prof Grace Musila, and Prof Nedine
- [Olakunle Ologunro Named 2025-2026 Olive B. O’Connor Fellow](https://jaylit.com/olakunle-ologunro-named-2025-2026-olive-b-oconnor-fellows/) - Nigerian writer Olakunle Ologunro has been announced as a 2025–2026 Olive B. O’Connor Fellow in Fiction at Colgate University. The Olive B. O’Connor Fellowship in Creative Writing, offered by Colgate University’s Department of English and Creative Writing, supports emerging writers in completing their first books. Fellows receive a generous stipend, office space, and access to
- [Muminah Koleoso Wins Creative of the Year at The Black Scottish Awards 2025](https://jaylit.com/muminah-koleoso-wins-creative-of-the-year-at-the-black-scottish-awards-2025/) - Nigerian Muslim (Yoruba) writer, content creator, and advocate, Muminah Koleoso, has been named the 2025 winner of the Creative of the Year award at The Black Scottish Awards (TBSA) held at the Hilton Glasgow on September 27. The award recognises her outstanding contributions to storytelling and creative media that amplify the voices of Black and
- [Hubaidat Oyinkansola Ishola Wins Quramo Writers’ Prize 2025](https://jaylit.com/hubaidat-oyinkansola-ishola-wins-quramo-writers-prize-2025/) - In a ceremony held during the Quramo Festival of Words at Eko Hotels & Suites, Hubaidat Oyinkansola Ishola was announced the winner of the Quramo Writers’ Prize 2025 for her manuscript What Breaks, What Binds. She received a ₦1,000,000 cash prize and a publishing contract with Quramo Publishers. The 2025 longlist of five manuscripts was
- [A Review of Sheg Aranmolate's The Waylay](https://jaylit.com/a-review-of-the-waylay-by-sheg-aranmolate/) - The Waylay: Wahala blends the grit of everyday Nigerian struggles with the high-stakes energy of an international thriller. It tells the story of an ordinary driver whose world is turned upside down when his daughter is kidnapped. Unknown to many, his past life as a U.S. military officer, deported after a tragic misunderstanding, becomes his
- [Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize Opens Submissions for 2025](https://jaylit.com/brigitte-poirson-literature-prize-opens-submissions-for-2025/) - The Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize (BPLP) has announced its 2025 call for submissions, inviting Nigerian writers at home and in the diaspora to enter original works of poetry and short fiction. The prize recognises creativity and authenticity, encouraging writers to contribute stories and poems that explore the human condition while advancing African storytelling. Prizes and
- [Book O’Clock Spotlights African Children’s Literature in Global Webinar](https://jaylit.com/book-oclock-spotlights-african-childrens-literature-in-global-webinar/) - Book O’Clock, a literary nonprofit based in Sokoto, Nigeria, dedicated to promoting literacy and African literature — in collaboration with the Erasmus Mundus International Master’s in Children’s Literature, Media, and Cultural Entrepreneurship (CLMCE), is set to host a groundbreaking webinar panel discussion on African children’s literature. The webinar, themed “The Child in African Literature”, will
- [Rachael Ajisafe Wins Inaugural Witsprouts Storytelling Prize 2025](https://jaylit.com/rachel-ajisafe-wins-inaugural-witsprouts-storytelling-prize-2025/) - The Witsprouts Project, a cultural organisation dedicated to reviving and celebrating African performance arts, has announced Rachael Ajisafe as the winner of the inaugural Witsprouts Storytelling Prize. Ajisafe won the top award and a cash prize of ₦500,000 for her compelling oral performance. The prize, themed “Rebooting Legends and Memories,” was launched to identify and
- [Witsprouts Books Reveals Cover for Ayo Deforge’s “Under the Rain”](https://jaylit.com/witsprouts-books-reveals-cover-for-ayo-deforges-under-the-rain/) - Witsprouts Books has unveiled the cover of Under the Rain, a forthcoming romantic suspense novel by Nigerian author Ayo Deforge, scheduled for release on December 1, 2025. The story traces the lives of Bolaji and Shola, two childhood friends whose bond deepens through adolescence and matures into love during their university years. Their dreams of
- [Mubanga Kalimamukwento Joins 2026 Firecracker Award Fiction Panel](https://jaylit.com/mubanga-kalimamukwento-joins-2026-firecracker-award-fiction-panel/) - Zambian writer Mubanga Kalimamukwento has been named to the judging panel for the 2026 Firecracker Awards in Fiction, organized by the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses (CLMP). The awards celebrate outstanding works from independent publishers across fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, with Kalimamukwento winning in the fiction category in 2025. Kalimamukwento is the author of
- [Isaiah Adepoju Wins First-Ever Doland E. Waterfall Poetry Scholarship](https://jaylit.com/isaiah-adepoju-wins-first-ever-doland-e-waterfall-poetry-scholarship/) - Nigerian author and poet, Isaiah Adepoju has been named the first ever recipient of Doland E. Waterfall Scholarship Fund, a scholarship that recognizes and celebrates his artistic prowess. The Doland E. Waterfall scholarship established to support poets was founded by Cara Waterfall, in honour of first poetry mentor, her later father, Doland E. Waterfall, for
- [Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki Signs with Leading Agents in Publishing and Film](https://jaylit.com/oghenechovwe-donald-ekpeki-signs-with-leading-agents-in-publishing-and-film/) - Award-winning Nigerian speculative fiction writer Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki has secured new literary and media representation, marking a significant step in his global career trajectory. Ekpeki is now represented for film, television, and media by Vince Gerardis of Starling Inc., the producer of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. Gerardis also represents George R.R.
- [Wale Lawal to Host Mukoma wa Ngũgĩ in Literary Conversation](https://jaylit.com/wale-lawal-to-host-mukoma-wa-ngugi-in-literary-conversation/) - Lagos will play host to a rare literary gathering this October as Kenyan-American poet, author, and academic Mukoma wa Ngũgĩ joins Wale Lawal, founder and editor-in-chief of The Republic, for a public conversation on the making and meaning of African literature. The event, themed Rethinking Beginnings: Mapping the Rise of the African Novel, will take
- [Inkspires Kreation Presents Poetversation with Samuel A. Betiku](https://jaylit.com/inkspires-kreation-presents-poetversation-with-samuel-a-betiku/) - Inkspires Kreation has announced the return of its literary series Poetversation, with Nigerian poet and editor Samuel A. Betiku as the featured guest. Hosted by JAY Lit writer and news reporter, Sarah Adeyemo, the event will be held virtually on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. WAT via Google Meet. Designed
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Zaynab Iliyasu Bobi](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-zaynab-iliyasu-bobi/) - The oral tradition of Northern Nigeria laid a literary foundation for young Zaynab Iliyasu Bobi. She grew up listening to folktales and enjoyed the thrilling traditional games such as bogi-bogi and ten-ten, very much unlike the Western Literature she encountered later in adulthood. Zaynab is a Northern Nigerian writer and the 2024 Derricotte/Eady Chapbook Prize
- [Mubanga Kalimamukwento Wins Cheryl A. Wall Graduate Student Paper Prize](https://jaylit.com/mubanga-kalimamukwento-wins-cheryl-a-wall-graduate-student-paper-prize/) - Zambian writer Mubanga Kalimamukwento has been named the 2025 winner of the Cheryl A. Wall Graduate Student Paper Prize for her work Ukazi: An Autoethnography of Zambian Girlhood and Womanhood. Mubanga Kalimamukwento is the author of Shipikisha (Dzanc Books, 2026), winner of the 2024 Dzanc Prize for Fiction; Obligations to the Wounded (University of Pittsburgh
- [Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Named First-Ever Felix Jud Prize Winner](https://jaylit.com/chimamanda-ngozi-adichie-named-first-ever-felix-jud-prize-winner/) - 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
- [Boakye D. Alpha Represents Ghana at Norfolk Black History Month 2025](https://jaylit.com/boakye-d-alpha-represents-ghana-at-norfolk-black-history-month-2025/) - Ghanaian writer Boakye D. Alpha has marked a proud moment for Ghanaian literature as two of his works were featured at the prestigious Norfolk Black History Month Launch in the United Kingdom on Saturday, 27th September 2025. The showcased works, "House of the Rising Sun", a poem exploring generational grief and the weight of inherited
- [African Writers Award Unveils 2025 Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/african-writers-award-unveils-2025-shortlist/) - The African Writers Award has announced its shortlist for its award, which recognizes and celebrates talented writers for their contributions to African Literature. The award comprises the Teen African Awards for prose and poetry, the African Writers Awards for prose and poetry, the 7th Edition of the Wakini Kuria Prize for Children’s Literature and the
- [Nituecheni Africano, Maurício Caetano Win at Sankofa Book Awards Kenya 2025](https://jaylit.com/nituecheni-africano-mauricio-caetano-win-at-sankofa-book-awards-kenya-2025/) - The Sankofa Book Awards Kenya has announced its 2025 winners during an international workshop on African literature held in Nairobi highlighting the landmark contributions to African writing and cultural anthropology, celebrating authors whose voices echo far beyond the continent’s borders. The Grand Prize went to Nituecheni Africano for The Recluse: The Beginning and the End
- [Kyle Okeke Named Finalist in 17th Annual Poetry Contest](https://jaylit.com/kyle-okeke-named-finalist-in-17th-annual-poetry-contest/) - Nigerian-American poet Kyle Okeke has been selected as one of nine finalists in the 17th Annual Poetry Contest for his poem, Gate of Opening. The contest is organized by Narrative, a leading digital publisher of fiction, poetry, essays, and art. Narrative features the work of both emerging writers and acclaimed authors, including winners of the
- [Zimbabwean Writer NoViolet Bulawayo Wins the 2025 Best of Caine Award](https://jaylit.com/zimbabwean-writer-noviolet-bulawayo-wins-the-2025-best-of-caine-award/) - The Caine Prize for African Writing has announced Zimbabwean writer NoViolet Bulawayo as the winner of the 2025 Best of Caine Award for her short story, "Hitting Budapest", which originally won the Prize in 2011. NoViolet Bulawayo is the author of the novels Glory, and We Need New Names. Her books have been shortlisted for
- [Asian Literary Festival to Debut in Nairobi, 2026](https://jaylit.com/asian-literary-festival-to-debut-in-nairobi-2026/) - The Asian Literary Festival (ALF), a global platform celebrating Asian literature and culture, will make its African debut in Nairobi in April 2026. Kenya’s capital has been selected as the first African host city for the festival, which is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Kenyan author and critic Alexander Nderitu has been appointed
- [ANA Unveils 2025 Literary Prizes Shortlists](https://jaylit.com/ana-unveils-2025-literary-prizes-shortlists/) - The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has announced the shortlists for the 2025 edition of its annual literary prizes, covering poetry, fiction, drama, non-fiction and children’s literature. Below are the shortlisted works: Poetry (ANA/KMVL Prize): Stoning the Wind by Gbemisola Adeoti Girls and the Silhouette of Form by Star Zahra Japa: Elegy of Nigerians by
- [Where Secrets Live – A Tribute to African Folklore](https://jaylit.com/where-secrets-live-a-tribute-to-african-folklore/) - The tension between Christianity and African traditional religions forms the backdrop of Where Secrets Live. Many African scholars have criticised missionary-era Christianity as a tool of colonial cultural control, while others point out that local believers often reshaped the faith in their own image. Magdalene Agweven’s novel enters this debate through a story steeped in folklore. It
- [Submissions Open for 2025 Abebi Afro-Nonfiction Award ](https://jaylit.com/submissions-open-for-2025-abebi-afro-nonfiction-award/) - The Abebi Afro-Nonfiction Award has announced the call for entries for its 2025 edition, inviting Nigerian women writers to submit essays under the theme “Witness”. Now in its third year, the award celebrates bold women writers who are unshackled by cultures of silence and shame, belting the chorus of their voices for all to hear.
- [Otoniya J. Okot Bitek Makes The 2025 Atwood Gibson Writers' Trust Fiction Prize Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/otoniya-j-okot-bitek-makes-the-2025-atwood-gibson-writers-trust-fiction-prize-shortlist/) - Ugandan-Canadian writer Otoniya J. Okot Bitek has been shortlisted for the Atwood Gibson Writers' Trust Fiction Prize for her novel We, The Kindling published by Alchemy by Knopf Canada. She joins five other authors whose works were selected from 120 submissions across the globe for the annual award that recognizes the best novel or short
- [Chinedu Achebe Receives National Recognition Through the NYC Big Book Award](https://jaylit.com/chinedu-achebe-receives-national-recognition-through-the-nyc-big-book-award/) - Nigerian-American author Chinedu Achebe has been honored with the 2025 NYC Big Book Award® in the category of African American Fiction for his novel When It All Falls Down. The NYC Big Book Award, judged by publishers, writers, editors, booksellers, librarians, and copywriters, is open to authors from around the world. Submissions in 2025 arrived
- [Caleb Femi Wins Sky Arts Award for Poetry](https://jaylit.com/caleb-femi-wins-sky-arts-award-for-poetry/) - Nigerian-British poet Caleb Femi has been named the winner of the Poetry prize at the 2025 Sky Arts Awards for his latest collection, The Wickedest. The awards, held on 16th September at the Roundhouse in London and hosted by comedian Bill Bailey, celebrated excellence across literature, poetry, film, dance, music and visual arts. Femi, born
- [Selali Fiamanya, Among The 2025 Scotland's Fiction Book of the Year Longlist](https://jaylit.com/selali-fiamanya-gets-longlisted-for-scotlands-fiction-book-of-the-year/) - Selali Fiamanya, a Glasgow-born author of Ghanaian descent, has been named to the longlist for the Fiction Book of the Year at Scotland’s National Book Awards 2025 for his novel, Before We Hit the Ground. Published by The Borough Press, an imprint of HarperCollins, in February 2025, Before We Hit the Ground traces a Ghanaian-Scottish
- [The University of Johannesburg Prize Unveils 2025 Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/the-university-of-johannesburg-prize-unveils-2025-shortlist/) - The University of Johannesburg Prize (UJ Prize) has unveiled the shortlist for its 2025 edition, highlighting six standout books published in 2024. Established in 2006, the UJ Prize is one of South Africa’s most respected literary honors. Unlike many other awards, it is not confined to a single genre, giving judges the freedom to recognize
- [Afabwaje Kurian and Okwudili Nebeolisa Are 2025 Zora Awards Finalists](https://jaylit.com/afabwaje-kurian-and-okwudili-nebeolisa-are-2025-zora-awards-finalists/) - Nigerian-born novelist Afabwaje Kurian and Nigerian poet Okwudili Nebeolisa have been shortlisted for the 2025 Zora Awards, one of the most prestigious honors recognizing Black literary achievement in the United States. Kurian is a finalist in the Debut Fiction category for her novel Before the Mango Ripens (Dzanc Books), while Nebeolisa’s poetry collection Terminal Maladies
- [Doek! Magazine Reveals The 2025 Bank Windhoek Literary Awards Longlist](https://jaylit.com/doek-magazine-announces-the-2025-bank-windhoek-literary-awards-longlist/) - Doek! Magazine has announced the longlist of the 2025 Bank Windhoek Literary Awards, composed of Namibian writers, poets, and visual artists. The longlist features contributors whose works appeared in the magazine between Issue 12: Soon/Come (December 2023) and Issue 15: The Throne and the Crown (July 2025). These writers and artists' works have successfully been
- [Florence Olajide Makes the 2025 HWA Crown Award Longlist](https://jaylit.com/florence-olajide-makes-the-2025-historian-writers-association-crown-award/) - British-Nigerian educator and author, Florence Olajide, has been named among the thirty-seven authors longlisted for the 2025 Historical Writers’ Association (HWA) Crown Award, which celebrates the best in historical writing, both fiction and non-fiction, published between 2024 and 2025. The awards are divided into three categories: HWA Gold Crown, HWA Non-fiction Crown, and HWA Debut
- [Gbenga Adesina, Mohamed Kheir, and Omar El Akkad Make The 2025 National Book Awards Longlists](https://jaylit.com/gbenga-adesina-mohamed-kheir-and-omar-el-akkad-make-the-2025-national-book-awards-longlists/) - Three Africa-born writers have been named to the 2025 National Book Awards longlists, released this week by The New Yorker. Nigerian poet Gbenga Adesina, Egyptian novelist Mohamed Kheir, and Cairo-born journalist-novelist Omar El Akkad are among dozens of authors recognized across five categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Translated Literature, and Young People’s Literature. Gbenga Adesina was
- [NWF Journal Wins, Ubwali Literary Magazine Named Finalist in Chill Subs Incubator](https://jaylit.com/nwf-journal-wins-ubwali-literary-magazine-named-finalist-in-chill-subs-incubator/) - Two African literary magazines have been recognized in the 2025 Chill Subs Incubator, a program launched by Chill Subs to support five literary magazines in developing financial sustainability through a $1,000 grant, a year of mentorship, and a Community of Literary Magazines and Presses (CLMP) membership. The announcement placed NWF Journal, published by the Northern
- [Chukwuemeka Famous, headlines Akure Feast of Books and Culture](https://jaylit.com/chukwuemeka-famous-headlines-akure-feast-of-books-and-culture/) - The Akure Feast of Books and Culture drew writers, students, and book lovers to a packed hall at the Akure Tech Hub in the Federal University of Technology, Akure. The festival, which was held on the 30th of November 2024, headlined fast-rising author, Chukwuemeka Famous as guest author. His debut novel titled, We Will Live Again, was
- [New Voices Poetry Contest 2025 Shortlist Announced](https://jaylit.com/new-voices-poetry-contest-2025-shortlist-announced/) - The organizers of the New Voices Poetry Contest have announced the shortlist for the 2025 edition of the competition, narrowing down the longlist of 30 poets to 10 standout voices. The announcement also included one honourable mention. Launched in May 2025, the contest was created to celebrate Ghana’s emerging poetic talents and provide a platform
- [Flame Tree Publishing Opens Submissions for Africanfuturism Short Stories](https://jaylit.com/flame-tree-publishing-opens-submissions-for-africanfuturism-short-stories/) - Flame Tree Fiction has launched an open call for submissions to its upcoming anthology, Africanfuturism Short Stories, inviting writers from Africa and the diaspora to contribute speculative tales rooted in African perspectives. The collection, scheduled for release in 2026, will form part of the publisher’s Gothic Fantasy series. It follows the release of Afrofuturism Short
- [The Dead Poets Society Announces Debut Poetry Reading](https://jaylit.com/the-dead-poets-society-announces-debut-poetry-reading/) - The Dead Poets Society is set to host its debut Poetry Reading, “PoemsLore: An Evening of Poetry," on December 7, 2025. The virtual event will bring together poets and literature enthusiasts to share and celebrate the beauty of poetry through readings and performances. Ahead of the event, participants are encouraged to register [here] to support
- [Naomi Eselojor Among Eight Writers Selected for Developing Tutors Programme 2025/26](https://jaylit.com/naomi-eselojor-among-eight-writers-selected-for-developing-tutors-programme-2025-26/) - Nigerian speculative fiction writer Naomi Eselojor has been named among the eight writers chosen for Spread the Word’s Developing Tutors programme for 2025/26, a scheme that offers emerging writers their first paid opportunity to design and deliver creative writing workshops. The programme, which received 30 applications, supports writers in running their debut workshops by providing
- [ArtiMetrics Brings Poetry and Music Together at Lagos Showcase](https://jaylit.com/artimetrics-brings-poetry-and-music-together-at-lagos-showcase/) - More than sixty poets, musicians, and creatives gathered in Lagos on August 9 for Living In The Epiphany, a showcase organised by The ArtiMetrics to highlight the intersection of music and poetry, with literary brands like Roving Heights and Book O'Clock also in attendance. Supported by the British Council’s Creative Showcase Programme and Jefferson Hospitality,
- [Otoniya J. Okot Bitek Makes The 2025 Giller Prize Longlist](https://jaylit.com/otoniya-j-okot-bitek-makes-the-2025-giller-prize-longlist/) - Ugandan-Canadian writer Otoniya J. Okot Bitek has been named to the 2025 Scotiabank Giller Prize longlist for her novel We, The Kindling, published by Alchemy by Knopf Canada. She joins thirteen other authors whose works were selected from more than 100 submissions across the country. Juliane Okot Bitek, also known as Otoniya J. Okot Bitek,
- [The Roaring Lion Newcastle Welcomes Famous, Nnamdi, and Umeadi](https://jaylit.com/the-roaring-lion-newcastle-welcomes-three-authors/) - The Roaring Lion Newcastle (TRLN) has announced the addition of three fiction writers — Chukwuemeka Famous, Joseph Nnamdi, and Ikemefuna Umeadi — to its literary family. The announcement follows the July 2025 release of Home in Motion, a poetry collection by Tolu Akinyemi. The Roaring Newcastle proudly welcomed three fiction writers, whose works transit conventions,
- [Irenosen Okojie is a 2025 RSL Scriptorium Award Winner](https://jaylit.com/irenosen-okojie-is-a-2025-rsl-scriptorium-award-winner/) - Nigerian-British writer Irenosen Okojie has been named one of the first winners of the Royal Society of Literature’s (RSL) new Scriptorium Awards. The prize, founded by RSL President Bernardine Evaristo, offers ten writers an exclusive residency at a cottage on the Kent coast, providing space and time to focus solely on writing. Born in Nigeria
- [Obsidian Foundation Opens Call for 2025 Online Retreat](https://jaylit.com/obsidian-foundation-opens-call-for-2025-online-retreat/) - The Obsidian Foundation has announced the call for entries to its 2025 online poetry retreat, which will run from 14 to 19 December 2025. Fifty poets of Black heritage will be selected for the week-long programme of workshops, talks, and community sessions. Founded in 2020, the foundation offers its annual retreat to support poets of
- [Stripes Literary Magazine Unveils Tukur Loba Ridwan’s Upcoming Chapbook, 'Silence'](https://jaylit.com/stripes-literary-magazine-unveils-tukur-loba-ridwans-upcoming-chapbook-silence/) - Stripes Literary Magazine has announced the forthcoming release of Silence, a new poetry chapbook by Nigerian poet Tukur Loba Ridwan, set to be published on September 25, 2025. Silence lingers on the many dimensions of quietude, its tenderness, its grief, and its power as both presence and absence. With this collection, Ridwan opens a contemplative
- [NENTA Literary Journal Opens Submissions for October Issue](https://jaylit.com/nenta-literary-journal-opens-submissions-for-october-issue/) - NENTA Literary Journal is inviting submissions from Ghanaian writers for its October publication, with entries open until September 15. The journal, which publishes exclusively from Ghana, is calling for poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and other creative works. Submission Guidelines Open to Ghanaian writers only. Submit as a .doc or .docx file, titled after your work. Bios
- [Call For Submissions: 'Love In Detty December Vol. III'](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-love-in-detty-december-vol-iii/) - Noisy Streetss has announced a call for submissions to the third edition of its acclaimed anthology, Love in Detty December, inviting African writers to share stories of romance set against the continent’s most electric season. Born from the vibrant energy of “Detty December”—a time of homecomings, nightlife, and fleeting or lasting love, the project has
- [Tender Photos Announces Photographers and Writers for Inaugural Tender Visions Program](https://jaylit.com/tender-photos-announces-artists-for-inaugural-tender-visions-program/) - Tender Photos has announced the photographers and writers selected for its new commissioning initiative, Tender Visions. Supported by the Open Society Foundations, the program will pair 13 photographers with 26 writers from across the African continent to collaborate on projects that expand the possibilities of visual storytelling. The first portfolios and texts are set to
- [Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim Among Honorees for CRAFT 2025 Short Fiction Prize](https://jaylit.com/ibrahim-babatunde-ibrahim-longlisted-for-craft-2025-short-fiction-prize/) - The CRAFT 2025 Short Fiction Prize has announced its winners, with Nigerian writer Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim earning a spot on the longlist for his story “A Hymen Tale.” Organized annually, the CRAFT Short Fiction Prize celebrates innovative storytelling and is judged by prominent literary figures, with the 2025 edition overseen by author Halle Hill. The
- [“We Have No Country Yet!” — Niyi Osundare Stirs Ibadan at Invocations of the Word](https://jaylit.com/we-have-no-country-yet-niyi-osundare-stirs-ibadan-at-invocations-of-the-word/) - Renowned poet and public intellectual, Professor Niyi Osundare, set Ibadan alight with fiery words and urgent reflections at Invocations of the Word: A Day of Poetry and Conversations with Niyi Osundare. The event, held on August 16, 2025, at RovingHeights Bookstore, Bodija, was a powerful prelude to the Ibadan Book and Arts Festival (IbaFest). The
- [The Caine Prize Reveals Judges for The 2025 Best of Caine Award](https://jaylit.com/the-caine-prize-reveals-judges-for-the-2025-best-of-caine-award/) - The Caine Prize for African Writing has unveiled the judging panel for the 2025 Best of Caine Award, a special honorary prize marking the literary award’s 25th anniversary. Created to celebrate a quarter century of championing African storytelling, the Best of Caine Award will recognize the most outstanding work from among the prize’s past winners.
- [‘The Edge of Water’ by Olufunke Grace Bankole Wins 2025 Westport Prize for Literature](https://jaylit.com/the-edge-of-water-by-olufunke-grace-bankole-wins-2025-westport-prize-for-literature/) - The Edge of Water, the debut novel by Nigerian American writer Olufunke Grace Bankole, has been named the winner of the 2025 Westport Prize for Literature. Set between Nigeria and the United States, The Edge of Water follows Amina, a young woman who leaves Nigeria for New Orleans to pursue a new life, only to
- [Cover Reveal: Sauúti Terrors Co-Edited by Eugen Bacon, Cheryl S. Ntumy, and Stephen Embleton](https://jaylit.com/cover-reveal-sauuti-terrors-co-edited-by-eugen-bacon-cheryl-s-ntumy-and-stephen-embleton/) - Flame Tree Publisher, Nick Wells, and Sauúti Collective co-editors, Eugen Bacon, Cheryl S. Ntumy, and Stephen Embleton, are thrilled to unveil the cover of Sauúti Terrors. The anthology is set to be released Sauúti Terrors in Flame Tree's Beyond and Within story collection series in January 2026. Represented by Bieke van Aggelen of the African
- [Artistic Portraits in Enterprise and Culture: Reviewing Moremi Akano’s Broadcast and Artistic Practice](https://jaylit.com/artistic-portraits-in-enterprise-and-culture-reviewing-moremi-akanos-broadcast-and-artistic-practice/) - There are storytellers, and then there are those who build altars with their storytelling, who understand that each spoken word, each televised moment, is a little monument to memory, to becoming, to the soft labour of visibility. Moremi Akano is of the latter kind. Moremi Akano’s work resists easy categorisation. She is at once a
- [Afreada Opens Call for Submissions](https://jaylit.com/afreada-opens-call-for-submissions/) - Afreada has announced its call for submissions for its forthcoming issue, open from September 1 to October 17, 2025. The magazine invites writers to submit short fiction rooted in Africa—stories that capture the beauty of the ordinary, the rhythms of daily life, and the meaning found in seemingly mundane moments. Stories from the African diaspora
- [Olúmo Review Reopens Call for Submissions](https://jaylit.com/olumo-review-reopens-call-for-submissions/) - After a brief hiatus, the Olúmo Review has announced a new call for submissions for its forthcoming issue. For this cycle, the journal is seeking only poetry, with submissions open from July 1 through September 30, 2025. The editors encourage poets to submit work that sparks curiosity, challenges the intellect, and experiments with diverse styles,
- [Narrative Landscape Press Opens Call for Fiction Manuscript Submissions](https://jaylit.com/narrative-landscape-press-opens-call-for-fiction-manuscript-submissions/) - Narrative Landscape Press has announced an open call for fiction manuscripts this September. Writers are invited to submit their work between September 1st and September 30th, 2025. Please note that submissions in other genres will not be accepted at this time. Submission Guidelines Writers should send an email to submissions@narrativelandscape.com with the subject line:“Submission [Title
- [Commonwealth Short Story Prize Opens 2026 Call for Submissions](https://jaylit.com/commonwealth-short-story-prize-opens-2026-call-for-submissions/) - The Commonwealth Foundation has announced the opening of submissions for the 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize, which will accept entries from September 1st until November 1st, 2025. The prize is open to all Commonwealth citizens aged 18 and over, with a chance to win £5,000, awarded to the overall best short story. Eligible stories must
- [The 2025 Bash Amuneni Prize for Performance Poetry Opens for Submissions](https://jaylit.com/the-2025-bash-amuneni-prize-for-performance-poetry-opens-for-submissions/) - The Bash Amuneni Prize for Performance Poetry has officially opened entries for its 2025 edition, calling poets and spoken word artists to step forward with their voices under the theme “Echoes of Now, Voices Building Tomorrow.” The prize, valued at £150, continues its mission of celebrating the living pulse of spoken word in Nigeria. Anchored
- [Femi Otedola’s Memoir “Making It Big” Sparks Fast Global Sales](https://jaylit.com/femi-otedolas-memoir-making-it-big-sparks-fast-global-sales/) - Barely two weeks after its release, Femi Otedola’s memoir Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business is already generating global buzz and strong sales across major markets. The book, which officially launched on 18 August 2025, offers a rare look into the journey of one of Africa’s most influential business leaders and philanthropists.
- [The Polymath’s Journey: Dr. Tunde Adegbola Speaks at IbaFest Prelude in Ibadan](https://jaylit.com/the-polymaths-journey-dr-tunde-adegbola-speaks-at-ibafest-prelude-in-ibadan/) - The Ibadan Book and Arts Festival (IbaFest), in partnership with NuStreams, hosted an evening with polymath Dr. Tunde Adegbola on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the NuStreams Conference and Culture Centre, Ibadan. The event, themed “The Polymath’s Journey: A Conversation on Humanity, Technology, and the Yoruba Worldview,” celebrated his life as a scholar, technologist, cultural
- [New Voices Poetry Contest 2025 Longlist Announced](https://jaylit.com/new-voices-poetry-contest-2025-longlist-announced/) - The organizers of the New Voices Poetry Contest have released the longlist for the 2025 edition of the competition, featuring 30 emerging poets from across Ghana. Launched in May 2025, the contest is dedicated to spotlighting new literary voices and providing a platform for young poets to share their work. The longlist is as follows:
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Isaac Kanyinji](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-isaac-kanyinji/) - Literature has always been a part of Isaac Kanyinji’s life since he was a child, thanks to his mother who made reading a currency with which he got most of my childhood wants. Growing up in Zambia, he was bred in the confines of music and stories, humming along to a Lucky Dube playlist whilst
- [‘Nate & John’ Premieres on Omeleto on YouTube](https://jaylit.com/nate-john-premieres-on-omeleto/) - A moving animated short film, Nate & John, directed by Nigerian-American filmmaker Jumai Yusuf, has officially premiered on Omeleto — YouTube’s top showcase for award-winning short films with over 3 million subscribers. The film tells the story of Nate, a Black barber’s assistant in the 1960s, and John, a white teenage hippie reluctantly brought into
- [Ikechukwu Henry Wins 2025 Ma Kẹkẹ Short Story Contest](https://jaylit.com/ikechukwu-henry-wins-2025-ma-keke-short-story-contest/) - The Gemspread Publishing has announced Ikechukwu Henry(Nigeria) as the winner of the 2025 Ma Kękę Short Story Contest × The Ama Ata Aidoo Award for his entry, ‘The Archives of Forgotten Names’. Organized in partnership with the Pan-African Writers Association (PAWA), the prize was established to celebrate creativity, encourage emerging voices, and unite African literature
- [Nigeria Prize for Literature 2025: May, Obioma, Olugbile Make Final Three](https://jaylit.com/nigeria-prize-for-literature-2025-may-obioma-olugbile-make-final-three/) - The journey to crown the winner of The Nigeria Prize for Literature has reached a decisive stage, as the Advisory Board unveils the three novels that advanced to the final shortlist. The finalists are: This Motherless Land by Nikki May The Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma Sanya by Oyin Olugbile Chaired by Associate
- [Wole Talabi Makes The 2025 Aldiss Award Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/wole-talabi-makes-the-2025-aldiss-award-shortlist/) - Nigerian speculative fiction writer Wole Talabi has been shortlisted for the inaugural Aldiss Award 2025 for his novel Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon. The Aldiss Award celebrates outstanding world-building in science fiction and fantasy, honouring the legacy of the late Grand Master Brian Aldiss. In announcing the shortlist, Chair of Judges Allen Stroud
- [CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa Announces 2025 Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/canex-prize-for-publishing-in-africa-announces-2025-shortlist/) - The Creative African Nexus(CANEX), an initiative of Afreximbank has announced the shortlist for the 2025 CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa, recognizing and celebrating publishers who promote African Literature through bold and brilliant storytelling across the globe. Following a rigorous judging process with Prof. Egara Kabaji as the chairman, five outstanding works for their exceptional
- [IHRAM Announces 2025 Winners of African Human Rights Poetry Competition ](https://jaylit.com/ihram-announces-2025-winners-of-african-human-rights-poetry-competition/) - The African Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Movement(IHRAM) has announced the winners for the 2025 African Human Rights Poetry Competition. With a total of 350 entries from 25 African countries, reflecting young poets' perceptions about culture, heritage, human experiences, and unending social issues threatening humanity, the organisation's mission remains relevant, using art in
- [CANEX Announces Participants for 2025 Creative Writing Workshop](https://jaylit.com/canex-announces-participants-for-2025-creative-writing-workshop/) - The Creative African Nexus(CANEX), has announced its participants for the second edition of the CANEX Creative Writing workshop, a keystone initiative of the CANEX Book Factory programme with the goal of highlighting and elevating the book value chain across the globe. Following the call for submissions from June 26th to July 10, 2025, 20 participants
- [The Alexander Nderitu Prize for World Literature 2025 Opens for Submissions](https://jaylit.com/the-alexander-nderitu-prize-for-world-literature-2025-opens-for-submissions/) - The African Griot Review has announced the return of the Alexander Nderitu Prize for World Literature, inviting writers worldwide to submit original one-act stage plays for its 2025 edition. Founded and judged by Kenyan-born writer and critic Alexander Nderitu, the prize will award a single winner Kshs 50,000, a one-year online promotion campaign by Websoft
- [Poda-Poda Stories Opens Call for Submissions](https://jaylit.com/poda-poda-stories-opens-call-for-submissions/) - Poda-Poda Stories has announced a call for submissions for its upcoming December 2025 issue, themed “Mundanity”. The magazine is inviting submissions that explore the interpretation of the mundane in a creative way, through photography, poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. Submissions are open to writers and artists residing on the African continent, members of the African diaspora,
- [ASFS Announces 2025 Nommo Awards Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/asfs-announces-2025-nommo-awards-shortlist/) - The African Speculative Fiction Society (ASFS) has announced the finalists for the 2025 Nommo Awards, celebrating speculative fiction works by African writers published between January 2022 and December 2024. The awards, considered the premier recognition of African speculative fiction, spotlight works across four categories: Novel (Ilube Award), Novella, Graphic Novel, and Short Story. Since their
- [A Review of Anuoluwapo Ogunmoroti’s 'In the Name of Love'](https://jaylit.com/a-review-of-anuoluwapo-ogunmorotis-in-the-name-of-love/) - The beginning of every great love story starts with the meeting of a boy and a girl. Dostoevsky says love in action is a harsh and dreadful thing compared with love in dreams. Perhaps that is the kind of love we are introduced to in the novel. A fleeting love observed in feverish haste. Anuoluwapo
- [Ubwali Literary Magazine Announces 19 African Writers for 2nd-Edition Masterclass](https://jaylit.com/ubwali-literary-magazine-announces-19-african-writers-for-2nd-edition-masterclass/) - Ubwali Literary Magazine has just revealed the names of the 19 African writers selected to participate in the second edition of its kind! The selected Writers (Class of 2025) are: Abdulrahim Hussani Ally Baharoon Anna Zgambo Azubuike Obi Chileshe Mabula Bwalya Chilufya Nchito Chisom Nsiegbunam Christopher Armoḥ Elizabeth Dwamena-Asare Emmanuel J. Yamba Hadijjah Sebunya Muhammad
- [Frances Ogamba Named 2025 Tin House Summer Workshop Novel Scholar](https://jaylit.com/frances-ogamba-named-2025-tin-house-summer-workshop-novel-scholar/) - Nigerian writer Frances Ogamba has been selected as one of the 2025 Tin House Summer Workshop Novel Scholars, joining a small group of authors chosen for their outstanding literary prowess. The Tin House Summer Workshop, held annually in the United States, is one of the most competitive literary programs in the world. Its “Novel Scholars”
- [Mustapha Enesi Unveils Cover for ‘I Cry at the Feet of My Other Body’](https://jaylit.com/mustapha-enesi-unveils-cover-for-i-cry-at-the-feet-of-my-other-body/) - The cover for I Cry at the Feet of My Other Body, the forthcoming short story collection by Nigerian writer Mustapha Enesi, has been officially revealed. Scheduled for release on 20 September 2025, the book explores themes of motherhood, longing, grief, sexuality, and acceptance. The cover art, set in hues of deep blue, portrays a
- [Maryhilda Obasiota Ibe Among 2025 Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Fellows](https://jaylit.com/maryhilda-obasiota-ibe-among-2025-ruth-lilly-and-dorothy-sargent-rosenberg-fellows/) - Nigerian poet Maryhilda Obasiota Ibe has been named one of five recipients of the 2025 Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships, awarded annually by the Poetry Foundation to outstanding young poets. The Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships are annual awards given by the Poetry Foundation to five young, exceptional US
- [CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa Unveils 2025 Longlist](https://jaylit.com/canex-prize-for-publishing-in-africa-unveils-2025-longlist/) - The 2025 longlist for the CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa has been announced, celebrating the publishing houses driving African literature forward with boldness, authenticity, and vision. Created to honour African publishers championing homegrown voices, the CANEX Prize recognises those who capture the continent’s histories, struggles, dreams, and joy with the lived understanding only African
- [Karen Chalamilla, Ernest O. Ògúnyẹmí Make The NBCC Emerging Critics Class of 2025/2026](https://jaylit.com/karen-chalamilla-ernest-o-ogunyemi-make-the-nbcc-emerging-critics-class-of-2025-2026/) - The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) has announced the participants for its prestigious Emerging Critics Program for 2025–2026, with two African voices — Karen Chalamilla of Tanzania and Ernest Ògúnyẹmí of Nigeria — making the list. The initiative, launched to support early-career critics from diverse backgrounds, offers mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional development to help
- [Abuja Welcomes Creatives from Around the World to Abuja International Poetry Festival 2024](https://jaylit.com/abuja-welcomes-creatives-from-around-the-world-to-abuja-international-poetry-festival-2024/) - The inaugural Abuja International Poetry Festival (AIPFest) 2024 curated by Nasara Creative draws on hope and the possibilities of another important cultural platform with partnerships from The African School of Economics, Abuja Literary Society, Jeje Riders, Spine & Label Bookshop, Konya Shamsrumi, All Africa Intellectual Property Rights Summit--Rwanda 2024, amongst others, at a time crucial
- [Benue Book And Arts Festival to Host African Writers in Nottingham](https://jaylit.com/benue-book-and-arts-festival-debuts-in-nottingham-uk-on-25th-january-2025/) - The Benue Book and Arts Festival (BBAAF) represents a significant milestone in SEVHAGE’s mission to celebrate the transformative power of storytelling.
- [Francophone and Anglophone African Creatives Unite at SLAMeroun 2025](https://jaylit.com/francophone-and-anglophone-african-creatives-unite-at-slameroun-2025/) - From June 26 to 29, 2025, Yaoundé and Maroua will welcome committed voices from Cameroon, Chad, and Nigeria, for SLAMEroun 2025, to resonate, through slam, the realities of a silent exodus and the hopes for a better future. The theme of this 2025 edition is part of a clear desire: to give a voice to
- [ African Authors Shine on 2025 Diverse Book Awards Longlist](https://jaylit.com/african-authors-shine-on-2025-diverse-book-awards-longlist/) - The 2025 Diverse Book Awards longlist has been revealed, spotlighting several African and authors across Picture Books, Children’s, Young Adult, and Adult fiction categories. The Diverse Book Awards highlight and celebrate outstanding books from the UK and Ireland that feature diverse characters and voices, aiming to promote inclusivity and representation in literature. Established in 2019
- [Quramo Unveils 2025 Writers’ Prize Longlist](https://jaylit.com/quramo-unveils-2025-writers-prize-longlist/) - The Quramo Publishing Company has officially announced the longlist for the 2025 Quramo Writers’ Prize (QWP), spotlighting 20 writers whose compelling narratives reflect the evolving spirit of African literature. Now in its ninth year, the prize continues to recognize and elevate unpublished African writers across the continent and diaspora. Meet the 2025 Longlisted Writers: Abisola
- [Nafisa Aminu, Rukayya Fema, Hadiza Kalli Win Big at TeenEagle 2025](https://jaylit.com/nafisa-aminu-rukayya-fema-hadiza-kalli-win-big-at-teeneagle-2025/) - A 17-year-old Nigerian student, Nafisa Abdullah Aminu, has emerged as the world’s best in English language skills at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals, triumphing over more than 20,000 participants from 69 countries. The competition, which concluded earlier this month in London, tested students across categories such as vocabulary, grammar, persuasive communication, and writing. Nafisa, who
- [Niyi Osundare to Headline Special Literary Prelude in Ibadan Ahead of ÌbàFest 2025](https://jaylit.com/niyi-osundare-to-headline-special-literary-prelude-in-ibadan-ahead-of-ibafest-2025/) - The Ibadan Book and Arts Festival (ÌbàFest) is set to kick off its inaugural celebrations with a powerful literary prelude titled Invocations of the Word, featuring Nigeria’s legendary poet and public intellectual, Professor Niyi Osundare. Born to a humble farming family in Ikere-Ekiti, Nigeria, Osundare’s journey from peasant roots to global literary acclaim embodies resilience
- [Flame Tree Publishing Acquires Eugen Bacon’s Black Dingo ](https://jaylit.com/flame-tree-publishing-acquires-eugen-bacons-black-dingo/) - Nick Wells of Flame Tree Publishing has acquired the rights to publish multi-award-winning Eugen Bacon’s newest collection of African-Australian short stories, Black Dingo. Black Dingo is a cross-genre miscellany that embraces Eugen’s hybridity as an African-Australian who is ‘betwixt’, ‘a sum of parts. The literary strange unravels in these genre-bending Afro-irreal tales of longing and belonging, unlimited futures, a collision of worlds
- [A Review of Lanre Sonde's Mellexy Through Your Eyes](https://jaylit.com/a-review-of-lanre-sondes-mellexy-through-your-eyes/) - The first time I discovered Lanre Sonde's poetry was his performance sometime in February of 2025 at a Poetry Night in Newcastle. Following that, I was intrigued to experience his Mellexy: Through Your Eyes, a poetry collection that I'd love to consider as a lyrical piece of an intoxicated lover, entwined in ever erotic themes,
- [Cover Reveal: The Shipikisha Club by Mubanga Kalimamukwento](https://jaylit.com/cover-reveal-the-shipikisha-club-by-mubanga-kalimamukwento/) - Dzanc Books has unveiled the cover for Mubanga Kalimamukwento’s forthcoming novel The Shipikisha Club, set for release in March 2026. The striking cover was designed by Michelle D’Urbano. The novel follows Sali, a working mother of three in Kabwe, Zambia, who stands trial for the murder of her husband, Kasunga. While prosecutors claim she shot
- [Maryam Bukar Hassan Named UN Global Advocate for Peace](https://jaylit.com/nigerian-poet-maryam-bukar-hassan-named-un-global-advocate-for-peace/) - Nigerian spoken word artist and peace advocate Maryam Bukar Hassan, known as Alhanislam, has been named the United Nations’ Global Advocate for Peace. She becomes the first to hold the role for the entire Peace and Security Pillar. Ms. Bukar has performed on global platforms such as the UN SDG Awards, TED Talks, and the
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Chidera Nwume](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-chidera-nwume/) - "Children should be introduced to literature at an early age. The magic of the written word should not be reserved for the adult alone." - Chinua Achebe This cogent saying rings especially true for 2024 JAY Lit Prize for Fiction winner and our July 2025 Spotlight writer, Chidera Nwume. The magic came to her in Mende, Lagos,
- [SEVHAGE Presents “Owuro Rising” by Michael Olobadola](https://jaylit.com/sevhage-presents-owuro-rising-by-michael-olobadola/) - SEVHAGE Publishers has officially released Owuro Rising: Book One, a powerful debut novel by Nigerian writer Michael Olugbenga Olobadola. At the centre of this story is Emmanuel, a teenager escaping a life of religious abuse, drawn into a world of secrets and ancient magic. Alongside characters such as Lola, a guilt-stricken siren, Kenny, a blossoming
- [In Search of Home: Oko Owi Ocho Reads from "Now I Sing God into Stones" in Ibadan](https://jaylit.com/in-search-of-home-oko-owi-ocho-reads-from-now-i-sing-god-into-stones-in-ibadan/) - The Noirledge Publishing office in Ibadan came alive with poetry, memory, and ancestral echoes as Nigerian poet and performer Oko Owi Ocho read from his latest collection, Now I Sing God into Stones. The soul-stirring evening, organised in partnership with Noirledge Publishing, Sevhage Publishers, and the Ibadan Book and Arts Festival (ÌbàFest), drew a vibrant
- [Esinako Ndabeni Launches Digital Zine “Riotzine”](https://jaylit.com/esinako-ndabeni-launches-digital-zine-riotzine/) - South African writer, Esinako Ndabeni has released a new digital zine titled Riotzine, a collection of writing and visual art by South Africans born after 1994. Ndabeni, co-author of Born to Kwaito: Reflections on the Kwaito Generation and author of Sacred Earth Philosophy, describes the project as “a small but potent offering” exploring identity, disillusionment,
- [A Review of Chukwuemeka Famous' We Will Live Again](https://jaylit.com/a-review-of-chukwuemeka-famous-we-will-live-again/) - From the perspective of a chronically religious man, Chukwuemeka Famous, the author of the book We Will Live Again, gives his readers an insight to events that could have occurred before, during, and after the Biafra war in the 90s. The dying man having a conversation with his son just before his death, gives the impression
- [Unathi Slasha Wins the 2025 Iskanchi Book Prize](https://jaylit.com/unathi-slasha-wins-the-2025-iskanchi-book-prize/) - South African poet, novelist, short-story writer, and literary scholar Unathi Slasha has been named the winner of the 2025 Iskanchi Book Prize for his novel The Hollow Sound of Lightweight Bodies. The award was announced during a lively virtual event on June 29, which featured readings from shortlisted writers and spirited engagement from an audience
- [Gospel Chinedu, Abdulrazaq Salihu Win Top Honors in Global Poetry Contest](https://jaylit.com/gospel-chinedu-abdulrazaq-salihu-win-top-honors-in-global-poetry-contest/) - Two Nigerian poets, Gospel Chinedu and Abdulrazaq Salihu, have emerged among the top winners of the 11th annual SUSPECT Poetry Contest, a global competition that received 427 entries from 37 countries this year. The contest, judged by Mandy Moe Pwint Tu, sought poems that explored fables or used the word “fable” in imaginative ways. Chinedu
- [Ubwali Literary Magazine Announces 2025 Hope Prize Mentors and Protégés](https://jaylit.com/ubwali-literary-magazine-announces-2025-hope-prize-mentors-and-proteges/) - Ubwali Literary Magazine has unveiled the mentors and protégés for the 2025 edition of the Ubwali Hope Prize, an initiative dedicated to nurturing and promoting Zambian literary talent. This year, the program has expanded to include two mentorship pairs instead of one, underscoring the magazine’s commitment to supporting emerging voices in Zambian literature. The 2025
- [Isaac Kanyinji Wins 2025 Ubwali Hope Prize](https://jaylit.com/isaac-kanyinji-wins-2025-ubwali-hope-prize/) - Isaac Kanyinji has won the 2025 edition of the Ubwali Hope Prize for his poem "A 2019 Survey on How People Imagine Themselves Dying" published in Ubwali Literary Magazine's third issue. Isaac wins publication in the fall issue of Shenandoah and a prize of $500 upon publication. In Isaac’s words: “I am truly honoured to
- [Hussain Ahmed, Theresa  Lola, Ajibola  Tolase Among 2025 Walcott Prize Finalists](https://jaylit.com/hussain-ahmed-theresa-lola-ajibola-tolase-among-2025-walcott-prize-finalists/) - Three amazing writers of African origin—Hussain Ahmed, Theresa Lola, and Ajibola Tolase—have been shortlisted for the 2025 Walcott Prize, which honors outstanding books of poetry by non‑US citizens. Arrowsmith Press, the prize’s organizer, announced the 15‑name shortlist this week. The winner, who will receive a $2,000 honorarium, will be revealed in October. Named after St. Lucian
- [Nigeria Prize for Literature 2025: Prose Fiction Longlist Unveiled](https://jaylit.com/nigeria-prize-for-literature-2025-prose-fiction-longlist-unveiled/) - The Advisory Board of the Nigeria Prize for Literature has announced the longlist for the 2025 edition of the prize, unveiling 11 outstanding titles in the Prose Fiction category. Regarded as Africa’s most prestigious literary award, the Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Limited comes with a cash prize of $100,000, making
- [Zambia Celebrates Literary Brilliance at the 2025 COPPA Book Awards](https://jaylit.com/zambia-celebrates-literary-brilliance-at-the-2025-coppa-book-awards/) - Zambia’s literary community gathered in full force at the Garden Court Hotel in Kitwe on June 27 for the 2025 COPPA Book Awards, the nation’s largest literary event spotlighting homegrown writers. This year’s edition not only recognized literary excellence across ten categories but also introduced a new honour—Author of the Year, awarded to Louise Mupeta
- [Leila Aboulela Wins 2025 PEN Pinter Prize](https://jaylit.com/leila-aboulela-wins-2025-pen-pinter-prize/) - Sudanese-British author Leila Aboulela has been announced as the winner of the 2025 PEN Pinter Prize. The award will be formally presented to her in October at a ceremony at the British Library in London, where she will also announce the PEN Pinter “Writer of Courage” for 2025 — a writer who has risked persecution
- [Ankara Press Acquires Sexy and Hilarious New Duology by Zibu Sithole](https://jaylit.com/ankara-press-acquires-sexy-and-hilarious-new-duology-by-zibu-sithole/) - Cassava Republic’s Ankara Press imprint is thrilled to announce the acquisition of world rights (excluding Southern Africa) to The Thing With Zola and I Do…Don’t I?, a sparkling, witty duology by South African author Zibu Sithole. The deal was brokered by Boluwatito Sanusi, Assistant Editor at Ankara Press, through Aoife Lennon-Ritchie of The Lennon-Ritchie Agency.
- [Ekow Eshun and Nick Makoha Named 2025 Fellows of the Royal Society of Literature](https://jaylit.com/ekow-eshun-and-nick-makoha-named-2025-fellows-of-the-royal-society-of-literature/) - The Royal Society of Literature (RSL) has named Ekow Eshun and Nick Makoha among its 28 new Fellows for 2025. Both writers of African heritage were officially inducted during the society’s annual summer ceremony held on Wednesday at the Garden Museum in London. The event marked a continuation of the RSL’s tradition of honouring individuals
- [Maurício Francisco Caetano, Nituecheni Africano Shortlisted for 2025 Sankofa Book Awards](https://jaylit.com/mauricio-francisco-caetano-nituecheni-africano-shortlisted-for-2025-sankofa-book-awards/) - Two celebrated Angolan writers have been named finalists for the 10th edition of the 2025 Sankofa Book Awards, a respected literary prize that honors African authors who highlight cultural identity and historical memory. The shortlisted authors and their book titles are: Maurício Francisco Caetano (widely known as Mafrano) for The Bantus in Mafrano’s Vision –
- [Witsprouts Announces Shortlist for 2025 Storytelling Prize](https://jaylit.com/witsprouts-announces-shortlist-for-2025-storytelling-prize/) - Witsprouts has released the shortlist for the 2025 Witsprouts Storytelling Prize, a literary initiative designed to revive the rich African tradition of oral storytelling within contemporary performance and narrative arts.. Launched in April under the theme “Rebooting Legends and Memories,” the prize celebrates excellence in contemporary oral storytelling and aims to spotlight emerging storytellers across
- [Aké Review 2025 Opens Call for Submissions ](https://jaylit.com/ake-review-2025-opens-call-for-submissions/) - The Aké Arts & Book Festival has announced its official call for submissions for the 2025 edition of Aké Review, the festival’s annual journal. Now in its 13th edition, the journal will be themed “Reclaiming Truth,” inviting bold, original works that interrogate, restore, and reimagine African narratives. Writers and visual artists from across the continent
- [Oluwatumininu Akinwande Shortlisted for Global Author of Tomorrow Award](https://jaylit.com/oluwatumininu-akinwande-shortlisted-for-global-author-of-tomorrow-award/) - A Nigerian student, Oluwatumininu Akinwande, has been shortlisted for the 2025 Author of Tomorrow Award, making her the only African finalist among ten young writers selected from hundreds of entries worldwide. Oluwatumininu, whose story Sun-Born appears in the 12–15-year-old category, is one of three shortlisted writers in her age group. The international competition, aimed at
- [Call for Submissions: Africa Migration Report Poetry Anthology Series ](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-africa-migration-report-poetry-anthology-series/) - The Africa Migration Report Poetry Anthology Series has announced an open call for submissions of poems and short prose reflecting on the complex realities of African migration and (im)mobility. Writers and poets across the world, regardless of age or background, are encouraged to share works that capture personal, communal, and historical experiences of movement across
- [10 African Nonfiction Books You Need on Your 2025 Reading List ](https://jaylit.com/10-african-nonfiction-books-you-need-on-your-2025-reading-list/) - Non-fictional books may not have currency fictional books do, but they have their own appeal and functions which include complementing the creative imagination of fictional works in order to provide a fuller picture of Africa and its people. From travelogue, memoir, guide book, biography, and other subgenres, these are some of the most insightful works
- [Jedidiah Mugarura Wins 2025 Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets](https://jaylit.com/jedidiah-mugarura-wins-2025-sillerman-first-book-prize-for-african-poets/) - Jedidiah Mugarura, a Ugandan poet, has won the 2025 Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets for their manuscript “Nyamuteza”. The Sillerman Prize is awarded annually to African poets who have not yet published a full-length collection. It is administered by the African Poetry Book Fund and judged by a panel of established poets and
- [Lọ́unlọ́un Journal Opens Submissions for African Historical Fiction](https://jaylit.com/lounloun-journal-opens-submissions-for-african-historical-fiction/) - Lọ́unlọ́un, a literary journal focused on African historical fiction, is now accepting submissions from African writers and writers of African descent for its inaugural issue. Pronounced /luh-woon-luh-woon/, the journal seeks fiction based on real historical events that have shaped Africa and its people. Editors welcome stories that explore both well-known and overlooked events, from national
- [Of Voices, Youth and Mysteries: A Review of Michael Olobadola's Owuro Rising](https://jaylit.com/of-voices-youth-and-mysteries-a-review-of-michael-olobadolas-owuro-rising/) - Michael Olugbenga Olobadola’s Owuro Rising is an engaging speculative work of young adult fiction, the first in a projected trilogy. It is collaboratively published in Nigeria and the United Kingdom by SEVHAGE, Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) and the African & Black Creatives for Development (ABC4D). The work offers readers an ambitious tale where youthful
- [Mubanga Kalimamukwento Wins 2025 Firecracker Award for Fiction](https://jaylit.com/mubanga-kalimamukwento-wins-2025-firecracker-award-for-fiction/) - Zambian author Mubanga Kalimamukwento has won the 2025 CLMP Firecracker Award for Fiction for her collection Obligations to the Wounded, published by the University of Pittsburgh Press. Awarded annually by the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses (CLMP), the Firecracker Awards spotlight publishers and authors working outside the mainstream to bring urgent, underrepresented stories to
- [Kano International Poetry Festival Returns This September!](https://jaylit.com/kano-international-poetry-festival-returns-this-september/) - The Kano International Poetry Festival (KAPFEST) is set to return for its second edition from September 11 to 13, 2025, in the Kano metropolis. Organized by the Poetic Wednesdays Initiative, the three-day festival aims to gather poets, writers, and literary enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond. This year’s theme, “Poetry in a Time of Crisis,”
- [Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki and Chinaza Eziaghighala Make British Fantasy Awards Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/oghenechovwe-donald-ekpeki-and-chinaza-eziaghighala-make-british-fantasy-awards-shortlist/) - Two Nigerian writers, Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki and Chinaza Eziaghighala, have been shortlisted for the 2025 British Fantasy Awards in the Best Anthology category for The Year’s Best African Speculative Fiction (2023), published by Caezik SF & Fantasy. The British Fantasy Awards, organized by the British Fantasy Society, are among the most prestigious honors in genre
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Salama Wainaina](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-salama-wainaina/) - An outstanding writer, Salama Wainaina is steadily crafting her name into the fabric of East African literature. The Kenyan writer, who hails from Kilifi, was named co-winner of the Inaugural JAY Lit Prize for Poetry 2024, and her work has been published in leading literary platforms including The Kalahari Review, Brittle Paper, Afrocritik, The Shallow
- [The Poems Write Themselves: A Review of Umar Abubakar Sidi's "Like Butterflies Scattered About by Art Rascals"](https://jaylit.com/the-poems-write-themselves-a-review-of-umar-abubakar-sidis-like-butterflies-scattered-about-by-art-rascals/) - “Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground;” this is how Rumi lends his voice to the idea of art and devotion as passionate pursuits that intertwine and demand diversification. And this is much like the crux of Abubakar Sidi's works where butterflies
- [Caine Prize Launches 2025 Online Editing Programme for Emerging African Writers](https://jaylit.com/caine-prize-launches-2025-online-editing-programme-for-emerging-african-writers/) - The Caine Prize for African Writing has announced the call for submissions to its prestigious Online Editing Programme, a 12-week initiative designed to support and elevate emerging African fiction writers. Open to applicants across the continent and the diaspora, the programme offers a rare opportunity for unpublished talents to sharpen their storytelling craft through tailored
- [Josiah Ikpe, Tolu Daniel, and Fatima Abdullahi Win 2025 Isele Prizes](https://jaylit.com/josiah-ikpe-tolu-daniel-and-fatima-abdullahi-win-2025-isele-prizes/) - After weeks of rigorous evaluation of the exceptional stories, poems, and essays published by Isele Magazine over the past year, the winners of the 2025 Isele Prizes have been officially announced. Following the release of the longlists in April and shortlists in May, this year’s winning entries represent a stunning intersection of literary craft: Short
- [Janice Mamukwa and Hadsan Mohamud Join London Library 2025 Emerging Cohort](https://jaylit.com/janice-mamukwa-and-hadsan-mohamud-join-london-library-2025-emerging-cohort/) - The London Library has announced its 2025/26 Emerging Writers Programme cohort and among the 40 selected are two writers with African roots: Zimbabwe’s Janice Mamukwa and British-Somali playwright Hadsan Mohamud. Selected anonymously from a field of over 1950 applicants, a record-breaking number, by a panel of judges including poet Rishi Dastidar (Neptune’s Projects, Too Young,
- [Ankara Press Relaunches: A Bold New Chapter for Black Commercial Fiction and Nonfiction](https://jaylit.com/ankara-press-relaunches-a-bold-new-chapter-for-black-commercial-fiction-and-nonfiction/) - Ankara Press, originally launched in 2014 as a romance imprint, is back and bolder than ever. Rebranded as the commercial arm of Cassava Republic Press, Ankara Press is expanding its vision to bring readers across the globe the rich, diverse, and electrifying Black stories the world has been waiting for. Guided by the pillars of
- [Troy Onyango Joins 2026 International Booker Prize Judging Panel](https://jaylit.com/troy-onyango-joins-2026-international-booker-prize-judging-panel/) - Kenyan writer and editor Troy Onyango has been appointed to the judging panel for the 2026 International Booker Prize, marking a significant moment for African literature on the global stage. Best known as the founder of Lolwe, a Pan-African literary magazine and bookshop with bases in Kenya and the UK, Onyango is a celebrated voice
- [Eugen Bacon Wins 2025 Locus Award for Non-Fiction, Joined by Wole Talabi and Others Among African Finalists](https://jaylit.com/eugen-bacon-wins-2025-locus-award-for-non-fiction-joined-by-wole-talabi-and-others-among-african-finalists/) - Tanzanian-Australian author Eugen Bacon has won the 2025 Locus Award for Best Non-Fiction for her acclaimed anthology Afro-Centered Futurisms in Our Speculative Fiction. Presented by the Locus Science Fiction Foundation during its annual awards weekend in Seattle, the award highlights Bacon’s continued contribution to global speculative discourse and the growing visibility of African literary voices
- [Black Atlantic Editorial Fellowship Call for Applications](https://jaylit.com/black-atlantic-editorial-fellowship-call-for-applications/) - The Republic has launched the Black Atlantic Editorial Fellowship, a six-month remote programme designed to support early- to mid-career editors, writers, journalists, and researchers across Africa focusing on commissioning and curating stories rooted in Blackness and the African experience. Five fellows—one from each of Africa’s five regions: West, East, Southern, North, and Central—will be selected.
- [Safia Elhillo Named Finalist for 2026 Neustadt Prize](https://jaylit.com/safia-elhillo-named-finalist-for-2026-neustadt-prize/) - Sudanese-American poet Safia Elhillo has been announced as one of nine finalists for the 2026 Neustadt International Prize for Literature, a major global award recognizing significant contributions to world literature. Elhillo, whose celebrated poetry explores themes of language, identity, and migration, was nominated for her collection The January Children. The Neustadt Prize, awarded biennially by
- [Ameen Animashaun Wins 2025 Evaristo Prize for African Poetry](https://jaylit.com/ameen-animashaun-wins-2025-evaristo-prize-for-african-poetry/) - The African Poetry Book Fund (APBF) has announced Ameen Animashaun as the winner of the 2025 Evaristo Prize for African Poetry for his entry titled Song. Selected from a shortlist of five finalists, Animashaun will receive a $1,500 award. This year’s judging panel chaired by Tjawangwa Dema with the help of Tsitsi Jaji, and Mahtem
- [Oluwabukola Atanda Abdulrafiu Wins 2025 ÀTẸ́LẸWỌ́ Prize for Yorùbá Literature](https://jaylit.com/oluwabukola-atanda-abdulrafiu-wins-2025-atelewo-prize-for-yoruba-literature/) - Poet and writer Oluwabukola Atanda Abdulrafiu has been named the winner of the 2025 ÀTẸ́LẸWỌ́ Prize for Yorùbá Literature, taking home the ₦1,000,000 cash award for his poetry collection titled Oríloníṣe — meaning “The Head Has a Purpose” or “Every Head Has a Purpose.” The prize was announced during a ceremony hosted by the ÀTẸ́LẸWỌ́
- [Quickbite Poetry Contest: 26 Poets Make 2025 Longlist](https://jaylit.com/quickbite-poetry-contest-26-poets-make-2025-longlist/) - The longlist for the 2025 Quickbite Poetry Contest has been released, with 26 poets selected from a pool of 93 entries submitted nationwide. The announcement, made by literary platform InkspiredNG, follows a reading and selection process led by a panel of volunteer readers. The contest, now an annual tradition, aims to spotlight emerging poetic voices
- [Eugen Bacon Represents Africa in 2024 Shirley Jackson Awards](https://jaylit.com/eugen-bacon-represents-africa-in-2024-shirley-jackson-awards/) - Tanzanian-born Australian author Eugen Bacon has been revealed as a 2024 Shirley Jackson Awards Nominee, which celebrates excellence in psychological suspense, horror, and dark fantasy. Bacon is nominated in the Single-Author Collection category for her book A Place Between Waking and Forgetting, published by Raw Dog Screaming Press. The work blends speculative fiction with rich
- [A Review of Damilola Olaniyi's We Have Come Home](https://jaylit.com/a-review-of-we-have-come-home-by-damilola-olaniyi/) - Damilola Olaniyi’s We Have Come Home is a stirring, textured collection of short stories that explore home, identity, memory, and womanhood through the lens of Nigerian life, both within the country and across the diaspora. The titular story, “We Have Come Home,” introduces us to Lynda, a Nigerian academic returning from the United States after a painful
- [Cave Canem Announces its 2025 Cohort of Fellows](https://jaylit.com/cave-canem-announces-its-2025-cohort-of-fellows/) - Cave Canem has revealed the 2025 cohort of Fellows, ushering in sixteen amazing poets for its week-long residency, currently underway at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. The annual residency brings together poets at various stages of their careers for a rigorous and affirming environment of workshops, craft talks, faculty lectures, and public readings. The
- [Iduma, Ehikhamenor, Edozien and Echeruo Join the Pfumo Collective 2025 Cohort as Facilitators](https://jaylit.com/iduma-ehikhamenor-and-edozien-join-the-pfumo-collective-2025-cohort-as-facilitators/) - The Pfumo Collective has announced its 2025 list of guest facilitators for the inaugural CITIZEN writing workshop, featuring a distinguished group of African literary and cultural figures: writer Emmanuel Iduma, author and academic Chiké Frankie Edozien, multimedia artist and photographer Victor Ehikhamenor, and author Ike Echeruo. These facilitators will join Pfumo’s editorial team — Ellah
- [Truth in Six Bold Stanzas: A Review of Idegu Ojonugwa Shadrach’s “The Foundation”](https://jaylit.com/truth-in-six-bold-stanzas-a-review-of-idegu-ojonugwa-shadrachs-the-foundation/) - Idegu Ojonugwa Shadrach’s The Foundation is not your typical poetry book. It doesn’t come to entertain or decorate a shelf. It arrives with urgency, with purpose, and with a voice that feels as ancient as it is current. This is poetry written with the weight of something important to say. From the first page to
- [Ayo Deforge Returns with New Novel “Under the Rain”, Out December 2025](https://jaylit.com/ayo-deforge-returns-with-new-novel-under-the-rain-out-december-2025/) - Nigerian-French author Ayo Deforge is set to release her second novel, Under the Rain, on December 1, 2025, through Witsprouts Books, the literary imprint of Witsprouts Global Ltd. Deforge, who first gained recognition for her debut novel Tearless, has carved a reputation for delivering poignant narratives that examine the inner lives of her characters. With
- [Cover Reveal: Uncensored Snapshots Offers Raw Portrait of Survival in Northern Nigeria](https://jaylit.com/cover-reveal-uncensored-snapshots-offers-raw-portrait-of-survival-in-northern-nigeria/) - The official cover for Uncensored Snapshots, the second chapbook by Nigerian-Hausa poet Zaynab Iliyasu Bobi. The collection will be published under Chestnut Review Chapbooks. The chapbook sheds light on the decades-long ethnic cleansing and forced migration in Northern Nigeria (Arewa), offering what the author describes as “a fierce recall of peace.” Told through lyrical poems,
- [Literary Laddership Announces its Selection for the 2025 Fellowship](https://jaylit.com/literary-laddership-announces-its-selections-for-the-2025-fellowship/) - The Literary Laddership for Emerging African Authors has selected Anisha Namutowe from Lusaka, Zambia, and Rigwell Addison Asiedu from Accra, Ghana, as its 2025 fellows. Chosen from 107 applicants across 15 African countries, the two writers stood out in a highly competitive process; this year’s applications came from Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi,
- [Creatives and Scholars Decry Assaults on Ecosystem, Rally Support for Clean Water in Yemoja’s Tears](https://jaylit.com/creatives-and-scholars-decry-assaults-on-ecosystem-rally-support-for-clean-water-in-yemojas-tears/) - Water No Get Enemy stands as one of Fela Kuti’s greatest artistic triumphs. Like much of his works, the song is a scorn at Nigeria’s oppressive military regimes in the 1980s and 90s, and their characteristic intolerance of dissents. Through its lyrics, Fela frames the song as a warning to the “enemy of water”—human greed. He
- [Akpata Magazine Open Call for Submissions ](https://jaylit.com/akpata-magazine-open-call-for-submissions/) - Akpata Magazine is now accepting submissions for its upcoming issue titled “Coming Out: An Anthology of Identity”. The publication invites writers and artists from around the world to contribute original work that explores the multifaceted nature of identity and the act of coming into one’s truth. This special issue focuses on personal transformations and the
- [Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Embarks on Homecoming Tour for “Dream Count”](https://jaylit.com/chimamanda-ngozi-adichie-embarks-on-homecoming-tour-for-dream-count/) - From June 27 to July 8, 2025, Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will embark on her highly anticipated homecoming tour, celebrating the release of her first novel in 12 years, Dream Count. The tour will feature exclusive, ticketed book events in Lagos and Abuja, where guests can look forward to intimate evenings of poetry, music,
- [Ubwali Literary Magazine Announces 2025 Hope Prize Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/ubwali-literary-magazine-announces-2025-hope-prize-shortlist/) - Ubwali Literary Magazine, in partnership with Shenandoah, has revealed the shortlist for the 2025 Ubwali Hope Prize. The shortlist celebrates six outstanding Zambian writers whose work reflects creativity, resilience, and the richness of African storytelling across poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Hope Prize Shortlist: 1. Dacious Kasoka: Poet, economist, and machine learning engineer based in Lusaka.
- [Spellbound by a Not-So-Terrible-World: A Review of Nana Sule’s “Not So Terrible People”](https://jaylit.com/spellbound-by-a-not-so-terrible-world-a-review-of-nana-sules-not-so-terrible-people/) - I found myself entranced as I closed the cover on Nana Sule's debut short story collection "Not So Terrible People". The book cast a spell on me from the very beginning, leaving me unable to put into words the surreal dimension the book had transported me to. The intricate interweaving of stories, oscillating between past,
- [Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o: The Voice That Fought to Free African Minds](https://jaylit.com/ngugi-wa-thiongo-the-voice-that-fought-to-free-african-minds/) - Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, Africa's pen warrior, died on May 28, 2025, at the age of 87. He passed away in Buford, Georgia but his life's work lives on across the continent and far beyond. A writer, thinker, teacher, and revolutionary, Ngũgĩ spent more than six decades battling to restore dignity to African language, literature, and
- [Literary Gathering in Ibadan Sparks Conversations on Books, Justice, and the Future](https://jaylit.com/literary-gathering-in-ibadan-sparks-conversations-on-books-justice-and-the-future/) - On Saturday, May 24, 2025, literary enthusiasts gathered at the newly opened RovingHeights bookstore in Ibadan for a vibrant book reading and conversation hosted by Noirledge Publishing. The event featured award-winning authors, members of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Oyo State chapter, Dele Morakinyo—convener of the Niyi Osundare International Poetry Festival and readers from
- [#JayLitInterviewSeries with Foday Mannah](https://jaylit.com/jaylitinterviewseries-with-foday-mannah/) - IBRAHIM Welcome, Foday! It’s a pleasure to have you here. You’re a writer who also works as a teacher. How do these two endeavours rub off on each other? Does one make the other better and vice versa? From the lenses of these two practices, how would you describe yourself as a creative? FODAY Thanks
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Joshua Lubwama](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-joshua-lubwama/) - At 25, Joshua Lubwama’s pen has, from Kampala, Uganda, shot him to relevance beyond his immediate environment, from appearing on the 2024 Afritondo Short Story Prize longlist (twice) to winning the UNESCO Youth Essay Contest in 2022. Most recently, he was announced as the African regional winner of the prestigious Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2025, something he believes is his
- [Somto Ihezue Makes 2025 ALCS Tom Gallon Trust Award Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/somto-ihezue-makes-2025-alcs-tom-gallon-trust-award-shortlist/) - Nigerian author Somto Ihezue has been shortlisted for the 2025 ALCS Tom Gallon Trust Award for his short story “Into Duty, Into Longing, Into Sparrows”. He is the only African on the six-writer shortlist announced by the Society of Authors. A Nigerian-Igbo writer, editor, and filmmaker whose work in speculative fiction has garnered international recognition,
- [Call for Submissions: Storymoja Africa](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-storymoja-africa/) - Storymoja Africa, in collaboration with Redhot Africa, is excited to announce a call for submissions aimed at shaping Africa’s digital future through storytelling. The initiative, titled “Digital-Themed Stories for Teens,” invites writers from Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa to submit short stories that explore digital life, innovation, and technology in ways that resonate with
- [Iskanchi Book Prize Announces 2025 Shortlist ](https://jaylit.com/iskanchi-book-prize-announces-2025-shortlist/) - The 2025 Iskanchi Book Prize shortlist has been officially announced, featuring ten standout manuscripts from across Africa. The shortlisted works were selected for their bold experimentation with language, and willingness to challenge traditional forms of fiction. According to Iskanchi Press, the prize continues to focus on "amplifying perspectives that take risks with form, play with
- [REEL Foundation and JAY Lit Release Second Issue of Prize Anthology in Celebration of 2025 Children’s Day](https://jaylit.com/reel-foundation-and-jay-lit-release-second-issue-of-prize-anthology-in-celebration-of-2025-childrens-day/) - To celebrate Children’s Day 2025, REEL Foundation, in collaboration with the Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit), is proud to announce the release of the second edition of Anthology of COVID-19 Chronicles, a collection of the winning stories from the Foundation’s Young Writers Challenge which was organized in 2020. Like the first edition which
- [Caine Prize Announces ‘Best of Caine Award’ to Celebrate 25th Anniversary](https://jaylit.com/caine-prize-announces-best-of-caine-award-to-celebrate-25th-anniversary/) - The Caine Prize for African Writing has announced the Best of Caine Award, a special one-off honour to mark the Prize’s 25th anniversary. Replacing the annual prize cycle for 2025, the award will recognize the best short story to have won the Caine Prize between 2000 and 2024. Since its founding in 2000, the Caine
- [Mubanga Kalimamukwento’s “Obligations to the Wounded” Named Finalist for 2025 Firecracker Award in Fiction](https://jaylit.com/mubanga-kalimamukwentos-obligations-to-the-wounded-named-finalist-for-2025-firecracker-award/) - Obligations to the Wounded, a powerful short story collection by Mubanga Kalimamukwento, has been announced as a finalist for the 2025 Firecracker Award in Fiction. Published by the University of Pittsburgh Press, Obligations to the Wounded is a winner of the 2024 Drue Heinz Literature Prize and other notable prizes. The book is now in
- [Abi Daré Wins Inaugural Climate Fiction Prize ](https://jaylit.com/abi-dare-wins-inaugural-climate-fiction-prize/) - Nigerian-British author Abi Daré has been announced as the winner of the inaugural Climate Fiction Prize for her novel And So I Roar. Her novel follows Adunni, the beloved protagonist from her debut, as she returns to her rural village from Lagos just as she’s about to begin school — only to confront new challenges
- [Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie to Deliver Keynote at Things Fall Apart Festival in Enugu](https://jaylit.com/chimamanda-ngozi-adichie-to-deliver-keynote-at-things-fall-apart-festival-in-enugu/) - Acclaimed Nigerian author and cultural icon Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will headline the first-ever Things Fall Apart Festival, a week-long literary and cultural celebration honoring the legacy of the late Chinua Achebe. The festival marks a significant expansion of the annual Things Fall Apart Day, now in its fifth year, evolving into a full-scale cultural event
- [Maryhilda Obasiota Ibe Emerges as Winner of 2025 Indiana Review Poetry Prize](https://jaylit.com/maryhilda-obasiota-ibe-emerges-as-winner-of-2025-indiana-review-poetry-prize/) - Maryhilda Obasiota Ibe has been revealed as the winner of the 2025 edition of The Indiana Review Poetry Prize. A Nigerian poet. Maryhilda Obasiota Ibe is the winner of the 2020 Bloomsday Poetry and was longlisted for the 2022 Palette Poetry Emerging Poet Prize. Her works have been published by the Brittle Paper, Blue Marble,
- [Muti’ah Badruddeen Makes The 2025 Discoveries Prize Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/mutiah-badruddeen-makes-the-2025-discoveries-prize-shortlist/) - Nigerian author Muti’ah Badruddeen has been named among the six shortlist for the prestigious 2025 Discoveries Prize, a literary initiative that champions emerging female voices from across the UK and Ireland. The Discoveries programme, now in its fifth year, is run by the Women’s Prize Trust in partnership with Curtis Brown literary agency, Curtis Brown
- [Timi Sanni Set to Release Debut Poetry Chapbook “The Ordinary Affair of Being Human” ](https://jaylit.com/timi-sanni-set-to-release-debut-poetry-chapbook-the-ordinary-affair-of-being-human/) - Acclaimed Nigerian poet, Timi Sanni, is set to release his debut poetry chapbook, The Ordinary Affair of Being Human, on December 2nd, 2025. The collection, which will be published by Akashic Books as part of the Kumi Na Moja New-Generation African Poets Box Set, explores themes of innocence, violence, love, death and the complexities of
- [The African Writers Awards 2025 Opens for Entries](https://jaylit.com/the-african-writers-awards-2025-opens-for-entries/) - The 8th edition of the African Writers Awards is now open for submissions. Dedicated to recognizing both established and emerging writers of African descent, the 2025 awards call for original works of poetry and short stories based on the theme: "African Pride; A Cultural Narrative." Participants must choose only one genre—either poetry or short story
- [Wole Talabi, Tlotlo Tsamaase, Nnedi Okorafor & Eugen Bacon Are 2025 Locus Awards Finalists](https://jaylit.com/wole-talabi-tlotlo-tsamaase-others-make-2025-locus-awards-finalists/) - The Locus Science Fiction Foundation has announced the top ten finalists for the 2025 Locus Awards, highlighting a significant presence of African authors across multiple categories. Nigerian writer Wole Talabi, Botswana author Tlotlo Tsamaase, Nigerian-American author Nnedi Okorafor, and Tanzanian-Australian writer Eugen Bacon have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to speculative fiction. Wole Talabi
- [Joshua Lubwama Wins 2025 Regional Commonwealth Short Story Prize for Africa](https://jaylit.com/joshua-lubwama-wins-2025-regional-commonwealth-short-story-prize-for-africa/) - Ugandan writer and software engineer, Joshua Lubwama has been announced as the 2025 regional winner for Africa in the prestigious Commonwealth Short Story Prize for his story "Mothers Not Appearing in Search”, joining four other regional winners from around the world. The Commonwealth Foundation described Lubwama’s piece as a tale about a football-obsessed young man
- [Jessica Carmichael Debuts With Coming-of-Age YA Novel “The Full Picture”](https://jaylit.com/jessica-carmichael-debuts-with-coming-of-age-ya-novel-the-full-picture/) - Hibiscus Press has announced the forthcoming release of The Full Picture, a debut young adult novel by Jessica Carmichael. Set in Accra during Ghana’s vibrant December festivities, the book follows a young Black girl as she uncovers long-buried truths about her late mother’s past, while navigating the pull of two very different boys. Drawing on
- [Cover Reveal: The Nga’phandileh Whisperer by Eugen Bacon](https://jaylit.com/cover-reveal-the-ngaphandileh-whisperer-by-eugen-bacon/) - In what continues to be a prolific year for award-winning Tanzanian-born Australian author, Eugen Bacon, her newest Sauútiverse novella, The Nga’phandileh Whisperer, is scheduled for reelase on September 2, 2025. The book will be published by Stars and Sabers. The Nga’phandileh Whisperer casts a strong female protagonist in young Chant’L—a precocious Guardian with an affinity to hive-minded creatures of
- [Gift Nyoni Wins 2025 Afritondo Short Story Prize](https://jaylit.com/gift-nyoni-wins-2025-afritondo-short-story-prize/) - Zimbabwean writer Gift Nyoni has been revealed as the winner of the 2025 Afritondo Short Story Prize for his story “Heat”. The Afritondo Short Story Prize, now in its sixth year, celebrates outstanding short fiction from African and Black diaspora writers. This year’s theme was “Temperature,” and “Heat” stood out among hundreds of submissions for
- [Famous Chukwuemeka Named Finalist for 2024 Moon City Short Fiction Award](https://jaylit.com/famous-chukwuemeka-named-finalist-for-2024-moon-city-short-fiction-award/) - Nigerian writer, Famous Chukwuemeka, has been announced as one of the finalists for the 2024 Moon City Short Fiction Award. Hosted by Moon City Press, the annual competition celebrates exceptional short fiction and awards a $1,000 cash prize alongside a publishing contract for the winning manuscript. Chukwuemeka is one of eleven finalists selected from a
- [Funerals and Firecrackers by Aishat Adesanya – A Review](https://jaylit.com/funerals-and-firecrackers-by-aishat-adesanya-a-review/) - The key to an overall memorable collection of short stories rests in a complex balancing act. It is about the art of successfully balancing the individual narratives, themes, pacing and world-building in each story while ensuring that each story contributes to the collection's overarching theme. It is an exercise of ensuring that even the stories'
- [Judges Revealed for Malawi Short Story Prize 2025](https://jaylit.com/judges-revealed-for-malawi-short-story-prize-2025/) - The Malawi Writers Union has announced the judging panel for the inaugural Malawi Writers Union Short Story Prize 2025 with the theme, "Mental Health and AI". The jury will be chaired by Malawian writer Stanley Onjezani Kenani, joined by Kenyan curator and writer Renee Akitelek Mboya and South African speculative fiction author Stephen Embleton. The
- [Kalahari Review Open For Submissions ](https://jaylit.com/kalahari-review-open-for-submissions/) - The Kalahari Review, an online publication that seeks to represent the diverse voices of African writers, is open to submissions. The Kalahari review is an online publication that seeks to represent the diverse voices of African writers. It is a literary magazine that is interested in exploring modern-day Africa in unique ways. The Kalahari Review
- [Submissions Open For Ubwali Literary Magazine](https://jaylit.com/submissions-open-for-ubwali-literary-magazine/) - Ubwali Literary Magazine has opened its May submission window, calling on Zambian and African artists to submit original, unpublished work for the upcoming issue. The magazine, known for championing diverse voices and rich storytelling, reads submissions three times a year — in January, May, and July. Creatives are encouraged to read and follow the guidelines
- [Island Prize Announces 2025 Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/island-prize-announces-2025-shortlist/) - The Island Prize has announced a shortlist of five exceptional novels for its 2025 competition, breaking from the traditional three-finalist format due to the quality of submissions this year. The prestigious literary award, known for spotlighting African literary voices, received over 160 entries from across the continent, presenting judges with what they described as a
- [Lola Opatayo to Host Virtual Book Launch for Mubanga Kalimamukwento's New Book](https://jaylit.com/lola-opatayo-to-host-virtual-book-launch-for-mubanga-kalimamukwentos-new-book/) - Zambian writer Mubanga Kalimamukwento recently released a poetry collection titled, Another Mother Does Not Come When Yours Dies, published by Wayfarer Books. It has so far been met with rave reviews and will now have a virtual book launch with Nigerian writer, editor, and podcaster, Lola Opatayo. The virtual book launch will take place via the Instagram
- [Shallow Tales Review Opens Submissions for Issue 22](https://jaylit.com/shallow-tales-review-opens-submissions-for-issue-22/) - The Shallow Tales Review has opened its submission window for Issue 22, accepting entries until May 31st, 2025. Founded to celebrate narratives that center the African and Black experience, The Shallow Tales Review publishes fiction, poetry, essays, photography, translations, and more. The publication appears three times a year; in January, June, and November and has
- [Why We Must All Support Greymartyr: Making A Statement At The World Poetry Slam](https://jaylit.com/why-we-must-all-support-greymartyr-making-a-statement-at-the-world-poetry-slam/) - Emmanuel Nwani is a multifaceted poet and the reigning champion of the Lagos International Poetry Festival. He is popularly known by his stage name “Grey Martyr” and is set to take the world by storm. After his huge win at the Lagos Poetry Festival, he was offered a huge opportunity to represent Nigeria on a
- [Rahma O. Jimoh Reveals Cover for Debut Chapbook, “Ashes”](https://jaylit.com/rahma-o-jimoh-reveals-cover-for-debut-chapbook-ashes/) - Nigerian poet, storyteller, and journalist Rahma O. Jimoh is set to make her mark on the global poetry scene with the release of her debut poetry collection, Ashes. The chapbook will be published in 2025 as part of Kumi Na Moja: New-Generation African Poets, a special box set curated by the African Poetry Book Fund
- [Live the Dream or be Dreamed Out: A Review of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Dream Count](https://jaylit.com/live-the-dream-or-be-dreamed-out-a-review-of-chimamanda-ngozi-adichies-dream-count/) - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s latest novel, Dream Count, features four female characters, each with a distinct story centring around familiar staples such as race, religion and culture in America as seen from the social worlds of migrants from her Nigerian Igbo ethnic group and also from Guinea Conakry. With migration as its social foreground and the
- [Jeremy Karn, Prosper Ifeanyi, and Others Shortlisted for the 2025 Evaristo Prize for African Poetry](https://jaylit.com/jeremy-karn-prosper-ifeanyi-and-others-shortlisted-for-the-2025-evaristo-prize-for-african-poetry/) - The African Poetry Book Fund (APBF) has announced the shortlist for the 2025 Evaristo Prize for African Poetry. Formerly known as the Brunel International African Poetry Prize, the prize continues its tradition of spotlighting powerful new pieces by emerging African poets. This year’s shortlist features five standout poets whose works were selected from a wide
- [Cassava Republic Unveils 2025 Being Black in Publishing Cohort](https://jaylit.com/cassava-republic-unveils-being-black-in-publishing-cohort/) - Cassava Republic has revealed the 2025 cohort for its Being Black in Publishing initiative, and this include JAY Lit content writer, Bakare Oluwatobiloba, and JAY Lit reviewer, Yinka Adetu. The cohort will attend a month-long virtual forum with black publishing experts as well as a 4-day professional workshop series on career-branding. They will also undergo
- [Muti'ah Badruddeen, Nosa Novia Among 2025 Discoveries Prize Longlist](https://jaylit.com/mutiah-badruddeen-nosa-novia-among-2025-discoveries-prize-longlist/) - Curtis Brown Creative and the Curtis Brown Literary Agency, in partnership with the Women’s Prize Trust and Audible, have announced the 2025 longlist for the Discoveries Prize, a novel-writing development initiative for unpublished women writers in the UK and Ireland. The longlist of 16 writers was selected from over 2,600 entries and includes a wide
- [Theresa Sylvester Wins 2024 Fractured Lit Micro Prize](https://jaylit.com/theresa-sylvester-wins-2024-fractured-lit-micro-prize/) - Zambian writer Theresa Sylvester has won the 2024 Fractured Lit Micro Fiction Prize for her story, “Our Father.” The piece was selected by American short story writer, novelist and judge Deb Olin Unferth, who praised Sylvester’s ability to capture emotions and character depth in just a few words. The Fractured Lit Micro Prize, a highly
- [African Authors Shine at 2025 Children's Africana Book Awards](https://jaylit.com/african-authors-shine-at-2025-childrens-africana-book-awards/) - The winners of the 2025 Children's Africana Book Awards have been announced, with numerous African authors receiving recognition for their outstanding contributions to children's literature. Nigerian authors dominated this year's awards, with six writers receiving honors across different categories. In the Chapter Book category, Jordan Ifueko won for The Maid and the Crocodile (Amulet Books),
- [Chigozie Obioma Joins The Republic as First-Ever Fiction Editor; Submissions Now Open](https://jaylit.com/chigozie-obioma-joins-the-republic-as-first-ever-fiction-editor-submissions-now-open/) - The Republic, a respected pan-African publication, has appointed internationally acclaimed novelist Chigozie Obioma as its first-ever fiction editor, marking a bold step in its ongoing evolution. Obioma, known for his Booker Prize–nominated works The Fishermen and An Orchestra of Minorities, brings his literary vision to the magazine’s expanding editorial team. This signals the launch of
- [Suyi Davies Okungbowa Earns Nebula Nomination for “Lost Ark Dreaming”](https://jaylit.com/suyi-davies-okungbowa-earns-nebula-nomination-for-lost-ark-dreaming/) - Nigerian fiction writer, Suyi Davies Okungbowa has been nominated for the 2024 Nebula Award for Best Novella for his book Lost Ark Dreaming, published by Tordotcom. Originally published by Tordotcom in May 2024, Lost Ark Dreaming has also been released in Nigeria through Masobe Books, featuring an alternate cover that emphasizes the story's elements. Set
- [A Review of They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky](https://jaylit.com/a-review-of-they-poured-fire-on-us-from-the-sky/) - "After almost two months of walking and living off wild food or gifts from generous villagers, we reached the upper River Nile region, and there our problems multiplied…" An excerpt from page 69.They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky is a memoir I found hard to imagine. it's a story that left me thinking about
- [A Case for Indigenous African Cultures and Languages](https://jaylit.com/a-case-for-indigenous-african-cultures-and-languages/) - Postcolonialism and Subalternity in Chimamanda Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun through the lens of Frantz Fanon’s chapter “The Negro and Language” from Black Skin, White Masks Set in the 1970s, Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2006) is a great example of postcolonial writing, especially as it relates to the different
- [Introducing JAY Lit Issue 9](https://jaylit.com/introducing-jay-lit-issue-9/) - The Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) is pleased to unveil its 9th issue, released to the public from today, April 30, 2025. The new issue boasts of exceptional creations in poetry, fiction, non-fiction, plays, photography, visual arts, and critical essays, by African creators from Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Liberia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Angola. There are contributions
- [Editor's Note – Issue 9](https://jaylit.com/editors-note-issue-9/) - With each new issue of this wonderful journal, I’ve encountered new work and creators who have contributed to widening my horizon. JAY Lit Issue 9 is no different, but one thing it has done more successfully than all the other issues I’ve personally edited is to soak itself into my subconscious, seep beyond the editorial
- [Battery's Scent](https://jaylit.com/batterys-scent/) - I smell butter burning the marriage— Your husband thuds like a dentist Dislodges a tooth that you never needed. None of the neighbours know your name You’re a corpse stumbling to the stove. Splattered oil glistens like candlelight, Gadgets gleam grease in the kitchen. Your fridge, a gem, flashes joy— The microwave, a jewel, beams
- [Two Poems](https://jaylit.com/two-poems-2/) - The B(lack)ody as a Map to Self Something in this place resurrects dead bodies in my mind: the prayer of my grandmother’s granny sings in my heart & leaves footprints of hope on
- [Body Count](https://jaylit.com/body-count/) - (this is how to grow guns at your backyard) i. break earth into clods, turn it over- everything buried must come to surface everything living must die ii. work backwards into history- plough days of hate this is the diagnosis of dirt if it doesn’t respond but for clogging iii. chop beyond the tilth, belching
- [Genesis](https://jaylit.com/genesis/) - the war, like a sanctuary, was where we ran. it welcomed us. the rebels, we saw and named saviors, the government, oppressors. In their hands, we surrendered ourselves like a baby thrown in the air, unaware of the casualty if it slipped out of the hands that awaited it returns.
- [Blood Moon in Congo](https://jaylit.com/blood-moon-in-congo/) - harmattan rain- the blanket of dust settles in a refugee camp as gunpowder wobbling ammo vehicle- a wild wavelet quenches
- [Red](https://jaylit.com/red/) - for K the love poem outlives itself like a stillbirth. something born. something dead. hallelujah for the Zion-haired poet who will not let this poem end like a mother's joy at the graveyard quiet of a delivery room. the truth is, there is nothing greater than a poem for a friend. the thank you to
- [Solemn, on a Whim](https://jaylit.com/solemn-on-a-whim/) - He moves like a twenty-year-old and the soft lamplight picks his face. He is all folds and angles. The top to bottom of his frame is tight like an architect’s pencil. He measures out a featureless story, but she pictures devastated cities, criss-crossed limbs. A canvas of the dead strewn all the way to a
- [Thing in a Skirt](https://jaylit.com/thing-in-a-skirt/) - Patchily tarred roads, too narrow, too many, a maze with dark corners and blind spots even in the brightness of day; Bob Marley’s "One Love" and billows of nicotine, enough for everyone; Apostle Postle’s top-of-the-lungs declarations for prosperity and Amens from dry mouths; dogs with ribs; gutters with wide uncovered mouths, putrid and green-black, holding
- [All Things Go](https://jaylit.com/all-things-go/) - My Dear Falmata, It has been so long since your last letter that I do not know how to begin. You and your husband are fine, I hope? Would you believe it, I feel strange making such mature enquiries. Even now, after nineteen solid years, I see us the way we were in our early
- [Ndakasiya Mwana Wangu](https://jaylit.com/ndakasiya-mwana-wangu/) - I still remember the way Tapiwa cried the day I left. He was three years old, barely more than a baby. He clung to my skirt, his tiny fingers digging into the fabric as if his grip alone could hold me there. His voice, shrill and desperate, cut through the early morning air. “Mama! Mama
- [The Grand Funeral of Baba Àlàmú](https://jaylit.com/the-grand-funeral-of-baba-alamu/) - The whispers will reach you by the eleventh hour of sunrise. It's a busy Oja Oba market day. Your face is slick with sweat from standing in the scorching sun; and in between telling off tight-fisted men bargaining for the cheapest price of garri and fending off boys who think snatching cassava grains from your tray and
- [Baleke! - Tetubaleka! (Leave them – Like hell, we will!)](https://jaylit.com/baleke-tetubaleka-leave-them-like-hell-we-will/) - This corner of Makerere is silent every morning. Whether the lecture rooms are filled with students studying for money, those dreaming of saving the country, and the many who just want a prestigious degree, or the seats are cool from want of human warmth. Not this Monday though, light murmurs twirl in the air. Students
- [Forever is a Circle](https://jaylit.com/forever-is-a-circle/) - The young boy sat on the ground and watched the drying of the great puddle by the football pitch. Just two weeks ago, it was full to the knees and he'd waded there playfully with Nsama. Nsama enjoyed himself more than the boy. Maybe that's why he'd jumped into the drainage with the rushing water
- [This House is Built on Blood and Tears](https://jaylit.com/this-house-is-built-on-blood-and-tears/) - “Silence is worse; all truths that are kept silent become poisonous.”—Nietzsche Yẹ̀lú had always said it was my laugh. The deep belly chortle, almost masculine sound that I’d grown to abhor throughout childhood before evolving into an indifference about it in adulthood. Yẹ̀lú had described it as poetic–as distinct and embodying everything that made me
- [That Nkana Skyline](https://jaylit.com/that-nkana-skyline/) - Kitwe’s winds were raging that morning, as I lay splayed out on the grass with nothing but my underwear and torn socks. I could see it in perfect view now—that Nkana skyline—stretching across the horizon, a stream of black smoke curling from the industries. There’s always smoke across Kitwe’s skylines. Just like there’s always chaos
- [Walking on Shallow Rivers](https://jaylit.com/walking-on-shallow-rivers/) - When Abike goes missing, it is the fourth day of the rains in August. A lazy morning, where angry, chirping birds are the only ones awake, sees the girl swim through the village river to the other side of the forest, toward God knows where. The day begins and the villagers trot about in the
- [The Price for Souls](https://jaylit.com/the-price-for-souls/) - Ọmọbirin Ọ̀sun, darí mi, s'amọna mi — Daughters of Osun, guide me She sat across from him with a dry smile. They were at the restaurant's corner, her eyes facing the exit. It was something she liked doing. She always sat facing the door where people came in and went out. She found it refreshing
- [Perpetual Latecomer](https://jaylit.com/perpetual-latecomer/) - I’ve never missed a single day of work. So, I find it preposterous that anyone would suspect me in the case of the missing office attendance book. There isn’t a day when you’ll look through the names scribbled in that book and not find mine. Even on the days when only two or three names appear in
- [Duala Living](https://jaylit.com/duala-living/) - With the way I sat still in the passenger’s seat of the grey Toyota Corolla, the driver must have been tempted to tap me to say, “You didn’t forget you ordered a ride. Did you? This is not your car. Get down! I have another client to pick up.” But he didn’t say that. He
- [I Had No Money for Therapy, So I Tackled My Depression the Nigerian Way](https://jaylit.com/i-had-no-money-for-therapy-so-i-tackled-my-depression-the-nigerian-way/) - Before my own episode, I had heard stories about depression. It all sounded far off, like the distance between the moon and Earth when viewed from the sky. It sounded exaggerated, something outlandish, something that happens to people who are weak, attention seekers. I realised afterwards that there are subtle deposits of reality in these
- [Drafting a Life](https://jaylit.com/drafting-a-life/) - CHARACTERS Alison, Female, 30-years-old, Engineer Maura, Male, 28-years-old, Travel Blogger Bruce, Male, 33-years-old, Lawyer ACT SCENE Curtains rise in an office at Lakwa, mid-morning. There’s a small window on the left. Alison sits at a table alone, typing on her laptop, surrounded by unfinished manuscripts, two cups and a flask. Alison picks a pen,
- [The Ancestral Song](https://jaylit.com/the-ancestral-song/) - CHARACTERS The Minstrel Atulegwu Nne-Adaka (Atulegwu’s wife) Adaka (their son) Palace Guard Mr Kingston (white man) The minstrel had been walking since the day dawned. The soles of his feet had scorched under the hotness of the sun-beaten Earth, but he kept walking, without purpose. He had stopped at a widow’s house, where he was
- [Kaluandas](https://jaylit.com/kaluandas/)
- [A Place is the People (APITP)](https://jaylit.com/a-place-is-the-people-apitp/)
- [Three Drawings](https://jaylit.com/three-drawings/)
- [Petals on Weathered Skin](https://jaylit.com/petals-on-weathered-skin/)
- [Two Artworks](https://jaylit.com/two-artworks/)
- [Gender and the Politics of Nakedness](https://jaylit.com/gender-and-the-politics-of-nakedness/) - A Comparative Analysis of Ama Codjoe’s Bluest Nude & Logan February's In the Nude “Art is born and takes hold wherever there is a timeless and insatiable longing for the spiritual, for ideal: that longing which draws people to art.” ― Boris Pasternak, Doctor Zhivago. This yearning for the ideal, for something beyond the material world, often
- [Using the Learning Environment as a Developmental Tool for Literacy Skills](https://jaylit.com/using-the-learning-environment-as-a-developmental-tool-for-literacy-skills/) - Reading and writing are life skills that make a huge difference in a human’s life, especially today. How are writers and thought leaders made? First, they learn to read, and while many adults may not exactly remember how reading started for them, it’s pretty much the same for almost everybody: With the help of a
- [Iheoma Nwachukwu and Samuel Kọ́láwọlé Among Finalists for 2025 PEN America Literary Awards](https://jaylit.com/iheoma-nwachukwu-and-samuel-kolawole-among-finalists-for-2025-pen-america-literary-awards/) - Two Nigerian authors, Iheoma Nwachukwu and Samuel Kọ́láwọlé, have been named among the finalists for the 2025 PEN America Literary Awards, joining a prestigious list that honors exceptional literary talent in the United States. Iheoma Nwachukwu is a finalist for the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize for Debut Short Story Collection for his book Japa and
- [African Authors Shine on 2025 Jhalak Prize Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/african-authors-shine-in-2025-jhalak-prize-shortlist/) - The 2025 Jhalak Prize, which celebrates writers of colour in the UK and Ireland, has announced its shortlists, featuring seven African authors across Prose, Children’s & Young Adult, and Poetry categories. The shortlists showcase voices from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Libya, and Somalia, reflecting the rich diversity of the African diaspora. Selected by Jamaican writer and
- [Awele Creative Trust Announces 2024 Act Award Winner](https://jaylit.com/awele-creative-trust-announces-2024-act-award-winner/) - The Awele Creative Trust Award, a literary prize given to distinguished and talented creatives has announced Chinaza James-Ibe as the winner of the 2024 edition of the Award. Her amazing winning story titled “the fly and the corpse” has been described as “unsettling as it is compelling.” “The Fly and the Corpse” is a haunting
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Timi Sanni](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-timi-sanni/) - Timi was born in Epe, Lagos State. His parents were educators and owned a modest library containing a variety of books. As a child, Timi was introverted and naturally curious. He found comfort in the library books, and they opened up his mind and imagination. Timi loved the unique appeal of mysteries and the wondrous
- [Jane Kalu and Chika Unigwe Among 2025 O. Henry Prize Winners for Short Fiction](https://jaylit.com/jane-kalu-and-chika-unigwe-among-2025-o-henry-prize-winners-for-short-fiction/) - Two Nigerian writers, Jane Kalu and Chika Unigwe, have been named among the winners of the prestigious 2025 O. Henry Prize for Short Fiction. The O. Henry Prize celebrates outstanding short fiction published in magazines across the United States and beyond. Each year, the prize honors writers whose work shows excellence, imagination, and depth. This
- [Pfumo Collective Selects 12 Writers from 8 African Countries for Their Inaugural Workshop and Anthology Project](https://jaylit.com/pfumo-collective-selects-12-writers-from-8-african-countries-for-their-inaugural-workshop-and-anthology-project/) - Pfumo Collective has unveiled the 12 writers selected for its inaugural CITIZEN project, an ambitious pan-African literary initiative that brings together emerging voices in nonfiction from across the continent. The selected writers include JAY Lit contributor, Ekemini Pius. The project, which attracted over 130 submissions from 37 African countries, will culminate in an intensive writing workshop,
- [JAY Lit Issue 9: Cover Reveal & Contributors List](https://jaylit.com/jay-lit-issue-9-cover-reveal-contributors-list/) - The 9th issue of The Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) is slated for release later in April 2025, and here is announcing the covers and contributors. JAY Lit Issue 9 boasts of exceptional creations in poetry, fiction, non-fiction, plays, photography, visual arts, and critical essays, by African writers from Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Liberia, Zambia,
- [Mubanga Kalimamukwento Wins 2025 Minnesota Book Award for The Novel & Short Story Category](https://jaylit.com/mubanga-kalimamukwento-wins-2025-minnesota-book-award-for-the-novel-short-story-category/) - Zambian writer and attorney Mubanga Kalimamukwento has been revealed as the winner of the 2025 Minnesota Book Award in the Novel & Short Story category for her book Obligations to the Wounded. The award ceremony, held on April 22 at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts, recognized Kalimamukwento's exploration of Zambian women's lives.​ Obligations to
- [What Happens After a Mother’s Death? Mubanga Kalimamukwento’s New Book Answers](https://jaylit.com/what-happens-after-a-mothers-death-mubanga-kalimamukwentos-new-book-answers/) - Zambian writer Mubanga Kalimamukwento’s poetry collection, Another Mother Does Not Come When Yours Dies, is out today! Published by Wayfarer Books, this hybrid collection of essays and poems explores the emotional landscape of grief, motherhood, ancestry, and survival through a distinctly African lens. The title draws from the Bemba proverb tapafwa noko, apesa umbi, a
- [Applications Open for the 2025 Ubwali Masterclass](https://jaylit.com/applications-open-for-the-2025-ubwali-masterclass/) - Ubwali Literary Magazine has announced the call for applications to its 2025 Ubwali Masterclass, a paid, online writing programme open to writers across genres and continents. Now in its latest edition, the Ubwali Masterclass offers global access to craft-focused instruction, editorial support, and publication opportunities. Participants will engage in live virtual sessions, receive personalised feedback,
- [Afritondo Short Story Prize Unveils 2025 Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/afritondo-short-story-prize-unveils-2025-shortlist/) - Afritondo, a prominent media and publishing platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of Africans and black minority groups worldwide, has unveiled the shortlist for its highly anticipated 2025 Short Story Prize. The shortlisted writers for the 2025 Afritondo Short Story Prize include JAY Lit contributor, Mustapha Enesi. The full list is as follows: Efua Boadu
- [The Poetics of Mourning: Review of Wendy Okeke’s Grief’s First Kiss is an Avalanche](https://jaylit.com/the-poetics-of-mourning-review-of-wendy-okekes-griefs-first-kiss-is-an-avalanche/) - A poet's father dies. She is tormented, and her world fractures into fragments of memory, longing, and sorrow. From these shards, she writes her debut chapbook which does not merely depict grief but embody it, shifting between rage and quietude, longing and release, devastation and rebirth. Grief unsettles language, distorts time, and fragments reality. Often,
- [Eugen Bacon Celebrated as 2025 Kate Wilhelm Solstice Award Recipient](https://jaylit.com/eugen-bacon-celebrated-as-2025-kate-wilhelm-solstice-award-recipient-in-her-first-nebula-win/) - The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA) has announced Eugen Bacon as the recipient of the 2025 Kate Wilhelm Solstice Award, honoring her exceptional contributions to speculative fiction. Named in honor of renowned author Kate Wilhelm, the Solstice Award recognizes individuals who have significantly impacted the science fiction and fantasy community. First introduced in
- [Samuel Kọ́láwọlé Is A 2025 Whiting Award Winner In Fiction](https://jaylit.com/samuel-kolawole-is-a-2025-whiting-award-winner-in-fiction/) - Nigerian writer Samuel Kọ́láwọlé has been revealed as one of the winners of the 2025 Whiting Awards in Fiction, making him the only African recipient in this year’s cohort. Founded in 1985, the Whiting Awards are presented annually by the Whiting Foundation to ten emerging writers in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. The awards aim
- [Isele Magazine Unveils the 2025 Isele Prizes Longlists](https://jaylit.com/isele-magazine-unveils-the-2025-isele-prizes-longlists/) - Isele Magazine has announced the longlists for its prestigious Isele Prizes. Now in its fourth year, the initiative continues to recognize exceptional short stories, essays, and poems published in the magazine. This year, over 250 works competed for recognition across the prize categories. The longlists showcase the best of the magazine's literary offerings, reflecting a
- [Ìfẹ́olúwa Àyàndélé Wins 2024 Moon City Poetry Award for “My Father Paints His Dreams on My Body”](https://jaylit.com/ifeoluwa-ayandele-wins-2024-moon-city-poetry-award-for-my-father-paints-his-dreams-on-my-body/) - Moon City Press has announced Ìfẹ́olúwa Àyàndélé as the winner of the 2024 Moon City Poetry Award for his remarkable poetry collection My Father Paints His Dreams on My Body. Along with the honor, Àyàndélé has received a $1,000 cash prize and his collection will be published by MCP later this year. Hailing from Tede,
- [Arewa Poetry Review: Call for Submissions](https://jaylit.com/arewa-poetry-review-call-for-submissions/) - Arewa Poetry Review has opened its call for submissions, inviting poets from Northern Nigeria to submit original works that reflect the region’s complex identities, histories, and hopes. Dedicated to preserving and amplifying the poetic voices of the north, Arewa Poetry Review (APR) aims to use poetry as a tool for reflection, resistance, and renewal. At
- [Vincent Anioke Makes 2025 CBC Short Story Prize Shortlist For “Love is the Enemy”](https://jaylit.com/vincent-anioke-makes-2025-cbc-short-story-prize-shortlist-for-love-is-the-enemy/) - Nigerian-Canadian writer Vincent Anioke has been named one of five finalists for the 2025 CBC Short Story Prize for his short story 'Love is the Enemy’ standing out as the only African writer on this year’s shortlist. Drawn from over 2,300 submissions received from across Canada. Joining Anioke are Trent Lewin for ‘Ghostworlds’, Dorian McNamara
- [Awele Creative Trust Announces 2024 Act Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/awele-creative-trust-announces-2024-act-shortlist/) - The Awele Creative Trust Award, created to uplift young Nigerian creatives, has announced its 2024 ACT Shortlist. This annual award celebrates literary talent, highlighting compelling stories that explore profound themes such as patriarchy, sacrifice and redemption, love, loss and grief, the illusion of control, hope, and despair. Among the shortlisted authors are two JAY Lit
- [Marvellous Mmesomachi Igwe Wins 2024 KIS Poetry Prize](https://jaylit.com/poets-shine-as-2024-kis-poetry-prize-winners-are-announced/) - The 2024 Kukogho Iruesiri Samson Poetry Prize has revealed its winners, celebrating a new wave of poetic voices that speak of the beauty of present day life. Marvellous Mmesomachi Igwe took home the winner’s prize for his poem ‘O Cidade’, an amazing piece that swallows other pieces up. Now in its latest edition, the KIS
- [Six African Writers Make the 2025 Commonwealth Short Story Prize Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/six-african-writers-make-the-2025-commonwealth-short-story-prize-shortlist/) - The 2025 Commonwealth Short Story Prize shortlist has been announced, and six writers from the African continent are among the 25 selected from nearly 8,000 entries—marking the highest number of submissions in the prize’s history. This year’s shortlist features stories from 18 Commonwealth countries, with the African continent well-represented through emotionally resonant narratives. The selected
- [A Review of Jack Mapanje's And Crocodiles are Hungry at Night](https://jaylit.com/a-review-of-jack-mapanies-and-crocodiles-are-hungry-at-night/) - A Glimpse of Malawi During the Dictatorship Years Jack Mapanje is a Malawian academic and poet who was born in Mangochi in southern Malawi in 1944. An academically gifted student, he obtained a PhD in Linguistics from University College London in 1983. He moved back to Malawi and taught at the University of Malawi and
- [Idumaese Alao Prize for Literature 2025 Calls for Poetry Entries](https://jaylit.com/idumaese-alao-prize-for-literature-2025-calls-for-poetry-entries/) - The Idumaese Alao Foundation (IAF) has officially announced the call for entries for the 2025 edition of the Idumaese Alao Prize for Literature, inviting Nigerian poets across the globe to submit unpublished works for a chance to be recognized and rewarded. Established in 2024 in memory of the late Idumaese Alao, the prize seeks to
- [Ozoz Sokoh Shines a Light on Nigerian Cuisine with 'Chop Chop'](https://jaylit.com/ozoz-sokoh-shines-a-light-on-nigerian-cuisine-with-chop-chop/) - Nigerian food explorer and culinary anthropologist , Ozoz Sokoh has unveiled her debut cookbook, Chop Chop: Cooking the Food of Nigeria. Published on March 18, 2025, the book explores Nigeria’s rich culinary traditions through a collection of 100 recipes that showcase the diversity and depth of the country’s cuisine. Sokoh, also known as 'Kitchen Butterfly',
- [A Review Of Erhu Kome's Barter](https://jaylit.com/a-review-of-erhu-komes-barter/) - Please note that this review contains spoilers. Barter is an emotional read that is clearly not for the faint of heart. It will have you invested from the very first chapter and turning the page as you hunt for more and more information. The story tackles mythology from a unique standpoint, telling a tale of
- [Irenosen Okojie, Sulaiman Addonia, and Caleb Femi Make 2025 Ondaatje Prize Longlist](https://jaylit.com/three-african-authors-make-2025-ondaatje-prize-longlist/) - The Royal Society of Literature has announced the 2025 longlist for the Ondaatje Prize, spotlighting three African writers among a diverse group of international literary voices. The annual prize, worth £10,000, honors works that best evoke the spirit of a place and continues to recognize literature that transcends borders and genres among others. The African
- [Ifeoluwa Ayandele Among Finalists for 2024 Moon City Poetry Award](https://jaylit.com/ifeoluwa-ayandele-among-finalists-for-2024-moon-city-poetry-award/) - Moon City Press has announced the eleven finalists for its 2024 Moon City Poetry Award, and among them is Nigerian writer Ifeoluwa Ayandele, recognized for his manuscript “My Father Paints His Dreams on My Body”. The Moon City Poetry Award is presented by Moon City Press, a literary imprint housed in the English Department of
- [Haliru Ali Musa Wins the 2024 Alexander Nderitu Prize for World Literature](https://jaylit.com/haliru-ali-musa-wins-the-2024-alexander-nderitu-prize-for-world-literature/) - Nigerian writer Haliru Ali Musa has been announced as the winner of the 2024 Alexander Nderitu Prize for World Literature, making him the first Nigerian to receive the award since its inception. His short story, “The Pregnant Ghost”, was selected from a total of 72 submissions from around the world. The literary prize, founded by
- [Agbowo Magazine Opens Submissions for 2025 Issue](https://jaylit.com/agbowo-magazine-opens-submissions-for-2025-issue/) - Agbowo Magazine has officially opened its submission window for the 2025 issue, welcoming writers, artists, and creatives of African origin to contribute to its growing archive of contemporary African expression. This year’s call comes with a comprehensive breakdown of categories, each with detailed guidelines and dedicated submission links for easy access. For poetry, contributors may
- [Applications Open For Literary Laddership For Emerging African Authors](https://jaylit.com/applications-open-for-literary-laddership-for-emerging-african-authors/) - The Literary Laddership For Emerging African Authors is calling for applications from writers far and wide, offering them support and a chance to connect with publications.
- [Othuke Umukoro's Poem 'Thank You' Selected for Poetry Day Ireland 2025](https://jaylit.com/othuke-umukoros-poem-thank-you-selected-for-poetry-day-ireland-2025/) - Nigerian poet and playwright Othuke Umukoro has been honored with the selection of his poem 'Thank You' for Poetry Day Ireland 2025. This annual event, scheduled for May 1, celebrates poetry across Ireland, featuring works that resonate with the year's theme, "May Day". Born in 1990 in Olomoro, a small town in Delta State, Nigeria,
- [Abu Bakr Sadiq Makes New York Public Library's Best New Poetry Collections List](https://jaylit.com/abu-bakr-sadiq-makes-new-york-public-librarys-best-new-poetry-collections-list/) - For NationalPoetryMonth, NYPL’s expert librarians and staff have selected 25 of the best new poetry collections for you to discover. Among these 25 amazing poetry collections we find Leaked Footages by Abu Bakr Sadiq. In Abu Bakr Sadiq’s exploration of northern Nigeria in speculative poetry, the lyrical meets the chronicle. In this fusion of Afrofuturism
- [Chinụa Ezenwa-Ọhaeto’s Poetry Collection, "The Naming", to Be Published in December 2025](https://jaylit.com/chinua-ezenwa-ohaetos-poetry-collection-the-naming-to-be-published-in-december-2025/) - Nigerian poet Chinụa Ezenwa-Ọhaeto is set to release his latest poetry collection, The Naming, on December 1, 2025. Published by the University of Nebraska Press as part of the African Poetry Book Series, the collection delves into themes of identity, ancestry, and postmodern existence, offering readers a poetic journey that spans history, kinship, and memory.
- [The Island Prize Announces 2025 Longlist](https://jaylit.com/the-island-prize-announces-2025-longlist/) - The Island Prize has officially unveiled its 2025 longlist, with this year’s selection process proved to be the most challenging yet, with over 150 submissions from across the continent, reflecting an exceptional quality of storytelling. Established to support new and unpublished African writers, the Island Prize continues to showcase diverse narratives that reflect the continent’s
- [Matilda Feyiṣayọ Ibini Wins 2025 Windham-Campbell Prize for Drama](https://jaylit.com/matilda-feyiṣayo-ibini-wins-2025-windham-campbell-prize-for-drama/) - Matilda Feyiṣayọ Ibini, a distinguished Nigerian-British playwright and screenwriter, has been named one of the recipients of the 2025 Windham-Campbell Prizes in the Drama category. This prestigious literary award, administered by Yale University’s Beinecke Library, recognizes exceptional literary talent and grants each winner an unrestricted prize of $175,000. The Windham-Campbell Prizes, established in 2013 in
- [Afritondo Short Story Prize Announces 2025 Longlist](https://jaylit.com/afritondo-short-story-prize-announces-2025-longlist/) - The Afritondo Short Story Prize has unveiled its 2025 longlist, featuring 15 writers selected from a competitive pool of over 500 submissions from 34 countries. Established to amplify underrepresented voices, the Afritondo Short Story Prize has become a significant platform for emerging writers. Each year, the prize attracts hundreds of submissions, with judges carefully selecting
- [Portsmouth FC Names Bash Amuneni as Poet-in-Residence](https://jaylit.com/portsmouth-fc-names-bash-amuneni-as-poet-in-residence/) - Portsmouth Football Club has named Nigerian poet Bash Amuneni as its new Poet-in-Residence, marking a significant cultural milestone for the 126-year-old club. The incredible spoken word artist, will create commissioned poetry to capture the essence of the club, its fans, and the game.​ As Poet-in-Residence, Amuneni will contribute to the club’s official materials, deliver matchday
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Nkateko Masinga](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-nkateko-masinga/) - Nkateko Masinga is a literary magician. She’s a writer who sees beyond the ordinary and tackles emotional depth with unique dexterity. For this scholar, writing isn’t just another career path. It’s an avenue for expression and vulnerable creativity. Nkateko’s works often revolve around social justice and societal ills. As a poet, she deftly balances her medical
- [Custodian Of African Literature Announces Art4Life Campaign Winners](https://jaylit.com/custodian-of-african-literature-announces-art4life-campaign-winners/) - Custodian of African Literature popularly known as COAL is a non-government organization which spreads health awareness through impactful narratives. In commemoration of the 2nd year of the International Awareness Day for Avoidable Disasters campaign, a literary contest was held to challenge writers. The winners of this memorable competition were recently announced on all COAL social
- [Zambia Daily Nation Calls for Weekly Literary Submissions](https://jaylit.com/zambia-daily-nation-calls-for-weekly-literary-submissions/) - The Zambia Daily Nation has announced an open call for literary submissions for its newly launched column, The Story Teller. Writers are invited to submit literary news, short articles, and book reviews for consideration. An independent daily newspaper based in Lusaka, Zambia, the Zambia Daily Nation is recognized for its commitment to pursuing justice and
- [Maiden Edition of Witsprouts Storytelling Prize Opens for Submissions](https://jaylit.com/the-witsprouts-project-calls-for-submissions/) - The Witsprouts Storytelling Prize is now open, offering storytellers a platform to showcase their creativity and performance skills. This year’s theme, “Rebooting Legends and Memories,” challenges participants to reimagine classic tales or personal recollections in fresh, engaging ways. Witsprouts, an organization dedicated to promoting storytelling and creative expression, launched this competition to encourage a new
- [Zambia Holds First Platinum Authors Conference](https://jaylit.com/zambia-holds-first-platinum-authors-conference/) - Zambia held its first-ever Platinum Authors Conference on March 20, 2025, at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka. The event, convened by Dr. Dora Siliya, aims to be an annual gathering focused on strengthening the country’s literary and publishing landscape. In her opening remarks, Dr. Siliya emphasized the importance of fostering literary growth and encouraging
- [Eight Writers of African Descent Honoured on 2025 Jhalak Prize Longlist](https://jaylit.com/onyi-nwabineli-gboyega-odubanjo-among-others-are-2025-jhalak-prize-longlistees/) - The 2025 longlist for the Jhalak Prize, a celebrated award honoring British and British-resident writers of color, has been revealed, featuring an impressive lineup of African literary talent. Among the 28 nominated works, eight authors of African descent stand out and they are: Allow Me to Introduce Myself by Onyi Nwabineli It’s Time to Hush
- [Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Reveals 2nd Edition of The Prize for Publishing in Africa](https://jaylit.com/creative-africa-nexus-canex-reveals-2nd-edition-of-the-prize-for-publishing-in-africa/) - The Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), an initiative of Afreximbank, in collaboration with Narrative Landscape Press Limited, has announced the second edition of The Prize for Publishing in Africa. The prize, which is open to African publishers of trade books, comes with a total cash award of $28,000. The winner will receive $20,000, while four finalists
- [Eriata Oribhabor Poetry Prize 2024 Shortlist Revealed](https://jaylit.com/eriata-oribhabor-poetry-prize-2024-shortlist-revealed/) - The Eriata Oribhabor Poetry Prize (EOPP) has announced its 2024 shortlist, revealing ten Nigerian poets whose works rose above a strong pool of entries. Founded in 2012, the EOPP promotes Nigerian poetry centered on nation-building, patriotism, and social issues. It pushes poets to tackle governance and spark change, solidifying its role as a platform for
- [Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu Named A 2025 FASPE Journalism Fellow](https://jaylit.com/hauwa-shaffii-nuhu-named-a-2025-faspe-journalism-fellow/) - Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu, a Nigerian journalist with HumAngle Media, has been named a 2025 FASPE Journalism Fellow, joining a select group of early-career professionals set to explore ethical leadership in Germany and Poland next year. She’s one of 85 fellows picked by the Fellowship for Advanced Studies in Professional Ethics (FASPE), a nonprofit laser-focused on
- [The Cherry on Top: A Review of Chiamaka Okike's Seeri](https://jaylit.com/the-cherry-on-top-a-review-of-chiamaka-okikes-seeri/) - spoilers below “It’s nothing at all that sometimes, when Tajudeen looks at Kewa for long enough, she can still taste the red. And how the flavour coats her life, how all her days with Kewa are drenched in corn syrup and carmine.” Often when Sapphic love stories are told, they are truncated or cut short
- [The Awele Creative Trust Announces 2024 ACT Longlist](https://jaylit.com/the-awele-creative-trust-announces-2024-act-longlist/) - The Awele Creative Trust (ACT) has officially released the longlist for its 2024 short story prize, showcasing some of the most promising young literary talents in Nigeria. This year’s longlist features 12 remarkable short stories, each exploring themes ranging from personal identity to grief, resilience, and societal expectations. The 2024 ACT longlist includes: Inimfon Kufre
- [Somto Ihezue and Chisom Okafor Are Winners Of The 2025 SAFTA Summer Residency Fellowships](https://jaylit.com/african-writers-shine-in-2025-safta-summer-residency-fellowships/) - The Sundress Academy for the Arts (SAFTA) has announced the winners of its Summer 2025 Residency Fellowships, with African writers making a strong impression on the list of winners and finalists. Among those recognized are: Somto Ihezue (Nigerian) Chisom Okafor (Nigerian) Somto Ihezue, a Nigerian writer, editor, and filmmaker, has been awarded the Fellowship for
- [Mustapha Enesi’s Debut Short Story Collection Finds a Home with Witsprouts Books](https://jaylit.com/mustapha-enesis-debut-short-story-collection-finds-a-home-with-witsprouts-books/) - Witsprouts Books has officially acquired “I Cry at the Feet of My Other Body”, the debut short story collection by Nigerian writer Mustapha Enesi. A Lagos-based writer, Enesi has steadily built a reputation as a literary force. His short story “Safety Pins Are Bad Omens” won the 2021 Awele Creative Trust Award, recognized for its
- [What ‘Nigeria Meets Sweden: An Intercultural Cookbook by Philippe Glago’ Shows](https://jaylit.com/what-nigeria-meets-sweden-an-intercultural-cookbook-by-philippe-glago-shows/) - One of the most poetic things to a regular person’s ear, especially to the culinary curious or the hungry, is the mention of good food. Food has long served as a bridge between cultures and a key diplomatic tool used by individuals, communities, and nations. In this spirit comes the well-prepared and excellently published cookbook, Nigeria
- [Afro Romcon 2025: A Landmark Celebration of African Romance](https://jaylit.com/afro-romcon-2025-a-landmark-celebration-of-african-romance/) - Lagos witnessed history on Saturday, March 15, 2025, as Afro Romcon, Nigeria’s first-ever romance convention, unfolded in a spectacular showcase of African love stories. The highly exciting event, themed “Romance Through the African Lens,” brought together bestselling authors, Nollywood screenwriters, and literary enthusiasts in a vibrant celebration of romance in African storytelling. The day began
- [Adedayo Agarau Named to 2025 Poets & Writers "Get the Word Out Poetry" Cohort](https://jaylit.com/adedayo-agarau-named-to-2025-poets-writers-get-the-word-out-poetry-cohort/) - Nigerian poet and literary editor Adedayo Agarau has been announced as a recipient of the 2025 Poets & Writers Get the Word Out Poetry Cohort. a publicity incubator designed to support early-career writers as they prepare for the release of their first or second major books. Agarau, known for his deeply personal poetry, will be
- [OlongoAfrica Announces 2025 Black Orpheus Fellows](https://jaylit.com/olongoafrica-announces-2025-black-orpheus-fellows/) - OlongoAfrica has officially announced the recipients of its highly anticipated 2025 Black Orpheus Fellowship, a prestigious initiative supporting artists, writers, and researchers exploring Africa’s literary and artistic heritage. Following a call for applications late last year, OlongoAfrica received an overwhelming 59 submissions, each showcasing unique and ambitious projects. A panel of five distinguished judges, comprising
- [Interview with Olamide Shobowale: The Art of Blending Screenwriting and Literary Craft](https://jaylit.com/interview-with-olamide-shobowale-the-art-of-screenwriting-and-literary-craft/) - Olamide Shobowale is a screenwriter, producer, and writer based in England, United Kingdom. She holds a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from the University of Derby and has extensive training in film and television writing. Her work spans across multiple genres, contributing to notable films across continents. Olamide is passionate about mentorship and founded the
- [Lagos Gears Up for Afro Romcon: Nigeria’s First Romance Convention](https://jaylit.com/lagos-gears-up-for-afro-romcon-nigerias-first-romance-convention/) - This Saturday, Lagos will make history as it hosts Afro Romcon, Nigeria’s inaugural romance convention, celebrating African love stories in literature and film. Slated for March 15, 2025, the event promises a vibrant lineup of bestselling authors, Nollywood screenwriters, and industry trailblazers under the theme “Romance Through the African Lens.” Afro Romcon will kick off
- [African Literary Prize 2025 Opens for Submissions](https://jaylit.com/introducing-narratives-against-poverty-in-africa-writing-literary-prize-2025/) - An innovative literary initiative, the Narratives Against Poverty in Africa Writing-Literary Prize 2025, has been unveiled, offering African writers a bold platform to tell their continent’s stories through a prose, poetry, essay, and hybrid narratives that dig into heavy hitters like poverty, hunger, injustice, climate change, corruption, pandemics, war, and violence. Spearheaded by executive curator
- [A Review of Frank NJugi's Ujana](https://jaylit.com/a-review-of-frank-njugis-ujana/) - What do you do when your essence is placed in garish linoleums, your body redesigned a footnote, & in a nation you are a powdery mildew in a stockpile of sunflowers? Answer: you write poetry. You take your displacement, marginalization and brokenness and turn them into something as soft as indie music. At least that
- [Tega Oghenechovwen Awarded Elizabeth George Foundation Grant](https://jaylit.com/tega-oghenechovwen-awarded-elizabeth-george-foundation-grant/) - Tega Oghenechovwen, a Nigerian writer, has been awarded a generous writing grant from the Elizabeth George Foundation to support the completion of a manuscript project. Oghenechovwen, known for his works exploring themes of psycho-trauma and human liberty, has previously published in notable publications such as The Rumpus, Joyland, Longreads, and BellaNaija. Currently pursuing an MFA
- [African Liberty Opens Applications for 2025 Writing Fellowship](https://jaylit.com/african-liberty-opens-applications-for-2025-writing-fellowship/) - African Liberty, a platform dedicated to advancing individual freedom and prosperity across the continent, has officially opened applications for its 2025 Writing Fellowship. The program, now in its latest iteration, invites aspiring African writers and policy enthusiasts to apply before the deadline, April 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM GMT. The fellowship kicks off with a
- [Jennifer Chinenye Emelife Is A 2025 Flight 302 Legacy Award Recipient](https://jaylit.com/jennifer-chinenye-emelife-awarded-2025-flight-302-legacy-award-recipient/) - Jennifer Chinenye Emelife has been announced as one of the recipients of the 2025 Flight 302 Legacy Award, a scholarship initiated by Transport Canada to honor the victims of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 tragedy. The award, which supports students whose work reflects the passions and commitments of the 157 individuals lost in the 2019
- [‘Pemi Aguda is a Finalist for the 2025 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction](https://jaylit.com/pemi-aguda-is-a-finalist-for-the-2025-pen-faulkner-award-for-fiction/) - Lagos-born writer ’Pemi Aguda has been named a finalist for the 2025 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction for her novel Ghostroots (published by W.W. Norton & Company). The PEN/Faulkner Award, known as the country’s premier peer-juried prize for fiction, recognizes outstanding literary works published in the United States. Aguda’s Ghostroots was selected from a pool of
- [Eugen Bacon Shines as Double Finalist in the 2024 Foreword INDIES Book Awards](https://jaylit.com/eugen-bacon-shines-as-double-finalist-in-the-2024-foreword-indies/) - Eugen Bacon, an Australian-Tanzanian author, has secured two finalist spots in the 2024 Foreword INDIES Book Awards. Announced by Foreword Reviews, Eugen was nominated for A Place Between Waking and Forgetting and Afro-Centered Futurisms in Our Speculative Fiction in the Adult Fiction and Adult Nonfiction (History) respectfully. A dark speculative fiction collection in which transformative
- [Noo Saro-Wiwa Wins Edward Stanford Travel Book of the Year 2025 for “Black Ghosts”](https://jaylit.com/noo-saro-wiwa-wins-edward-stanford-travel-book-of-the-year-2025-for-black-ghosts/) - British-Nigerian author Noo Saro-Wiwa has been announced as the winner of the Edward Stanford Travel Book of the Year 2025 for her work Black Ghosts: A Journey Into the Lives of Africans in China. The Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards celebrate outstanding travel literature, recognizing books that inspire, educate, and challenge perceptions of the world.
- [First Print Run Of Nigerian Edition Of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Dream Count” Sells Out Within Days Of Release](https://jaylit.com/first-print-run-of-nigerian-edition-of-chimamanda-ngozi-adichies-dream-count-sells-out-within-days-of-release/) - Narrative Landscape Press has announced that the first print run of the Nigerian edition of Dream Count, the latest novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is expected to sell out within days of its release on 4 March. The overwhelming demand has exceeded expectations, prompting the independent Nigerian publisher to commission a second print run set
- [Mubanga Kalimamukwento and O.O. Sangoyomi Among The Carol Shields 2025 Prize Longlist Nominees](https://jaylit.com/mubanga-kalimamukwento-and-o-o-sangoyomi-among-the-carol-shields-2025-prize-longlist-nominees/) - The 2025 Carol Shields Prize for Fiction’s longlist has been revealed and representing the African literary continent are: Mubanga Kalimamukwento for her book, Obligations to the Wounded (University of Pittsburgh Press). O.O. Sangoyomi for her book, Masquerade (Forge). Among 15 standout works spanning novels, short stories, and translated fiction, Kalimamukwento and Sangoyomi shine as testaments
- [Three African Authors Make Waves on 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction Longlist](https://jaylit.com/three-african-authors-make-waves-on-2025-womens-prize-for-fiction-longlist/) - The literary world is buzzing with the announcement of the 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction longlist, revealed on March 4, featuring 16 genre-spanning novels by women from around the globe. Among the standout voices are three African authors: Crooked Seeds by Karen Jennings (South Africa) Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria) The Dream Hotel
- [Eugen Bacon Shines on The 2025 Adaptable Longlist](https://jaylit.com/eugen-bacon-shines-on-the-2025-adaptable-longlist/) - Eugen Bacon, a celebrated Australian-Tanzanian author, has emerged as the only African writer named to the Adaptable 2025 Longlist, standing out among a diverse field of other longlisted authors. Bacon stands out as the only African author on the diverse list of 38 writers, which includes other incredible writers like Amanda Gearing, Deborah Abela, and
- [Sprinng Writing Fellowship Opens Applications for 2025](https://jaylit.com/sprinng-writing-fellowship-opens-applications-for-2025/) - The Sprinng Writing Fellowship (SWF) has officially opened applications for its 2025 cohort, inviting young writers from Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and South Africa to participate in a transformative 6-week online mentorship program. Now in its ninth year, the free initiative, running from June 1 to July 15, targets unpublished writers aged 18-25, providing them with
- [Rasaq Malik Gbolahan Wins The 2024 Anhinga Prize for Poetry](https://jaylit.com/rasaq-malik-gbolahan-wins-the-2024-anhinga-prize-for-poetry/) - Nigerian poet, Rasaq Malik Gbolahan has won the 2024 Anhinga Prize for Poetry for his amazing collection, The Origin of Wounds. The Anhinga Prize for Poetry, established in 1983 by Anhinga Press in Tallahassee, Florida, is a prestigious annual award recognizing outstanding poetry manuscripts by U.S. poets writing in English. Open to poets of all
- [A Long House Announces the 2025 Rajat Neogy Editorial Fellows](https://jaylit.com/a-long-house-announces-the-2025-rajat-neogy-editorial-fellows/) - A Long House has announced that Yvonne Wabai and Sihle Ntuli have been selected as 2025 Rajat Neogy Editorial Fellows. Through their involvement with A Long House, the fellows will engage in various literary activities, including editing, writing, curating literary content, and collaborating with fellow writers, editors, and artists. Their work aims to expand the
- [Tope-EniObanke Adegoke to Participate in Berliner Festspiele’s 2025 Theatertreffen Forum](https://jaylit.com/tope-eniobanke-adegoke-to-participate-in-berliner-festspieles-2025-theatertreffen-forum/) - Nigerian writer and literary critic Tope-EniObanke Adegoke has been selected to participate in the 2025 International Forum of Berliner Festspiele: Theatertreffen, a leading platform for global theatrical innovation as a playwright. Adegoke, based in Ibadan, Nigeria, is one of 33 young theater makers chosen from a record-breaking 880 applicants across 110 countries for the forum,
- [Solomon Hamza Wins the 2025 Ngiga Prize for Humour Writing ](https://jaylit.com/solomon-hamza-wins-the-2025-ngiga-prize-for-humour-writing/) - Nigerian writer Solomon T. Hamza has been revealed as the winner of the 2025 Ngiga Prize for Humour Writing, earning the accolade for his side-splitting playlet, The Head and Not the Tail. Set in a humble household, The Head and Not the Tail follows the lively exchanges between Nzoba, the patient Adansti, and the wise
- [Cassava Republic Acquires "The Moon Will Not Burn Us" by Ricci Shryock](https://jaylit.com/cassava-republic-acquires-the-moon-will-not-burn-us-by-ricci-shryock/) - Cassava Republic has announced the acquisition of The Moon Will Not Burn Us, a revelatory narrative non-fiction book by journalist and photographer Ricci Shryock with publication slated for 2026. Set during Guinea-Bissau’s grueling 11-year war for independence from Portuguese colonial rule, The Moon Will Not Burn Us tells the true story of Joana Gomes, a
- [Chiwenite Onyekwelu Wins as Nigerian Poets Sweep Prism International's 2024 Pacific Spirit Poetry Prize](https://jaylit.com/prism-international-unveils-2024-pacific-spirit-poetry-prize-winners/) - Prism International has revealed the winner and runner-ups of the 2024 Pacific Spirit Poetry Prize, honoring a trio of African poets of Nigerian descent whose work illuminates the profound and the imaginative. Judged by poet Oliver Baez Bendorf, this year’s competition prize winners are: Winner Chiwenite Onyekwelu for his beautiful poem, "Taking My Father on
- [Call for Submissions: Narrative Landscape Press](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-narrative-landscape-press/) - Narrative Landscape Press has officially opened its submissions window for fiction manuscripts, welcoming writers throughout the month of March. The publisher, which reads submissions twice a year—March and September—welcomes completed fiction manuscripts from both new and established authors. To submit, writers should send an email to submissions@narrativelandscape.com with the subject line “Submissions [title of your
- [Call for Submissions: Iskanchi Book Prize](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-iskanchi-book-prize/) - The Iskanchi Book Prize is now accepting submissions for its 2025 edition, inviting African writers worldwide to submit daring prose and hybrid manuscripts that defy convention and reimagine storytelling. Open to both emerging and established writers, the prize seeks manuscripts that break from tradition and offer fresh, thought-provoking perspectives. Whether through innovative prose or genre-blending
- [Lolwe Academy Unveils 2025 Classes with Africa’s Finest Literary Voices](https://jaylit.com/lolwe-academy-unveils-2025-classes-with-africas-finest-literary-voices/) - Aspiring writers and literary enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to hone their craft with some of Africa’s most celebrated voices, as Lolwe Academy unveils its 2025 slate of online creative writing classes, workshops, and masterclasses. Featuring luminaries like Maaza Mengiste, Zukiswa Wanner, and Rémy Ngamije, the program promises to connect young writers with top-tier talent
- [Zaynab Iliyasu Bobi Earns Honorable Mention in 2025 Elizabeth Alexander Poetry Award](https://jaylit.com/zaynab-iliyasu-bobi-earns-honorable-mention-in-2025-elizabeth-alexander-poetry-award/) - Meridians: feminism, race, transnationalism has announced the Honorable Mention recipient of the 2025 Elizabeth Alexander Creative Writing Award for Poetry. This year’s honoree is Zaynab Iliyasu Bobi, recognized for her poignant poem, Electrocardiogram of a Mother's Broken Heart. The Elizabeth Alexander Creative Writing Award honors works that reflect the lyrical power and historical engagement of
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Frank Njugi](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-frank-njugi/) - Frank Njugi is a gem of a writer in the African Literary world. At 25, he has established himself as one of Kenya's youngest and most exciting page poets and critics. His works often explore the complexity of African identity, culture, and the ever-evolving dynamics of society. Frank was born on August 6th, 1999 in
- [Flame Tree to Publish Two Books of Sauúti Terrors: The Dark Side](https://jaylit.com/flame-tree-to-publish-two-books-of-sauuti-terrors-the-dark-side/) - Members of the Sauúti collective and co-editors of a new anthology, Eugen Bacon, Stephen Embleton and Cheryl S. Ntumy, are thrilled to announce that Bieke van Aggelen of the African Literary Agency has sold the rights to publish Sauúti Terrors: The Dark Side to Flame Tree Publishing, distributed by Simon and Schuster. Sauúti Terrors: The Dark Side will feature in Flame Tree’s Beyond and Within story collection series in two anthologies,
- [Will This Be A Problem? Opens Call for Submissions](https://jaylit.com/will-this-be-a-problem-opens-call-for-submissions/) - Will This Be A Problem?, a magazine celebrating African speculative fiction, has launched an open call for submissions, challenging writers to weave captivating tales of science fiction, fantasy, and horror infused with rich African influences. Who Can Submit? African writers globally—born in Africa, with at least one African parent, or Black in the diaspora, aged
- [Through “Child of Congo” Laurène Southe Finds a Home She’s Always Felt but Never Known](https://jaylit.com/through-child-of-congo-laurene-southe-finds-a-home-shes-always-felt-but-never-known/) - In Child of Congo, the author talks about longing for home and exploring the complexities of identity, and belonging through thought-provoking poetry.
- [Akwaeke Emezi’s "Somadina" Set To Drop in April 2025](https://jaylit.com/masobe-books-unveils-akwaeke-emezis-somadina/) - A captivating new novel, Somadina, by National Book Award finalist Akwaeke Emezi, is poised to captivate readers with its magical West African setting and gripping narrative. The book follows Somadina, a teen girl grappling with terrifying new powers, as she embarks on a perilous journey to find her missing twin brother, Jayaike, in a world
- [MaryAnn Ifeanacho Makes the 2024 Emma Press Literary Award Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/maryann-ifeanacho-makes-the-2024-emma-press-literary-award-shortlist/) - Nigerian writer Maryann Ifeanacho has been shortlisted for The Emma Press literary Award for her novella An Estate of Ironies. Founded in 2012, The Emma Press is an independent publisher committed to championing fresh, diverse voices in poetry and prose. Their open submission calls attract writers from all over the world, and they are known
- [The Art of Falling Apart in Olumide Popoola’s 'Like Water, Like Sea’](https://jaylit.com/the-art-of-falling-apart-in-olumide-popoolas-like-water-like-sea/) - Water is a tool often employed in literature. The imagery of it, the feeling of it, the way it swallows whole and spits out at the same time. It is a fearsome, awesome thing, water. Think of the sea, how all-encompassing it is, that we truly know very little about it, yet we lie in
- [Reading Shallow Tales V: A Grand Celebration of Literature](https://jaylit.com/reading-shallow-tales-v-a-grand-celebration-of-literature/) - The Shallow Tales Review is set to celebrate its fifth anniversary with a highly anticipated virtual literary reading event, Reading Shallow Tales V. This year’s edition will be headlined by Ainehi Edoro-Glines, a distinguished literary scholar, who will deliver the keynote speech. The lineup of participants includes a diverse mix of celebrated writers such as
- [Shortlist Announced for the Vivian Ihaza (SEVHAGE) Teen Poetry Prize 2024](https://jaylit.com/shortlist-announced-for-the-vivian-ihaza-sevhage-teen-poetry-prize-2024/) - The shortlist for the Vivian Ihaza (SEVHAGE) Teen Poetry Prize 2024 has been announced, recognizing the remarkable talents of young Nigerian poets between the ages of 12 and 17. Selected by the judging panel which comprised of Dami Ajayi, Olajide Salawu, and Rasaq Malik, the shortlisted poems, listed in alphabetical order, are: A Body Walks
- [African Festivals Secure Biennials Connect Grant to Expand Global Reach](https://jaylit.com/african-festivals-secure-biennials-connect-grant-to-expand-global-reach/) - The 2024/25 Biennials Connect Grant has recognized two major African cultural events—South Africa’s Groove Biennale and Nigeria’s Hausa International Book and Arts Festival—among its 13 recipients. This prestigious grant, aimed at fostering artistic collaboration and global exchange, will support both festivals in expanding their reach and showcasing contemporary African creative expressions. The Biennials Connect Grant
- [Obinna Udenwe Unveils New Novel Years of Shame—Now Available for Preorder ](https://jaylit.com/obinna-udenwe-unveils-new-novel-years-of-shame-now-available-for-preorder/) - Acclaimed African author Obinna Udenwe has announced the release of his highly anticipated novel, Years of Shame, now available for preorder. Fans and literary enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their copies ahead of the official launch. Set in southern Nigeria, Years of Shame unravels the chilling tale of Patrice Ikebe, a man whose unchecked pride
- [Akure Hosts Its First-Ever Feast of Books and Culture](https://jaylit.com/akure-hosts-its-first-ever-feast-of-books-and-culture/) - The city of Akure witnessed a remarkable literary and cultural gathering on November 30 with the first-ever Akure Feast of Books and Culture. The event, held at the Akure Tech Hub botanical garden of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), brought together writers, artists, authors, literature enthusiasts, and cultural aficionados in a celebration of
- [Narrative Landscape Press Acquires Chibundu Onuzo’s “Mayowa and the Sea of Words”](https://jaylit.com/narrative-landscape-press-acquires-chibundu-onuzos-mayowa-and-the-sea-of-words/) - Narrative Landscape Press has announced the acquisition of Mayowa and the Sea of Words, the ‘long-awaited’ children’s book by Nigerian-British author Chibundu Onuzo. Mayowa and the Sea of Words follows ten-year-old Mayowa, who discovers that she possesses an extraordinary ability—by jumping on books, she can absorb and transfer the emotions within them to others. Guided
- [Narrative Landscape Press Acquires Bassey Ikpi’s "Home Rarely Feels Like This"](https://jaylit.com/narrative-landscape-press-acquires-home-rarely-feels-like-this/) - Narrative Landscape Press has announced the acquisition of Home Rarely Feels Like This, a deeply personal work by Nigerian-American writer and mental health advocate Bassey Ikpi. The book, which was first released exclusively on Audible, delves into a pivotal period in Ikpi’s life when she returned to Nigeria after her career was disrupted by a
- [Jide Badmus & Nasiba Babale to Judge the 2024 Eriata Oribhabor Poetry Prize](https://jaylit.com/jide-badmus-nasiba-babale-to-judge-the-2024-eriata-oribhabor-poetry-prize/) - The 2024 Eriata Oribhabor Poetry Prize (EOPP) has announced its judging panel, featuring two distinguished poets, Jide Badmus and Nasiba Babale. The 2024 Eriata Oribhabor Poetry Prize (EOPP) is an annual literary prize instituted in November 2012 by Words Rhymes & Rhythm (WRR) in partnership with prominent Nigerian poet, essayist, editor, and social commentator Sir
- [Call for Submissions: 2025 Toyin Fálọ́lá Prize](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-2025-toyin-falola-prize/) - The 2025 Toyin Fálọ́lá Prize is now accepting short story submissions from African writers to create genre-defying submissions that push boundaries and spark fresh perspectives among people. Marking its fifth edition, this esteemed literary competition seeks thought-provoking narratives that explore the dynamic interplay between Nature, Technology, Earth, Artificial Intelligence, and Life itself with the judging
- [Eugen Bacon Awarded 2024 Otherwise Fellowship](https://jaylit.com/eugen-bacon-awarded-2024-otherwise-fellowship/) - African Australian author Eugen Bacon has been awarded the 2024 Otherwise Fellowship, together with comic artist Mars Lauderbaugh. The Otherwise Fellowship is connected to the Otherwise Award, formerly the Tiptree Award. This esteemed award in science fiction and fantasy is globally recognised, and encourages the exploration and expansion of gender, and grows from the Motherboard’s desire ‘to expand the reach
- [African Writers Gather in Nottingham for the Maiden UK Edition of the Benue Book and Arts Festival](https://jaylit.com/african-writers-gather-in-nottingham-for-the-maiden-uk-edition-of-the-benue-book-and-arts-festival/) - The annual Benue Book and Arts Festival [BBAAF] had its debut United Kingdom convergence in Nottingham on Saturday, 25th January 2025, bringing several African creatives from across the United Kingdom. The landmark event was held at the Nottingham Central Library, turning out to be a close-knit celebration of literature, culture, and artistic expression. BBAAF is a
- [Call for Submissions: Art for Life Campaign](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-art-for-life-campaign/) - The Custodians of African Literature (COAL), in collaboration with the Avoidable Deaths Network and SEVHAGE Literary and Development Initiative, has announced a call for submissions as part of the International Awareness Day for Avoidable Disaster Deaths (IAD4AD) campaign. This initiative, now in its second year, seeks to honor the millions of lives lost to disaster
- [Runnin' No More by G. T. Dipe – A Review](https://jaylit.com/runnin-no-more-by-g-t-dipe-a-review/) - Love is worth fighting for, even if you are fighting against your fears. A meeting that seems to be one in a million… a collision by astronomical chance. An accident like no other. Imagine this - a melting pot of love, drama, romance, revenge, and trauma. Now, imagine it all comes together to form a
- [Lolwe Literary Magazine Announces Open Call for Submissions](https://jaylit.com/lolwe-literary-magazine-announces-open-call-for-submissions/) - Lolwe Literary Magazine, a vibrant platform for Black artists from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Diaspora, has announced an open call for submissions, inviting creators to push boundaries and blur the lines of traditional storytelling. Submissions are open welcoming original works in drama, orature, translation, hybrid-genre, and visual art. Who Can Submit? Black artists worldwide—from
- [Narrative Landscape Opens Preorders for Highly Anticipated 2025 Releases](https://jaylit.com/narrative-landscape-opens-preorders-for-highly-anticipated-2025-releases/) - Renowned African publishing house Narrative Landscape has announced that several of its most anticipated books are now available for preorder. The announcement, made via X, introduced each title individually, providing blurbs to give potential readers insight into the stories before making a purchase. Spanning multiple genres—including young adult fiction, romance, and children’sliterature—the selection offers something
- [African Authors Shine in the 2024 Locus Recommended Reading List](https://jaylit.com/african-authors-shine-in-the-2024-locus-recommended-reading-list/) - The 2024 Locus Recommended Reading List, an annual compilation of the best in speculative fiction, has highlighted the exceptional work of several African authors and contributors. This year’s list, curated by a panel of renowned critics and editors, showcases the growing influence of African voices in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Below is a list
- [Ajibola Tolase Wins Gold at Florida Book Awards for “2000 Blacks”](https://jaylit.com/ajibola-tolase-wins-gold-at-florida-book-awards-for-2000-blacks/) - Nigerian poet and essayist, Ajibola Tolase has been revealed as the Gold Medal winner in the Poetry category at the Florida Book Awards for his amazing piece, 2000 Blacks. Established in 2006, the Florida Book Awards is an annual statewide program that honors outstanding literary works by Florida authors and books about Florida. Administered by
- [Masobe Books Acquires Esther Ifesinachi Okonkwo's “The Tiny Things Are Heavier”](https://jaylit.com/masobe-books-acquires-esther-ifesinachi-okonkwos-the-tiny-things-are-heavier/) - Masobe Books has officially announced the acquisition of Esther Ifesinachi Okonkwo's novel, The Tiny Things Are Heavier. The Tiny Things are Heavier follows Sommy, a Nigerian woman who comes to the United States for graduate school two weeks after her brother, Mezie, attempts suicide. Plagued by the guilt of leaving Mezie behind, Sommy struggles to
- [Call for Submissions: Oriọna Magazine](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-oriona-magazine/) - Oriọna Magazine has officially opened its doors to submissions for the upcoming issue, inviting writers, artists, and creators from around the world to contribute to its latest theme exploration: Home. The theme “Home" offers contributors a wide canvas to explore, whether through personal narratives, artistic interpretations, or cultural reflections. Submissions can investigate the idea of
- [EFIKO Literary Magazine Opens Submissions for Its 6th Edition](https://jaylit.com/efiko-literary-magazine-opens-submissions-for-its-6th-edition/) - EFIKO, the online literary magazine dedicated to African perspectives and storytelling, has announced the opening of submissions for its 6th edition. From February 1 to March 20, 2025, writers of African origin and those writing about Africa are invited to submit their poems, short stories, and essays for consideration. EFIKO has established itself as a
- [The Chizi Wigwe Prize for African Futurism Calls for Submission](https://jaylit.com/the-chizi-wigwe-prize-for-african-futurism-calls-for-submission/) - The 1925 African Foundation, in partnership with the HOW Foundation, will be hosting the first edition of the Chizi Wigwe Prize for African futurism. The main goal of the competition is to give African artists a chance to showcase their works on the global stage and expose them to a bigger audience. The Chief Wigwe
- [Pemi Aguda Makes 2025 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction Longlist](https://jaylit.com/pemi-aguda-makes-2025-pen-faulkner-award-for-fiction-longlist/) - Nigerian author Pemi Aguda secures a coveted spot on the 2025 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction longlist for her debut novel, Ghostroots published by W. W. Norton & Company. A debut collection of stories set in a hauntingly reimagined Lagos where characters vie for freedom from ancestral ties. Pemi Aguda opens her collection of twelve stories
- [Olakunle Ologunro, MFA ’24, Awarded Elizabeth George Foundation Grant](https://jaylit.com/olakunle-ologunro-mfa-24-awarded-elizabeth-george-foundation-grant/) - The Writing Seminars has revealed that Olakunle Ologunro, a 2024 MFA graduate, has been awarded a prestigious grant from the Elizabeth George Foundation for 2025! Renowned for providing artistic grants to unpublished fiction writers, poets, emerging playwrights, and organizations dedicated to supporting disadvantaged youth, The Elizabeth George Foundation will support Ologunro in completing his forthcoming
- [Call for Submission: The 2025 UJ Prize for South African Writing](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submission-the-2025-uj-prize-for-south-african-writing/) - The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Prize for South African Writing is now accepting submissions. It is open to books published in 2024 by South African Writers. The UJ Prize, established in 2006, has always accepted entries from South African writers regardless of their affiliation with the University of Johannesburg. The prize is not limited to
- [Iyanuoluwa Adenle Wins the 2024 Kofi Awoonor Poetry Prize](https://jaylit.com/iyanuoluwa-adenle-wins-the-2024-kofi-awoonor-poetry-prize/) - Nigerian art writer, essayist and poet, Iyanuoluwa Adenle has been announced as the winner of the Kofi Awoonor Poetry Prize 2024 for her evocative poem, babe. The announcement was made by the award committee, with the amazing writer Othuke Umukoro serving as the guest judge for this year’s competition. The Kofi Awoonor Poetry Prize, named
- [African Talent Shines at SALC Flash Fiction and Non-Fiction Competition](https://jaylit.com/african-talent-shines-at-salc-flash-fiction-and-non-fiction-competition/) - The School of Arts, Languages, and Cultures (SALC) at the University of Manchester has recently announced the winners of its annual Flash Fiction and Non-Fiction Competition, with two notable Africans taking center stage. The competition, which invited undergraduate students to submit original works of fewer than 250 words, saw Abubakar Sesay and Emmanuel Omoniyi emerge
- [Masobe Books Opens 2025 Submissions for Aspiring Authors](https://jaylit.com/masobe-books-opens-2025-submissions-for-aspiring-authors/) - Masobe Books is kicking off the new month with exciting news for writers. The renowned Nigerian publishing house has officially opened submissions for manuscripts, inviting fresh voices to join its growing list of authors. Since its founding in 2018, Masobe has built a reputation for publishing compelling and thought-provoking stories, including Black Ghost by Noo
- [Narrative Landscape Press to Publish Lizzie Damilola Blackburn’s Second Novel, “The Re-Write”](https://jaylit.com/narrative-landscape-press-to-publish-lizzie-damilola-blackburns-second-novel-the-re-write/) - Narrative Landscape Press has announced the upcoming publication of The Re-Write, the highly anticipated second novel by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, author of the bestselling Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? The Re-Write follows Temi, a young woman navigating the aftermath of a breakup with her ex-boyfriend, Wale. After their relationship ends, Wale unexpectedly appears on a
- [Atlantic Books Acquires Oyinkan Braithwaite’s Second Novel, “Cursed Daughters”](https://jaylit.com/atlantic-books-acquires-oyinkan-braithwaites-second-novel-cursed-daughters/) - Atlantic Books has announced the acquisition of Oyinkan Braithwaite’s second novel, Cursed Daughters, set to be published on 25th September 2025. Cursed Daughters tells the story of Eniiyi, a young woman who resembles her late aunt and grapples with a family curse that has plagued generations. After saving a handsome boy from drowning and falling
- [A Review of Will This Be A Problem? The Anthology: Issue V](https://jaylit.com/a-review-of-will-this-be-a-problem-the-anthology-issue-v/) - Will This Be A Problem? The Anthology: Issue V narrates the current generation's fears, hopes, and dreams, and presents them wrapped up within tales of the fantastical like banana leaves. The first Kenyan science fiction and fantasy literary journal Will This Be A Problem? has remained criminally underrated for the past 10 years of its
- [Omenana Speculative Magazine Opens Call for Submissions](https://jaylit.com/omenana-speculative-magazine-opens-call-for-submissions/) - The Omenana Speculative Magazine is currently accepting submissions for its first edition in 2025. This popular African magazine is known for its intriguing plots and bold interpretation of fantasy and science fiction genres. Creatives who wish to submit to the magazine must meet certain criteria for their work to be considered. Art and fiction must
- [Lọúnlọún Literary Journal Calls for Submissions on African Historical Fiction](https://jaylit.com/lounloun-literary-journal-calls-for-submissions-on-african-historical-fiction/) - Lọúnlọún Literary Journal, pronounced /luh-woon-luh-woon/, has announced an open call for submissions for its upcoming issue, inviting writers to explore the rich tapestry of African history through fiction. From January 2 to March 2, 2025, African writers and those of African descent, both on the continent and in the diaspora, are encouraged to submit original
- [Hisham Matar Is A 2024 National Book Critics Circle Award in Fiction Finalist ](https://jaylit.com/hisham-matar-is-a-2024-national-book-critics-circle-award-in-fiction-finalist/) - The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) has announced its finalists for the publishing year 2024, marking the 50th anniversary of the prestigious literary awards. Among the distinguished honorees is Hisham Matar, the American-born British-Libyan author and Pulitzer Prize winner, whose novel, My Friends has been named a finalist in the Fiction category. My Friends delves
- [Ukata Edwardson Wins 2024 C.D. Wright Prize for Poetry](https://jaylit.com/ukata-edwardson-wins-2024-c-d-wright-prize-for-poetry/) - Ukata Edwardson has been announced as the winner of the 2024 C.D. Wright Prize for Poetry for his piece, Matrimony of Mimicry and Maintenance. The C.D. Wright Prize for Poetry, established by The Arkansas International, honors the legacy of the acclaimed poet C.D. Wright by recognizing innovative poetry that "lives freely and variously and fully
- [#JayLitInterviewSeries with Nikki May](https://jaylit.com/jaylitinterviewseries-with-nikki-may/) - Born in Bristol and raised in Lagos, Nikki May is Anglo-Nigerian. Her critically acclaimed debut novel, Wahala, won the Comedy Women In Print New Voice Prize, was longlisted for the Goldsboro Glass Bell Award and the Diverse Books Award, and is being turned into a major BBC TV drama series. Nikki lives in Dorset with
- [The Intentionality of a Writer Wielded by Culture](https://jaylit.com/the-intentionality-of-a-writer-wielded-by-culture/) - A review of Ama Asantewa Diaka's Someone Birthed Them Broken I like to think of Accra, Ghana as a city of circles. A city so small that there is a chance somewhere someday, you will meet an old friend. A city so small that we may each have so many mutual new/old friends without our
- [Open Country Magazine Lists Its 60 Notable Books Of 2024](https://jaylit.com/open-country-magazine-lists-out-its-60-notable-books-of-2024/) - Open Country Mag, a leading voice in African literature, film, and culture, has unveiled its highly anticipated list of 60 notable books for 2024. This annual tradition showcases works by African authors that have made an indelible mark across fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. From groundbreaking novels to thought-provoking memoirs and evocative poetry collections, this year’s
- [Kyle Okeke Wins The Sewanee Review Poetry Contest 2024](https://jaylit.com/kyle-okeke-wins-the-sewanee-review-poetry-contest-2024/) - Nigerian-American writer, Kyle Okeke has been crowned the winner of the poetry category in the highly regarded Sewanee Review Contest for his piece, The Soft Life of a Black Man. Okeke’s poem, The Soft Life of a Black Man, stood out among the entries for its assured voice, emotional depth, and masterful execution. Shane McCrae,
- [Funmi Fetto Among Longlist for V.S. Pritchett Short Story Prize 2025](https://jaylit.com/funmi-fetto-among-longlist-for-v-s-pritchett-short-story-prize-2025/) - The longlist for the V.S. Pritchett Short Story Prize 2025 has been announced, with African writer Funmi Fetto standing out as the only African voice among the 13 longlisted authors for her story, Unspoken. The V.S. Pritchett Short Story Prize, established by the Royal Society of Literature in 1999, celebrates excellence in the art of
- [11 African Fantasy Books to Get You Hooked](https://jaylit.com/explore-african-fantasy-10-books-to-get-you-hooked/) - This list celebrates some of the most exciting and innovative African fantasy books, showcasing the diversity and creativity of the continent's literary talent
- [Mubanga Kalimamukwento is a finalist at the 2025 Minnesota Book Awards](https://jaylit.com/mubanga-kalimamukwento-is-a-finalist-at-the-2025-minnesota-book-awards/) - Zambian author Mubanga Kalimamukwento has been named a finalist at the 2025 Minnesota Book Awards for her book, Obligations to the Wounded. Published by the University of Pittsburgh Press, the collection delves into the lives of Zambian women, weaving stories of resilience, cultural identity, and the human condition. Kalimamukwento’s inclusion in the prestigious Minnesota Book
- [Thuso Mbedu, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, and Tosin Cole to Star in ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Film Adaptation](https://jaylit.com/thuso-mbedu-amandla-stenberg-damson-idris-and-tosin-cole-to-star-in-children-of-blood-and-bone-film-adaptation/) - Acclaimed author Tomi Adeyemi took to social media to reveal the talented cast of the upcoming film adaptation of her bestselling novel, Children of Blood and Bone. The movie, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, is set to premiere in IMAX theaters in January 2027. South African actress Thuso Mbedu, known for her role in Prince-Bythewood's historical
- [Sihle Ntuli Wins 2024-2025 Diann Blakely Poetry Competition](https://jaylit.com/sihle-ntuli-wins-2024-2025-diann-blakely-poetry-competition/) - Sihle Ntuli has been announced as the winner of the 2024-2025 Diann Blakely Poetry Competition for his poem, Shade or The Revelation of All Our Neighbourhood Has Lost. Selected by the distinguished Diann Blakely Visiting Poet, Vivek Narayanan, the poem was praised for its evocative imagery and deep resonance with shared human experiences. Narayanan reflected
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Theresa Sylvester](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-theresa-sylvester/) - Two common but uncommon things co-exist with perfect harmony in Theresa’s stories: dysfunctional families and philandering men. When asked why this is so, the Lusaka-born, Australia-based writer answers, “A family is a world unto itself. One we inhabit before venturing outwards.” Before turning to writing, Theresa’s life was the textbook standard for success as defined
- [Vote for Dr. Sheg Aranmolate: A Visionary Leader and Advocate for Empowerment](https://jaylit.com/vote-for-dr-sheg-aranmolate-a-visionary-leader-and-advocate-for-empowerment/) - Dr. Sheg Aranmolate, a distinguished physician, entrepreneur, and advocate for African artistry, is making waves as a finalist in the prestigious Entrepreneur Of Impact contest. This opportunity, which includes a feature in Forbes Magazine and a $25,000 prize, recognizes changemakers committed to driving meaningful progress in their communities. Who Is Dr. Sheg Aranmolate? Dr. Aranmolate
- [Romeo Oriogun Is a Finalist for the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award](https://jaylit.com/romeo-oriogun-is-a-finalist-for-the-kingsley-tufts-poetry-award/) - Nigerian poet Romeo Oriogun has been announced as a finalist for the 2025 Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award for his book, The Gathering of Bastards. The Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award, established in 1992 and administered by Claremont Graduate University, is one of the most prestigious and financially rewarding poetry prizes globally. It honors a mid-career poet
- [African Writers Lead the Way in Speculative Fiction Seminar Series](https://jaylit.com/african-writers-lead-the-way-in-speculative-fiction-seminar-series/) - African speculative fiction is redefining how we imagine the impacts of technology, culture, and policy. A new seminar series, Applied African Speculative Fiction, is bringing together writers, academics, and visionaries to explore these themes. This innovative project, a partnership between the Imperial Centre for Environmental Policy, the University of Nairobi, the African Speculative Fiction Society,
- [Finding the Self in Eugen Bacon's Serengotti](https://jaylit.com/finding-the-self-in-eugen-bacons-serengotti/) - In my line of work, I have crossed paths with computer programmers or as I like to call them, tech bros and gals, a time or two. I like to think of computer programmers as people who look at the world through black and white. Having worked with these guys, their whole thing sometimes feels
- [Social Media, Children and the Paradox of Choice: A Review of Onyi Nwabineli’s ‘Allow Me To Introduce Myself’](https://jaylit.com/social-media-children-and-the-paradox-of-choice-a-review-of-onyi-nwabinelis-allow-me-to-introduce-myself/) - Choice is a fascinating thing. On the surface, it simply is the ability to choose something, make a decision, say that this is the thing you want, or this is the thing you will do and then getting to have it or do it. Simple, really. Except a lot of the time it really isn’t.
- [The Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) Opens for Submissions](https://jaylit.com/the-journal-of-african-youth-literature-jay-lit-opens-for-submissions/) - We are happy to announce that we are now open to receive submissions for our 9th issue. We publish creative writing, poetry, prose (stories and narratives), plays, visual stories such as photo essays, and comic and graphic artwork with a storyline in ANY language used in Africa, such as Swahili, Amharic, Yoruba, Zulu, Chichewa, English,
- [Two African Poets Among 2025 NEA Creative Writing Fellowship Awardees](https://jaylit.com/two-african-poets-among-2025-nea-creative-writing-fellowship-awardees/) - The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has announced the recipients of its 2025 Creative Writing Fellowships, awarding $25,000 grants to 36 poets across the United States. Among the distinguished honorees are two African-descended poets: Chisaraokwu Asomugha, a Nigerian-American, and Brian Gyamfi, a Ghanaian-American. About The Poets Chisaraokwu Asomugha: She is an Igbo American poet,
- [Two African Novels Make The 2025 Dublin Literary Award Longlist](https://jaylit.com/nigerian-novels-make-2025-dublin-literary-award-longlist/) - Two Nigerian novels, Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma and The Incredible Dreams of Garba Dakaskus by Umar Abubakar Sidi, have been longlisted for the prestigious 2025 Dublin Literary Award. The Dublin Literary Award, established in 1996, is a prestigious international literary prize presented annually by Dublin City Council. It honors a single work
- [JAY Lit at the Ake Arts and Books Festival 2024](https://jaylit.com/jaylit-at-the-ake-arts-and-books-festival-2024/) - The Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) had the privilege of attending the 2024 Ake Arts and Books Festival. Here's what went down.
- [Narrative Landscape Press and JoyToTheWords Launch "Keep the Lights On" Initiative for 2024](https://jaylit.com/narrative-landscape-press-and-joytothewords-launch-keep-the-lights-on-initiative-for-2024/) - In an inspiring collaboration, Narrative Landscape Press and JoyToTheWords have announced a new initiative titled "Keep the Lights On,". This creative endeavor brings together a diverse group of Nigerian poets to deliver messages of encouragement, upliftment, and entertainment during these challenging times. The initiative highlights the talent of seven poets: JoyToTheWords Tobi Daniels Dami Ajayi
- [Obinna Udenwe Signs Landmark Book Deal for “Years of Shame”](https://jaylit.com/obinna-udenwe-signs-landmark-book-deal-for-years-of-shame/) - Nigerian author Obinna Udenwe has secured a groundbreaking 5-million-naira book deal with Purple Shelves, a Lagos-based Indie publishing house. The deal, one of the largest for a Nigerian author in recent years, highlights the growing recognition and investment in African literary voices by local publishers. Udenwe described the collaboration as a partnership rooted in trust
- [Oyinkan Braithwaite’s “My Sister, The Serial Killer" to Be Adapted by Ballet Black](https://jaylit.com/oyinkan-braithwaites-my-sister-the-serial-killer-to-be-adapted-by-ballet-black/) - On November 30, 2024, Oyinkan Braithwaite announced via her Instagram page that her bestselling novel My Sister, the Serial Killer will be adapted into a ballet by the renowned Ballet Black company. The adaptation is part of Ballet Black's 2025 double bill, set to premiere at the Hackney Empire in London in March 2025. Braithwaite
- [Nigeria Unveils New Selection Process for African Cup of Slam Poetry and World Poetry Slam](https://jaylit.com/nigeria-unveils-new-selection-process-for-african-cup-of-slam-poetry-and-world-poetry-slam/) - Nigeria has introduced a new selection process to determine its representative at the African Cup of Slam Poetry and the World Poetry Slam Championship. This initiative aims to ensure fairness and excellence by selecting the nation's best slam poet through a "slam of champions" competition. According to Bash Amuneni, Nigeria's Ambassador to these prestigious events,
- [Call for Submissions: Ubwali Literary Magazine](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-ubwali-literary-magazine/) - Ubwali Literary Magazine has opened submissions for the new year, inviting Zambian and African artists to share their unique voices across various genres. Ubwali Literary Magazine, founded in 2023 by Mubanga Kalimamukwento, is an independently funded online platform dedicated to publishing exceptional Zambian fiction, poetry, and essays. Registered in Minnesota, USA, the magazine is committed
- [Akpata Magazine Opens Submissions for 2025: Themes and Guidelines Announced](https://jaylit.com/akpata-magazine-opens-submissions-for-2025-themes-and-guidelines-announced/) - Akpata Magazine has announced its submission windows for 2025, inviting writers and artists from diverse backgrounds to contribute their work. The magazine, known for its dedication to thought-provoking and impactful content, is seeking submissions that explore a variety of themes across fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and visual art. Here’s an overview of the submission periods
- [Toyin Falola Prize: 2025 Submission Guidelines Released](https://jaylit.com/toyin-falola-prize-2025-submission-guidelines-released/) - The Toyin Falola Prize, an annual literary award honoring the esteemed African scholar and historian Professor Toyin Falola for his contributions to African literature, is now open for submissions. Organized by The Lunaris Review, which publishes the winning stories, the prize is entering its fifth edition. This year, the Toyin Falola Prize invites African writers
- [Narrative Landscape Reveals Nigerian Edition of Adichie’s "Dream Count"](https://jaylit.com/narrative-landscape-reveals-nigerian-edition-of-adichies-dream-count/) - Narrative Landscape Press has proudly revealed the cover of the Nigerian edition of Dream Count, the latest work by acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The novel follows Chiamaka, a Nigerian travel writer reflecting on life during the pandemic; Zikora, a successful lawyer confronting personal and professional betrayals; Omelogor, a financial powerhouse reevaluating her self-worth; and
- [The Shallow Tales Review Calls for Submissions](https://jaylit.com/the-shallow-tales-review-is-now-accepting-submissions/) - The Shallow Tales Review, a distinguished online literary journal founded in August 2019 by Nigerian writer Nzube Nlebedim, is now accepting submissions for its next issue. Writers and artists are encouraged to submit their works from January 1st to January 20th, 2025. Feedback will be provided to all contributors on January 21st, and selected pieces
- [Submissions Open for The Island Prize for Fiction 2025](https://jaylit.com/submissions-open-for-the-island-prize-for-fiction-2025/) - The Island Prize for Fiction has officially opened submissions for its third year, continuing its mission to spotlight and support emerging literary talents across Africa. Named after Karen Kenning’s novel, The Island, The Island Prize is administered by Jennings and the Holland House (UK) in collaboration with Karavan Press (South Africa). Launched in 2022, the
- [Othuke Umukoro Wins X. J. Kennedy Poetry Prize 2024](https://jaylit.com/othuke-umukoro-wins-x-j-kennedy-poetry-prize-2024/) - Nigerian poet and playwright, Othuke Umukoro has been announced as the winner of the 2024 X. J. Kennedy Poetry Prize for his collection, Fenestration. Selected by the acclaimed poet Diane Seuss serving as the final judge for the 2024 competition, Umukoro, a Nigerian poet and playwright, has garnered recognition both locally and internationally. A graduate
- [The Weight of Grief, Prejudice and Love - A Review of Nikki May’s This Motherless Land](https://jaylit.com/the-weight-of-grief-prejudice-and-love-a-review-of-nikki-mays-this-motherless-land/) - It’s sun down. I’m lying on the cold floor in my bedroom, and I’ve finally closed the cover on Nikki May’s heart-wrenching second novel This Motherless Land. I feel a mix of emotions and mutter to myself… “finally!”. Where do I begin? I started this journey with zero expectations, hoping to get lost in another
- [Noisy Streetss Announces Anthology, A Man and a Woman & Other Stories](https://jaylit.com/noisy-streetss-announces-release-of-anthology-a-man-and-a-woman-other-stories/) - Noisy Streetss, a platform amplifying African youth stories, is proud to announce the release of its debut print anthology, A Man and a Woman & Other Stories. This collection explores the complexities of love during the festive December season, capturing the unique perspectives of young African writers. Each story offers a distinct take on love
- [An Exploration of the Eugen Bacon-Edited Anthology, Languages of Water](https://jaylit.com/an-exploration-of-the-eugen-bacon-edited-anthology-languages-of-water-2/) - Languages of Water is a work of fusion cutting across countries. This hybrid work of collaboration crosses poems, stories, and essays that pour forth like water. Each work is deliberately woven to show language as water in the way it flows. Poetry just like fiction and essays flow, being streams of consciousness and unconsciousness. The
- [The 2024 Abebi Award in Afro Nonfiction Reveals Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/the-2024-abebi-award-in-afro-nonfiction-reveals-shortlist/) - The 2024 Abebi Award in Afro Nonfiction has revealed its shortlist, recognizing twelve women whose essays emerged from a competitive pool of 250 submissions. The shortlisted essays are as follows: I Know How Stories Like Mine End by Azeezah Adeowu Shining Teeth; Empty Stomachs by Chinaza James Ibe My Mother’s Eyes on Me by Ebiobode
- [The Ngiga Prize for Humour Writing Unveils Shortlist ](https://jaylit.com/the-ngiga-prize-for-humour-writing-unveils-shortlist/) - The Ngiga Prize for Humour Writing has announced its highly anticipated shortlist, honouring the unforgettable legacy of John Okafọ—better known to millions as Mr. Ibu. Three writers, have risen to the top after a fierce round of deliberation: Paternity Fraud by Olusesi Fatimo T. Pest of Friends by Tobiloba Oladeji The Head and Not the
- [The Swan Collective Welcomes 15 New Members for 2025](https://jaylit.com/the-swan-collective-welcomes-20-new-members-for-2025/) - The Swan Collective, an internationally acclaimed network of poets and writers, has kicked off 2025 with a major announcement: the induction of 15 new members, adding to 5 pre-existing members. Known for its groundbreaking literary collaborations and significant impact on the global literary landscape, the collective is embracing a new wave of creativity and diverse
- [Call for Submissions: The Tampered Manuscript Prize](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-tampered-press/) - Tampered Press has announced the launch of The Tampered Press Manuscript Prize, inviting submissions for a groundbreaking literary award that highlights innovative voices in Ghanaian fiction. The prize seeks to celebrate book-length works of literary fiction in English by both published and unpublished Ghanaian authors residing primarily in Ghana. Judging this year’s submissions are two
- [Unserious Collective Announces 2024 Fellows ](https://jaylit.com/unserious-collective-announces-2024-fellows/) - The Unserious Collective has announced its 2024 Fellows, following a rigorous selection process that involved blind reading of submissions from emerging poets across the country. The chosen poets for this year’s fellowship are: Timi Sanni Chiwenite Onyekwelu Samuel A. Adeyemi Adesiyan Oluwapelumi About The Fellows Timi Sanni: A writer, editor, and multidisciplinary artist from Lagos,
- [A Review of Love Grows Stronger in Death Anthology](https://jaylit.com/a-review-of-love-grows-stronger-in-death-anthology/) - Love Grows Stronger in Death is a collection of short stories curated by Tope Akintayo. The 15 contributors and their stories attempt to give us, the readers, varying shades of death and grief and in my opinion, it succeeds in doing so. The collection is widespread, of course touching on ‘traditional’ death, but also the
- [JAY Lit Poets Win 2024 SEVHAGE Poetry Prizes](https://jaylit.com/jay-lit-poets-win-2024-sevhage-poetry-prizes/) - The entire shortlist for the JAY Lit Prize for Poetry 2024 have been honoured in the 2024 SEVHAGE Prizes by SEVHAGE Publishers, with Arikewusola Abdul Awal and Aman Bibi Gray jointly claiming the SEVHAGE-JAY Lit/Hyginus Ekwuazi Poetry Prize 2024, while Timi Sanni and Salama Wainaina were also awarded the SEVHAGE-JAY Lit/S. Agema Honourable Poems 2024.
- [SEVHAGE Literary Prizes 2024: Winners Announced](https://jaylit.com/sevhage-literary-prizes-2024-winners-announced/) - SEVHAGE Publishers and SEVHAGE Literary & Development Initiative have officially unveiled the winners and runners-up of the SEVHAGE Literary Prizes 2024, recognizing exceptional achievements in African literature across fiction, creative non-fiction, literary criticism, and poetry. This year witnessed an impressive array of submissions from talented African writers worldwide. After a rigorous selection process spearheaded by
- [Benue Book and Arts Festival Announces Fifth Edition for 2025](https://jaylit.com/benue-book-and-arts-festival-announces-fifth-edition-for-2025/) - The Benue Book and Arts Festival (BBAAF) is set to captivate audiences once again with its fifth edition, themed Home and A-Way, scheduled for early 2025. Since its inception in 2015 as the SEVHAGE Festival, the Benue Book and Arts Festival has evolved into a significant cultural event, with its maiden edition taking place in
- [Chika Unigwe is a Finalist for The 2025 Townsend Prize for Fiction](https://jaylit.com/chika-unigwe-is-a-finalist-for-the-2025-townsend-prize-for-fiction/) - Nigerian-born author Chika Unigwe has been named a finalist for the 2025 Townsend Prize for Fiction for her novel The Middle Daughter. Born on June 12, 1974, in Enugu, Nigeria, Unigwe holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Master's degree from the Catholic University
- [Oreoluwa Odusote Wins Poetry Prize at LDWritingFest24](https://jaylit.com/oreoluwa-odusote-wins-poetry-prize-at-ldwritingfest24/) - Odusote Oreoluwa, a law student at the University of Lagos and a dedicated writer, has been announced as a winner in the poetry category at the LDWritingFest24. Writing under the pen name @thatwriter_ore , Oreoluwa is known for her evocative poetry that seeks to inform, empower, and encourage readers. Her work reflects a deep commitment
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Natasha Omokhodion](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-natasha-omokhodion/) - The Making of a Literary Model & Advocate Natasha Omokhodion is a distinguished writer whose work explores themes of heritage, diaspora, family, and womanhood. Her literary creations blend contemporary and historical narratives, meticulously researched to contribute significantly to the broader literary and academic canon of Zambia and Africa. Born on September 22, 1983, in London,
- [Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Named Harper’s Bazaar España Woman of the Year in Literature](https://jaylit.com/chimamanda-ngozi-adichie-named-harpers-bazaar-espana-woman-of-the-year-in-literature/) - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has been named Harper’s Bazaar España “Woman of the Year” in Literature, an honor that highlights her profound influence on contemporary storytelling and advocacy for cultural representation. The Harper’s Bazaar Woman of the Year Awards have been a staple in recognizing influential women across various fields, celebrating pioneers and trailblazers whose work
- [A Review of Mubanga Kalimamukwento's Obligations to the Wounded](https://jaylit.com/a-review-of-mubanga-kalimamukwentos-obligations-of-the-wounded/) - Obligations of the Wounded by Mubanga Kalimamukwento is an exceptional collection of short stories that paints the different colours of being a Zambian. With 16 tales, Mubanga delves in to highlight the complexities of Zambian women's experiences. With piercing emotions, Mubanga creatively knits together themes of love, loss, trauma, identity, culture, and belonging. Obligations of
- [Announcing The 2024 JAY Lit Awards Winners](https://jaylit.com/announcing-the-2024-jay-lit-awards-winners/) - Timi Sanni and Salama Wainana (Poetry), Chidera Nwume (Fiction), and Frank Njugi (Non-Fiction) have won the inaugural JAY Lit Awards, an initiative of the Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) that seeks to recognise excellence and honour the finest voices published in the journal in a calendar year. The JAY Lit Prize for Poetry was won jointly by
- [Gloria Ogo and Hillary Ofukocho Anfofun Emerge Winners of Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize 2024](https://jaylit.com/gloria-ogo-and-hillary-ofukocho-anfofun-emerge-winners-of-brigitte-poirson-literature-prize-2024/) - The winners of the 2024 Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize (BPLP) have been announced, highlighting remarkable talent in the realms of poetry and short stories. Following a rigorous selection process, Gloria Ogo and Hillary Ofukocho Anfofun have been named this year’s winners for their compelling works that captivated judges with their originality and depth. Gloria Ogo
- [SEVHAGE Literary Prizes 2024 Shortlist Announced](https://jaylit.com/sevhage-literary-prizes-2024-shortlist-announced/) - SEVHAGE Publishers and SEVHAGE Literary and Development Initiative have officially announced the shortlist for the SEVHAGE Literary Prizes 2024. This year’s competition celebrated African creativity and attracted a significant number of submissions across three categories: the E. E. Sule/SEVHAGE Prize for African Literary Criticism, the Eugenia Abu/SEVHAGE International Prize for Creative Non-Fiction, and the K
- [Brittle Paper Unveils 2024 African Literary Excellence Awards Recipients](https://jaylit.com/brittle-paper-unveils-winners-of-the-2024-african-literary-excellence-awards/) - The Brittle Paper has revealed the winners of its African literary Excellence Awards, celebrating key players across Africa'literary scene.
- [A Review of Umar Abubakar Sidi’s The Incredible Dreams of Garba Dakaskus](https://jaylit.com/a-review-of-umar-abubakar-sidis-the-incredible-dreams-of-garba-dakaskus/) - Book: The Incredible Dreams of Garba Dakaskus Author: Umar Abubakar Sidi Genre: Prose Year of Publication: 2024 ISBN: 978-978-60489-0-1 As Umar Abubakar Sidi’s debut novel, The Incredible Dreams of Garba Dakaskus draws to a close, readers are confronted with an absurd and surreal occurrence. The story introduces a book—revered and sought after within the novel's
- [Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize 2024 Shortlist Unveiled](https://jaylit.com/brigitte-poirson-literature-prize-2024-shortlist-unveiled/) - 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,
- [Frank Njugi's "The Palate" Earns Spot in Afrocritik's 50 Notable Essays from Africa in 2024](https://jaylit.com/frank-njugis-the-palate-earns-spot-in-afrocritiks-50-notable-essays-from-africa-in-2024/) - Kenyan writer and culture journalist Frank Njugi has been recognized in Afrocritik's list of 50 Notable Essays from Africa in 2024 for his essay, “The Palate", published in The Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit). "The Palate" takes readers on a journey through Port Louis, Mauritius, where Njugi's exploration of local cuisine becomes a
- [Dinaw Mengestu’s “Someone Like Us” Makes Waves on Barack Obama’s 2024 Book Picks](https://jaylit.com/dinaw-mengestus-someone-like-us-makes-waves-on-barack-obamas-2024-book-picks/) - Ethiopian-American author Dinaw Mengestu has earned a spot on the former U.S. President Barack Obama’s list of favorite books for 2024 with his novel, Someone Like Us. Mengestu, known for works such as The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears and All Our Names, has consistently explored the intersections of personal and collective history, often drawing
- [Chiwenite Onyekwelu Wins Inaugural 'After the End' Poetry Competition](https://jaylit.com/chiwenite-onyekwelu-wins-inaugural-after-the-end-poetry-competition/) - Chiwenite Onyekwelu, a Nigerian poet and pharmacist, has been announced as the winner of the first-ever 'After the End' Poetry Competition for his poems, On Memory and Forgetting and Time/Our Time. Selected by a distinguished judging panel comprising poet Jenny Mitchell, literary agent Salma Begum, Dr. Michael Flexer from the University of Exeter, Professor Patricia
- [Narrative Landscape Press Expands to East Africa](https://jaylit.com/narrative-landscape-press-expands-to-east-africa/) - Narrative Landscape Press, the Lagos-based publishing powerhouse, has announced the launch of Narrative Landscape Press East Africa (NLPEA), a new branch that will operate from Nairobi, Kenya. Staying true to its guiding principle, “Our Stories, Our Way,” Narrative Landscape Press seeks to elevate authentic African narratives and foster a global appreciation for the region’s storytelling
- [Chigozie Obioma Among The 2025 Joyce Carol Oates Prize Longlist](https://jaylit.com/chigozie-obioma-among-the-2025-joyce-carol-oates-prize-longlist/) - Chigozie Obioma, a distinguished Nigerian novelist, has been longlisted for the 2025 Joyce Carol Oates Prize by the New Literary Project (NewLit). The Joyce Carol Oates Prize, established in 2017 by the New Literary Project (NewLit), celebrates mid-career authors of fiction for their exceptional contributions to American literature. Awarded annually, the prize includes a $50,000
- [OlongoAfrica Launches Black Orpheus Fellowship for 2025](https://jaylit.com/olongoafrica-launches-black-orpheus-fellowship-for-2025/) - OlongoAfrica has unveiled the Black Orpheus Fellowship, a groundbreaking initiative offering both in-person and remote opportunities to explore the history and influence of the Black Orpheus journal and the Mbari Club generation. This fellowship is open to individuals passionate about African literature, visual arts, and the legacy of the sixties' postcolonial literary movements. Fellows will
- [Israel Campos Wins National Press Literature Prize-Casa da Moeda/Angola 2024](https://jaylit.com/israel-campos-wins-national-press-literature-prize-casa-da-moeda-angola-2024/) - Angolan writer and journalist Israel Campos has been announced as the winner of the 2nd edition of the National Press Literature Prize-Casa da Moeda/Angola for his acclaimed collection of short stories, Baloiço de Memória. Campos’s work was selected from a competitive pool of entries for its unique storytelling and depth of exploration into themes of
- [Introducing The 2024 Sevhage Prizes Longlists](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-2024-sevhage-prizes-longlists/) - The SEVHAGE Prizes have unveiled their 2024 longlists for African Literary Criticism, Creative Non-Fiction, and Fiction categories. Selected from an impressive 857 submissions, these longlists showcase exceptional entries across the three categories. The judging panel, led by Professor Hyginus Ekwuazi, commended the high quality of submissions, noting that many outstanding entries narrowly missed a spot
- [Idembeka Creative Writing Fellowship Announces 2025 Cohort](https://jaylit.com/idembeka-creative-writing-fellowship-announces-2025-cohort/) - The Idembeka Creative Writing Fellowship has unveiled its 2025 cohort, featuring 12 exceptional writers selected from a highly competitive pool of 100 applicants, including JAY Lit book reviewer, C.I. Atumah. The fellowship, known for fostering literary talent across Africa, achieved another milestone this year with a record number of high-quality submissions. A volunteer team meticulously
- [Announcing The 2024 JAY Lit Awards Shortlists](https://jaylit.com/announcing-the-2024-jay-lit-awards-shortlists/) - It is the pleasure of the Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) to announce the shortlists of the inaugural JAY Lit Awards, an initiative that seeks to recognise excellence and honour the finest voices published in our journal in a calendar year. The award categories are “JAY Lit Prize for Poetry”, “JAY Lit Prize for Fiction”,
- [Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo – A Review](https://jaylit.com/stay-with-me-by-ayobami-adebayo-a-review/) - Love is built on mutual understanding and trust. These are the core tenets of love, the very foundation upon which it is built. The foundation which holds it up – equips it with the ability to weather whatever storm or test, time has to throw at it. This was the foundation Yejide also built her
- [Masobe Books Unveils Cover for Eloghosa Osunde's "Necessary Fiction"](https://jaylit.com/masobe-books-unveils-cover-for-eloghosa-osundes-necessary-fiction/) - Masobe Books is proud to reveal the cover for Necessary Fiction, the forthcoming novel from acclaimed Nigerian author Eloghosa Osunde. Slated for release in 2025, Necessary Fiction is already generating excitement for its bold and thought-provoking storytelling. The vibrant cover design perfectly encapsulates the layered themes of the novel—resilience, identity, and the dynamic, sometimes chaotic,
- [Mubanga Kalimamukwento’s "Obligations to the Wounded" Shines in The Boston Globe’s Best Books of 2024](https://jaylit.com/mubanga-kalimamukwentos-obligations-to-the-wounded-shines-in-the-boston-globes-best-books-of-2024/) - The Boston Globe has honored Zambian author Mubanga Kalimamukwento by including her short story collection, Obligations to the Wounded, in its prestigious list of the 75 Best Books of 2024. This recognition underscores Kalimamukwento’s literary prowess and the collection’s profound exploration of the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Published in October 2024 by
- [Afua Ansong Wins Oxford Poetry Prize 2024](https://jaylit.com/afua-ansong-wins-second-prize-at-the-2024-oxford-poetry-prize/) - Ghanaian-American poet, artist, and scholar Afua Ansong has been awarded second prize at the 2024 Oxford Poetry Prize for her compelling poem, "Parasite". Selected by renowned poet and judge Rachel Long, Ansong’s "Parasite" stood out among submissions from across the globe, earning her recognition alongside first-prize winner AV Bridgwood for "Clean Your Plate" and third-prize
- [Masobe Books Introduces Exciting New Book Review Challenge](https://jaylit.com/masobe-books-introduces-exciting-new-book-review-challenge/) - Masobe Books has unveiled an exciting book review challenge, inviting readers and critics to showcase their literary insight in a creative and engaging way. Participants are required to review After the End, an African young adult novel by Olukorede S. Yishau. To qualify, you must create a 60 to 90-second video review, post it on
- [Road to the Country Named Among the Best Books of 2024 by Boston Globe Critics](https://jaylit.com/road-to-the-country-named-among-the-best-books-of-2024-by-boston-globe-critics/) - Road To The Country, an African fiction authored by Chigozie Obioma was recently listed as one of the “75 best books of the year” by The Boston Globe Book Critics. Published in June 2024, the novel is set against the backdrop of the Nigerian Civil War in the late 1960s. It follows Kunle, a shy
- [Brigitte Poirson Prize Reveals 2024 Longlists](https://jaylit.com/brigitte-poirson-prize-reveals-the-2024-poetry-longlist/) - The Brigitte Poirson Prize for Literature has recently unveiled its 2024 Longlist for its poetry and short story categories. Chosen from a pool of over 230 entries across the poetry and short story categories, 11 exceptional short stories and 20 remarkable poems graces the list. Here's a list of all poems longlisted: Living Makes Man
- [Sheikh Zayed Book Award Announces Its 2025 Longlists](https://jaylit.com/sheikh-zayed-book-award-announces-its-2025-longlists/) - The Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA), one of the most prestigious cultural accolades in the Arab world, has announced its longlists for the 2025 edition. This award, administered by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, highlights the vast diversity and excellence of contributions to Arab
- [A Gynocritical Reading of "Only Big Bumbum Matters Tomorrow"](https://jaylit.com/a-gynocritical-reading-of-only-big-bumbum-matters-tomorrow/) - Elaine Showalter describes feminist critique as an "ideological, righteous, angry, and admonitory search for the sins and errors of the past," while she sees gynocriticism embracing "the grace of imagination in a disinterested search for the essential difference of women's writing." Reading Only Big Bumbum Matters Tomorrow through this lens illuminates the experiences of young
- [Brittle Paper Releases 100 Notable African Books of 2024](https://jaylit.com/brittle-paper-releases-annual-list-of-100-notable-african-books-of-2024/) - Brittle Paper has unveiled its list of 100 most notable books published by African writers in 2024, offering a curated collection of stories that celebrate the depth and diversity of African literature. From Uché Okonkwo’s moving short story collection A Kind of Madness to Tomi Adeyemi’s globally acclaimed conclusion to her Legacy of Orisa fantasy
- [Masobe Unveils Stunning Cover for Olayinka Yaqub’s "The Crimson Vigilante"](https://jaylit.com/masobe-unveils-stunning-cover-for-olayinka-yaqubs-the-crimson-vigilante/) - Masobe Books has unveiled the striking cover for its upcoming thriller, The Crimson Vigilante. Featuring bold red text against the backdrop of a looming building, the design is as captivating as the story promises to be. Penned by award-winning Nigerian author Olayinka Yaqub, The Crimson Vigilante is a gripping tale of justice, vengeance, and suspense.
- [Agboola Tariq, Eliongema Udofia, and Timileyin Adepoju Emerge as top 3 in Blessing Kolajo Poetry Prize 2024](https://jaylit.com/agboola-tariq-eliongema-udofia-and-timileyin-adepoju-emerge-as-top-3-in-blessing-kolajo-poetry-prize-2024/) - Sokoka Books proudly announced the top 3 winners of the inaugural Blessing Kolajo Poetry Prize. Amidst a pool of talented entries, these three exceptional works captivated their judges: Agboola Tariq for ‘Anatomy of my grandmother hanging in a scythe’ Eliongema Udofia for ‘Laments: Where the things I love, are slowly going extinct’ Timileyin Adepoju for
- [Self-Actualisation and Post-colonial Tensions in Laila Lalami’s "Hopes and Other Dangerous Pursuits"](https://jaylit.com/self-actualisation-and-post-colonial-tensions/) - A Reading of Laila Lalami’s Hopes and Other Dangerous Pursuits Partly what postcoloniality as a discourse addresses is the subject’s constantly changing self on the postcolony and the factors that undergird these changes. Such factors include the country’s economics, whether buoyant or recessional; the cultural structure, whether heterogeneous or homogeneous, inclusive or alienating; national politics
- [A Review of Nasiba Babale's "Pickled Moments"](https://jaylit.com/a-review-of-nasiba-babales-pickled-moments/) - Book: Pickled Moments Name: Nasiba Babale Genre: Poetry Year of Publication: 2024 ISBN: 978- 978-766-750-7 Poetry is a language of the human mind that emanates from transcendence, never failing to carry along the echoes of love, loss, nature, grief, pain, longing, and most importantly for some artists, the mundane. This is the journey Naseeba Babale’s
- [Masobe Books Acquires Busayo Matuluko’s Thrilling YA Mystery, ‘Til Death](https://jaylit.com/masobe-books-acquires-busayo-matulukos-thrilling-ya-mystery-til-death/) - Masobe Books has announced the acquisition of ‘Til Death, the highly anticipated debut young adult (YA) mystery thriller by Black British-Nigerian author, Busayo Matuluko. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Lagos, ‘Til Death follows Lara and her family as they prepare for the wedding of her cousin, Dérin. What begins as a joyous family reunion
- [Introducing The 2024 Alexander Nderitu Prize for World Literature Longlist](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-2024-alexander-nderitu-prize-for-world-literature-longlist/) - TheAfricanGriot.com has unveiled the longlist for the inaugural Alexander Nderitu Prize for World Literature. Chosen from a pool of 72 entries across 13 countries, the ten longlisted stories highlight a diverse array of voices and perspectives from around the globe. The stories, judged on their literary merit and adherence to the theme of 'Peace,' represent
- [Morland Writing Scholars for 2024 Announced](https://jaylit.com/morland-writing-scholars-for-2024-announced/) - The Miles Morland Foundation has revealed the winners of the 2024 Morland Writing Scholarships. After reviewing nearly 500 entries from published authors across Africa and the diaspora, the judges selected four exceptional writers to receive the prestigious award. This year's winners are: Carey Baraka (Kenya) Fayssal Bensalah (Algeria) Yvette Ndlovu (Zimbabwe) Frances Ogamba (Nigeria) About
- [Ake Books and Art Festival Announces Dates for Its 13th Edition in 2025](https://jaylit.com/ake-books-and-art-festival-announces-dates-for-its-13th-edition/) - The renowned Ake Books and Art Festival has officially revealed the dates for its highly anticipated 13th edition: November 20th to 22nd, 2025. Since its inception in 2013 by celebrated Nigerian writer and poet Lola Shoneyin, the Ake Books and Art Festival has established itself as one of Africa’s premier cultural events. Known for celebrating
- [Introducing JAY Lit Issue 8](https://jaylit.com/introducing-jay-lit-issue-8/) - The Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) is pleased to unveil its 8th issue, released to the public from today, December 9, 2024. The issue, which is guest-edited by Martha Khoeses (prose) and Kaushar Edoo (poetry) is packed with content ranging from poetry to fiction (short stories and flash fiction), creative nonfiction, plays (drama and
- [Editor's Note – Issue 8](https://jaylit.com/editors-note-issue-8/) - Reviewing work of such magnitude has been an honour for us as guest editors for the Journal of African Youth Literature. Not only were we able to swim through a sea of talent of its purest form. We witnessed simplistic storytelling and poetry that all the writers have created and hope that our readers will
- [Two Poems](https://jaylit.com/two-poems/) - Three Deaths My body was my first grave living, and warm Yet it buried the rot I felt and the smell of death That seeped deep into my skin, making a home in my bones Still, I breathed as if I felt nothing My bed was my second grave, where the desire I had
- [Postpartum Husbands and Wives](https://jaylit.com/postpartum-husbands-and-wives/) - Round the table somewhere among the most popular lounges in Ilorin, postpartum wives will come together to exchange each and every one’s marital grief over steamy plates of pepper soup topped with half to brimful glasses of wine. It’s now your own turn to speak up, but you first had to turn down in your
- [3 Poems](https://jaylit.com/3-poems/) - Supplications for the Days Ahead My Feet Lord, look at me; see me as a seedling solely depending on you to grow into a tree—the blooming type. Yesterday, the storm swayed through the east to strangle me. My roots were uprooted—totally. But my nostrils indescribably find breath. Lord, check my roots—the stems—and heal the bruises.
- [Sad Land Blues](https://jaylit.com/sad-land-blues/) - "Life rebuilds from the centre of the ruins." Mazisi Kunene Hopes are pot-holed in this hot air political sea Dreary stormy seasons reign in brute winter country No one told us the Madiba dance would die this early Dreams a teary sea that freezes freedom’s testicles at will No road signage warning of rainbow thrills
- [A Kind of Strange People](https://jaylit.com/a-kind-of-strange-people/) - Because we did not understand the cruelty Of the world, we gave our hearts to strangers. The softness of our palms, the raging loneliness In the gap between our teeth, how the wind, In its music, caresses the skin of despair, How on lonely nights like these, we watch Men fallout from sunsets, voices stuck
- [3 Poems](https://jaylit.com/3-poems-2/) - A Concept You’re not real. You’re just a figure that floats through my imagination; a concept that crawls through my consciousness telling me that I’m bigger than I ought to be, that I’m stronger than I deserve to be. You’re the pair of smiling eyes crafted as a mirror and a window for beauty everlasting
- [An Ode to Mother](https://jaylit.com/an-ode-to-mother/) - "Your paradise is in the feet of your mother" I begin this poem with a body of prayer: Robbī ifadh ummī. & this is how I curl every mantra on my tongue into a ball of whispers—for my driver into this space. How shall I compare her tenderous palms That held me back from slipping
- [Who We Are for the Sake of Our Mothers](https://jaylit.com/who-we-are-for-the-sake-of-our-mothers/) - Across the horizon a small colony of birds Are singing through the silence of the evening breeze. Peach light of the the setting sun is tenderly Touching the edges of our skin, I’m no more a woman Other than a void of everything I have touched. My voice is put in place for the vowels
- [Every Scar](https://jaylit.com/every-scar/) - Scar One I remember everything about that mansion: the chandelier that hung over our very heads like across, watching keenly the everyday display; the flower vase Grandmami had given Mami as a gift; the blue painted wall that endured the massacre from Kayi and me; Mami’s smell as it hung over the curtains in the
- [The Things That Keep Them Up at Night](https://jaylit.com/the-things-that-keep-them-up-at-night/) - If a fly flew in my vicinity without first seeking consent from my PA, I would slap the hell out of its useless thorax and rush to the sink to wash my hands clean. I would then wipe them with the curtains hanging on the door because that is what we do in a bedsitter
- [Welcome to Iya Mosun’s Midnight Club](https://jaylit.com/welcome-to-iya-mosuns-midnight-club/) - Cherry lips at Iya Mosun’s Midnight Club mean the wearer is available. It doesn’t matter that the room is intentionally poorly lit, save for the red embroidered lamp shades dimming the orange lights of the already dim lanterns– the lips can always be seen lurking in the dark corners waiting to be chosen. The guests
- [What They Don't Say About Good News](https://jaylit.com/what-they-dont-say-about-good-news/) - Panyin speeds out of his apartment after a call from home. His legs whisk him to the gate of the compound before he realises his feet are naked. After returning to slip on his Crocs, he stumbles into Buttercup Flower Street, willing his mind to be blank. He doesn't understand why this is his reaction
- [Unfinished Mosaic](https://jaylit.com/unfinished-mosaic/) - The house is a four-bedroom apartment located in the bustling heart of Ibadan, around the Olorunsogo axis. It's the kind of place that is never quiet, with the mornings bringing a cacophony of noise from bus drivers calling out to commuters. Due to the recent hike in petrol price, many commuters opt for the early
- [A Knock on the Door](https://jaylit.com/a-knock-on-the-door/) - Felicia came knocking on my door at 2 am, lip busted and eye swollen. Her hair was ruffled too, it could have been from a fight or perhaps it was in its natural state. I could not tell. Of course it was just a matter of time before Paulus laid his hands on her. He
- [The Small but Mightys](https://jaylit.com/the-small-but-mightys/) - Shola remembered the first day she saw red blood cells under the microscope. She was dumbstruck, her jaw heavy on her chest, her eyebrows pushed to her hairline. How could these things be? She wondered. Then, she saw sperm cells swimming in the semen. Their heads were defined as though they had brains, and their
- [It is Hard to Kill Your Brother](https://jaylit.com/it-is-hard-to-kill-your-brother/) - It is hard to kill your brother To hold a knife to his throat and watch his blood pour out onto your palms To look at his face and watch the life seeping out of his eyes If you’re a first timer, It is not easy to take a life When that life is your
- [Simmering, Slowly](https://jaylit.com/simmering-slowly/) - Above all, his first conviction was that she could murder him and drop the rigidifying body out of a moving vehicle alongside the expressway like the gory headlines from Lagos gossip blogs about dead girls whose bodies were rolled out of speeding cars on the island. That she could, for months, withhold from him a
- [The Last Breath of the Devil](https://jaylit.com/the-last-breath-of-the-devil/) - His gaze narrowed momentarily. A moment ago, Bondi's simmering rage had been concealed by a rare smile; now, for the first time, that mask of sanity had fallen, and the fire of homicidal insanity flared in his eyes as he battled to control the murderous emotions bubbling inside of him. There was a dead silence
- [When a Man is Handsomely Mad](https://jaylit.com/when-a-man-is-handsomely-mad/) - When a man is handsomely mad, he adorns himself in a well-fitted designer suit, well-polished black suede and park his car just few blocks from Fatima Girls Secondary school. Kunle gulped the last drop of Lipton and bulged loudly like a goat in heat, a habit his wife abhorred and had complained severely till she
- [At Yonder](https://jaylit.com/at-yonder/) - I should start a little closer to the end— From the pulpit I could see everyone. Men with grown beards, some with frowny faces, haggard by earthly troubles; women- fully covered, others half-clothed, big tits, well plaited, some with prejudiced faces, loudly praying for husbands. It was during my third sermon in St. Patrick church,
- [5 Poems](https://jaylit.com/5-poems/) - Wayward Philosophies Regurgitated philosophies hang From sagging chests Recycled conundrums, hand-me-down Wisdom, caught in see-through eyes A queue full of depthless faces Waiting on borrowed feet to go places On expired pace, they see The wrong doctors and return home Unsure on whose
- [Sahibu (KiSwahili Poem)](https://jaylit.com/sahibu/) - Sahibu si achekaye, ni achekaye na mana Siye nawe aliaye, ni akupaye amana Si pendo akwambiaye, ndiye mnaopendana Siye nawe achezaye, ni mnaogandamana Na yeye suhubiana, akufaaye dhikini Sahibu kweri ni nani, ni mpenda ‘kosoana Ni akupaye amani, si akwitaye kimwana Na wewe hiki amini, pendo hakosi ‘kosana Kila pendo lina deni, deni la ‘sameheana
- [The Darkness That Devoured Dawn](https://jaylit.com/the-darkness-that-devoured-dawn/) - A raid broke out one cold evening in this small passive town of Igwedo, where you were born and raised. It happened in the inception of the farming season. The time of the year when farmers in Igwedo, including your widowed father, started to plant crops, awaiting the arrival of the first rain of the
- [The Palate](https://jaylit.com/the-palate/) - 1 As it happens, in Point Louis, on a blacktop street that stretches onward into a blue sky, as if it and the heavens long for oneness, I fall in love with the national dish of Mauritius. Of the two flavor profiles, I usually prefer food that melts in your mouth as opposed to food
- [Dancing to the Rhythm of a Funeral Song](https://jaylit.com/dancing-to-the-rhythm-of-a-funeral-song/) - 1 I’m standing in the middle of the crowd with my phone pointed toward the stage, recording one of my favorite artists in the world as he sings my favorite song and I sing along. I’m filled with the moment, feeling the vibrations of the people all around me, the music coursing through us till
- [The Hairdresser's Shop](https://jaylit.com/the-hairdressers-shop/) - CAST YETUNDE: owner of the hair salon CLAUDIA: a corps member and costumer AISHA: a costumer MAMA BOBO: Yetunde’s apprentice ACCUSED EDIDIONG: wife of the accused MEMBER OF THE MOB THE MOB WOMEN OF THE SALON SETTING One side of the stage is occupied by a small makeshift hair salon, the wall are adorned with
- [ORÒ](https://jaylit.com/oro/) - [A Screenplay] [MUSIC ON] [SUPERIMPOSE ON BLACK] “In Yorubaland, Orò, resides on an exalted plane, a god beyond the reach of mere mortals. To bridge the divine chasm between the heavens and the earth, Orò dispatches Majowu, his wife, a unique emissary who speaks the languages of both gods and humans. Majowu carries Orò's sacred
- [5 Pictures](https://jaylit.com/5-pictures/)
- [3 Artworks](https://jaylit.com/3-artworks/)
- [Itiola Jones Wins APR/Honickman First Book Prize](https://jaylit.com/itiola-jones-wins-apr-honickman-first-book-prize/) - The American Poetry Review recently announced the winner of the APR/Honickman First Book Prize, Itiola Jones for her manuscript Bloodmercy. Her book was chosen amongst many by esteemed poet Nicole Sealey. Itiola Jones is an American / Nigerian poet and editor. She is a senior editor for Poetry Northwest where she runs her column, The
- [Afua Ansong Makes the Oxford Poetry Prize 2024 Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/afua-ansong-makes-the-oxford-poetry-prize-2024-shortlist/) - Ghanaian-American writer, Afua Ansong has been announced as one of the shortlisted poets for the prestigious Oxford Poetry Prize 2024. Founded in 1910, Oxford Poetry holds the distinction of being the UK’s oldest dedicated poetry magazine, and one of the oldest in the world. It began as a publication by undergraduates at the University of
- [Hausa International Book and Arts Festival 2024: A Celebration of Hausa Popular Culture in Abuja](https://jaylit.com/hausa-international-book-and-arts-festival-2024-a-celebration-of-hausa-popular-culture-in-abuja/) - The Hausa International Book and Arts Festival (HIBAF) 2024 is poised to take center stage in Abuja, Nigeria, from December 19 to 21, offering a dynamic and culturally immersive experience for attendees. As one of the premier events on the African cultural calendar, this festival continues to provide a platform for showcasing the vast richness
- [Jennifer Chinenye Emelife Wins Grant to Advance Literacy Programming in Nigeria](https://jaylit.com/jennifer-chinenye-emelife-wins-grant-to-advance-literacy-in-nigeria/) - Jennifer Chinenye Emelife, a Nigerian educator and literacy advocate with extensive teaching experience in Nigeria and the UK, has secured a prestigious Academic Enrichment grant from the McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), Emelife focuses on critical literacy education for youth affected by conflict
- [Introducing The Winners Of The Inaugural Global Black Women’s Non-Fiction Manuscript Prize 2024](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-winners-of-the-inaugural-global-black-womens-non-fiction-manuscript-prize-2024/) - Cassava Republic Press has announced the winners of the inaugural Global Black Women’s Non-fiction Manuscript Prize 2024. Here is a list of all selected winners: Winner Cherise Morris (United States) for the cosmic matter of Black lives First Runner-Up Desta Haile (Eritrea) for Black Beauty Model Agency Second Runner-Up Pamella Gysman (South Africa) for Through The
- [Muti’ah Badruddeen Is a 2024 Escalator New Writing Fellow](https://jaylit.com/mutiah-badruddeen-is-a-2024-escalator-new-writing-fellow/) - Muti’ah Badrudden has been selected as a fellow for the 2024–25 Escalator New Writing Fellowships, marking a significant milestone in her writing career. Muti’ah Badruddeen was selected alongside nine other talented writers for the Escalator New Writing Fellowships 2024–25. The cohort includes: Kieran Costello Moharem El Gihani Liv Hewkin Margaret Loescher (Laura Kinsella Fellow) April
- [Announcing The 2024 JAY Lit Awards—Judges & Longlists](https://jaylit.com/announcing-the-2024-jay-lit-awards-judges-longlists/) - It is the pleasure of the Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) to recognise excellence, and to honour the finest voices published in our journal. Every calendar year, from 2024, the JAY Lit Prizes will award overall winners in three categories—“JAY Lit Prize for Poetry”, “JAY Lit Prize for Fiction”, and “JAY Lit Prize
- [Nwuguru Chidiebere Sullivan Wins The Rhonda Gail Williford Prize](https://jaylit.com/nwuguru-chidiebere-sullivan-wins-the-rhonda-gail-williford-prize/) - Nigerian writer, Nwuguru Chidiebere Sullivan has been revealed as the winner of the 2024 Rhonda Gail Williford Prize. Selected from over 424 submissions across 69 countries, Sullivan emerged victorious, flying the African flag high! Established to honor the remarkable legacy of poet and attorney Rhonda Gail Williford, the award celebrates poetry that embodies Rhonda's passion
- [Mary-Hilda Obasiota Ibe is a Winner of The American Literary Review Contest  2024](https://jaylit.com/mary-hilda-obasito-ibe-is-a-winner-of-the-american-literary-review-contest-2024/) - Nigeria writer, Mary-Hilda Obasiota Ibe has been announced as a winner of the 2024 American Literary Review Contest. Selected by the multimedia poet Carolina Ebeid, Obasiota’s piece titled "Post Colonial Theory" wins the poetry category of the contest alongside Monica Fields and Zoe Luh who are both runners up in the contest for their pieces:
- [Announcing JAY Lit’s 2025 Pushcart Prize Nominations](https://jaylit.com/announcing-jay-lits-2025-pushcart-prize-nominations/) - It’s the time of the year when small presses around the world nominate their best work in a calendar year for the annual Pushcart Press. For the first time in our history, the Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) is sending in nominations from works published in all our 2024 issues—this include works forthcoming in our 8th
- [Chigozie Obioma’s The Road to the Country Makes The Economist’s Best Books List](https://jaylit.com/chigozie-obiomas-the-road-to-the-country-makes-the-economists-best-books-list/) - The Economist has named The Road To The Country by Chigozie Obioma as one of the Best Books of the year 2024. Set in Nigeria in the late 1960s, The Road to the Country is an epic story of a shy, bookish student haunted by long-held guilt who must go to war to free himself.
- [Beeta Arts Festival Returns from December 4th to 8th in Abuja](https://jaylit.com/beeta-arts-festival-returns-from-december-4th-to-8th-in-abuja/) - The Beeta Arts Festival returns for its fourth edition from December 4th to 8th at the Abuja Continental Hotel, a hub of creativity, storytelling and artistic expression. This year's festival, "WE ARE HERE," celebrates African artists' dynamism, ever-evolving presence and significant contributions to the global arts landscape. Founded by award winning actress Bikiya Graham Douglas,
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Peter Ngila Njeri](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-peter-ngila-njeri/) - For Peter, creativity is beyond his control. He believes that a divine being known to him as ‘Genius’ – with a capital G – hides within the walls of his sanctuary and comes out to help him with his writing. Perhaps Genius is behind the good breaks he’s been having in his writing career… Peter
- ['Pemi Aguda and  Mubanga Kalimamukwento Featured in Debutiful Best Books of 2024](https://jaylit.com/pemi-aguda-and-mubanga-kalimamukwento-featured-in-debutiful-best-books-of-2024/) - Once again, it's that time of the year! Debutiful Magazine has published its list of the Best Debut Books of 2024 according to founder, Adam Vitcavage. Featured on the list of 42 debut books are 'Pemi Aguda and Mubanga Kalimamukwento. Ghostroots by ‘Pemi Aguda In this beguiling collection of twelve imaginative stories set in Lagos,
- [David Ishaya Osu Wins The Charles Rischbieth Jury Poetry Prize 2024](https://jaylit.com/david-ishaya-osu-wins-the-charles-rischbieth-jury-poetry-prize-2024/) - Nigerian poet, David Ishaya Osu has been unveiled as the winner of the Charles Rischbieth Jury Poetry Prize 2024 for his poem, Daylight. Daylight is a poignant and evocative poem that explores the human experience through inventive form and sensual language. Praised for its nuanced and sophisticated relationship between language and subject matter, the poem
- [Ituĩka Multilingual Anthology of Stories in Kenyan Languages to be Released in December 2024](https://jaylit.com/ituika-multilingual-anthology-of-stories-in-kenyan-languages-to-be-released-in-december-2024/) - The Ituĩka Multilingual Anthology of Stories in Kenyan Languages is set to be published in December of 2024 by the The Ituĩka Literary Platform. The anthology features 14 Kenyan languages in two separate volumes. The languages included in the anthology are Bukusu, Dholuo, Ekegusii, Embu, Gikuyu, Kiduruma, Kimeru, Luhya, Maa, Sheng, Somali, and Wanga, with each piece translated
- [JAY Lit Issue 8: Cover Reveal & Contributors List](https://jaylit.com/jay-lit-issue-8-cover-reveal-contributors-list/) - The eighth issue of The Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) is slated for release in the first week of December 2024. It is journal's first guest-edited issue, with Martha Khoeses (prose) and Kaushar Edoo (poetry) doing us the honours. It is also perhaps the journal's most packed issue yet, brimming with content ranging from poetry
- [Henneh Kyereh Kwaku Is a 2024 Poetry Magazine Winner](https://jaylit.com/henneh-kyereh-kwaku-is-a-2024-poetry-magazine-winner/) - Ghanaian poet, writer and author, Henneh Kyereh Kwaku has been announced as a winner of the 2024 Poetry Magazine. Poetry (founded as Poetry: A Magazine of Verse) has been published in Chicago since 1912. It is one of the leading monthly poetry journals in the English-speaking world. Founded by poet and arts columnist, Harriet Monroe,
- [Pacella Chukwuma-Eke Wins AIPFEST Poetry Grand Slam](https://jaylit.com/pacella-chukwuma-eke-wins-aipfest-poetry-grand-slam/) - Pacella Chukwuma-Eke has emerged as the winner of the maiden edition of the Abuja International Poetry Festival (AIPFest) Grand Slam competition, receiving the prestigious Efe Paul Azino Prize for 2024. The event took place on 16 November 2024, where Pacella triumphed over 15 other talented finalists to claim the grand prize of ₦500,000. The inaugural
- [Mubanga Kalimamukwento Wins 2024 Dzanc Prize for Fiction](https://jaylit.com/mubanga-kalimamukwento-wins-2024-dzanc-prize-for-fiction/) - Dzanc Books is pleased to announce the winner of this year's Dzanc Books Prize for Fiction: Shipikisha by Mubanga Kalimamukwento. It was selected from a pool of hundreds of manuscripts and eventually judged by three celebrated Dzanc Books authors: Farah Ali (The River, The Town), Chika Unigwe (The Middle Daughter), and Sarah Yahm (Unfinished Acts
- [Joemario Umana Is A Sophon Lit Poetry Contest Shortlistee](https://jaylit.com/joemario-umana-is-a-sophon-lit-poetry-contest-shortlistee/) - Nigerian writer and author, Joemario Umana has been announced as a shortlistee in the Sophon Lit poetry contest for his piece, "After The Waters Waved Bye". The contest which celebrates exceptional literary talent in poetry, recognized Umana alongside other distinguished writers, including Debmalya Bandyopadhyay for "Jeff", Ivi Hua for "Birthday Poem", Fiona Jin for "Maclaurin
- [Introducing The Global Black Women Non-Fiction Manuscript Prize Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-global-black-women-non-fiction-manuscript-prize-shortlist/) - Cassava Republic has recently revealed the shortlist for the inaugural Global Black Women's Non-Fiction Manuscript Prize. Selected from an extraordinary longlist, five manuscripts were shortlisted among which were three African writers: Elemental Solidarity by Sindi-Leigh Mcbridge (South Africa) Black Beauty Model Agency by Desta Haile (Eritrea) Through The Lens of Food: A Decolonized Exploration of
- [Call for Submissions: Awele Creative Trust Award](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-awele-creative-trust-award/) - Awele Creative Trust is currently open for submissions from writers and lovers of literature across Nigeria. Established in 2013, Awele Creative Trust (ACT) is a non-profit trust formed to provide a platform and enabling environment for creative young persons in Nigeria through literature and arts. The ACT prize is awarded to a short story by
- [Ani Kayode Somtochukwu's Book Chat Sparks Powerful Dialogue at ALITFEST 2024](https://jaylit.com/ani-kayode-somtochukwus-book-chat-sparks-powerful-dialogue-at-alitfest-2024/) - On 29th October 2024, a compelling book chat took place with Nigerian writer and activist Ani Kayode Somtochukwu, author of the acclaimed novel And Then He Sang a Lullaby. This event, hosted by Roving Heights in collaboration with Cassava Republic Press, was one of the highlights of the 2024 Abuja Literary and Arts Festival (ALITFEST),
- [The 2024 African Writers Conference and African Children’s Literature](https://jaylit.com/the-2025-african-writers-conference-and-african-childrens-literature/) - A very thrilling and fascinating aspect of African Children’s Literature is its ability to seamlessly blend traditional oral storytelling with contemporary themes that draw inspiration from ancient myths, legends, and folktale, allowing young readers to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the African state, thereby providing a measure for addressing modern challenges and tackling
- [Abdulrazaq Salihu Shines in Sundress Publications' Chapbook Contest](https://jaylit.com/abdulrazaq-salihu-shines-in-sundress-publications-chapbook-contest/) - Nigerian poet, Abdulrazaq Salihu has been announced as a runner-up in the Sundress Publications Chapbook Contest for his chapbook, Quantum Entanglements With Notes on Loss. The contest, judged by Egyptian-American poet Athena Nassar, selected three winners. Salihu emerged as a runner-up, joining a celebrated cohort of poets. Notably, A Study in Red by Timi Sanni
- [Afro-Centered Futurisms in Our Speculative Fiction: Amplifying African Voices in Speculative Fiction](https://jaylit.com/afro-centered-futurisms-in-our-speculative-fiction-amplifying-african-voices-in-speculative-fiction/) - The Afro-Centered Futurisms in Our Speculative Fiction anthology edited by Eugen Bacon and published by Bloomsbury Academic is set to revolutionize the landscape of speculative fiction by amplifying African voices and perspectives. This project emerges from Bacon’s reflections on the current state of Afrofuturism, particularly after engaging with the anthology Literary Afrofuturism in the Twenty-First Century. In her essay, she articulates
- [Nnedi Okorafor's "She Who Knows" Officially Launches on December 2](https://jaylit.com/nnedi-okorafors-she-who-knows-officially-launches-on-december-2/) - Fans of speculative fiction are eagerly awaiting Nnedi Okorafor's latest masterpiece, She Who Knows. Known for her acclaimed pieces, Binti and Who Fears Death, Okorafor continues her exploration of African-Futurism with this new novel, which introduces readers to the mysterious world of Najeeba and the Salt Roads. The story revolves around 13-year-old Najeeba, whose life
- [Dami Okhiria Wins as Olamide Shobowale also Dazzles at Derby Poetry Slam 2024](https://jaylit.com/dami-okhiria-wins-as-olamide-shobowale-also-dazzles-at-derby-poetry-slam-2024/) - Guests at the Derby Silk Mill at the Museum of Making on October 4 were treated to an awe-inspiring night of sublime performances from contestants at the Derby Poetry Festival 2024's "Poetry Slam". Among the contests were two poets of Nigerian descent; Dami Okhiria who went on to win this year's slam, and JAY Lit
- [#JayLitInterviewSeries with Stephen Embleton](https://jaylit.com/jaylitinterviewseries-with-stephen-embleton/) - Stephen Embleton was born in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and is now a resident in Oxford, United Kingdom, since being an academic visitor to the African Studies Centre, University of Oxford in 2022. Stephen was awarded the Best Novella by an African in the 7th Nommo Awards presented in person at Glasgow WorldCon in August 2024,
- [Ake Festival 2024 Adopts a More International Scope,  to Host Guests from 15 Countries](https://jaylit.com/ake-festival-2024-adopts-a-more-international-scope-to-host-guests-from-15-countries/) - The highly anticipated 10th edition of the Ake Arts & Book Festival, founded by celebrated author Lola Shoneyin, is set to bring together writers, artists, and thinkers from around the globe for a vibrant celebration of African culture and literature. The festival, which will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from 20th to 23rd November, has
- [Badoe Yaba, Morani Djamila, Musariri Blessing, Danielle Jawando, & Efua Traoré Nominated for the 2025 Carnegie Medals](https://jaylit.com/badoe-yaba-morani-djamila-musariri-blessing-danielle-jawando-efua-traore-nominated-for-the-2025-carnegie-medals/) - The nominations for the 2025 Carnegie Medals, the UK’s longest-standing children’s book awards has been revealed. A total of 119 books are in the running for these prestigious medals, which are awarded annually to celebrate excellence in children’s literature and illustration. Out of the 119 nominated books, 64 titles are vying for the Carnegie Medal
- [Narrative Landscape Press Unveils Cover of  Love, Lagos & Other Complications](https://jaylit.com/narrative-landscape-press-unveils-cover-of-love-lagos-other-complications/) - Narrative Landscape Press is excited to unveil the cover of Love, Lagos & Other Complications, the forthcoming novel by Zainab Uche Imam. The novel is a captivating exploration of love, personal growth, and the intricacies of navigating relationships in the vibrant city of Lagos. The story centres around Ṣemilore “Ṣemi” Coker, a brilliant product developer,
- [Call For Submissions: Afritondo Short Story Prize 2025](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-afritondo-short-story-prize-2025/) - The Afritondo Short Story Prize, an annual literary competition celebrating Black and African voices, is now open for submissions for its 2025 edition. This year’s theme, “Masks,” calls on writers to explore the multifaceted roles of masks in social, psychological, spiritual, and cultural contexts. Entrants are encouraged to delve into the concept of masks as
- [Cassava Republic’s Being Black in Publishing Programme Returns for 2024](https://jaylit.com/cassava-republics-being-black-in-publishing-programme-returns-for-2024/) - Cassava Republic Press is excited to announce the return of its Being Black in Publishing (BBIP) initiative, following the success of its inaugural year. The programme a unique platform dedicated to increasing African and Afrodiasporic representation in publishing through panel discussions, workshops, and internship programmes. BBIP empowers aspiring Black professionals with the knowledge, skills, and
- [The Swan Collective Opens Call for Membership](https://jaylit.com/the-swan-collective-opens-call-for-membership/) - The Swan Collective, a literary organization dedicated to promoting African poetry, has opened a call for membership inviting African poets across the world. Swan Collective is a group of poets united by a shared passion for poetry and literature. Their purpose is to nurture one another's craft, aiming to produce high standard poetry while also
- [African Writers Awards, African Teen Writers Awards, and Wakini Kuria Prize for Children’s Literature Winners Unveiled](https://jaylit.com/african-writers-awards-african-teen-writers-awards-and-wakini-kuria-prize-for-childrens-literature-winners-unveiled/) - On Saturday, the 26th of October, the winners of the 2024 African Writers Awards (AWA) were announced. The AWA comprises the African Teen Writers Awards for poetry and prose, African Writers Awards (Short Stories), Wakini Kuria Prize for Children’s Literature, and the maiden edition of the Wanjohi Prize for African Poetry. The winners will receive
- [Introducing the 2025 LOATAD Black Atlantic Residents](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-2025-loatad-black-atlantic-residents/) - The Library of Africa and The African Diaspora (LOATAD) has announced the writers chosen for the 2025 LOATAD Black Atlantic Residency. Supported by the Hawthornden Foundation, this year's theme, African Solidarities, celebrates writers who embody the unity and resilience of African communities. Among the ten selected writers are six from across the African continent. They
- [Jonny Steinberg and Andrew Brown are Winners of the  2024 Sunday Times Literary Awards](https://jaylit.com/jonny-steinberg-and-andrew-brown-are-winners-of-the-2024-sunday-times-literary-awards/) - The 2024 Sunday Times Literary Awards, presented in collaboration with Exclusive Books, honored South Africa’s finest in fiction and non-fiction literature. The awards ceremony was held at The Melrose Gallery in Johannesburg, where Jonny Steinberg and Andrew Brown emerged as this year’s winners. In the non-fiction category, Jonny Steinberg took home the prize for Winnie
- [Hussain Ahmed Wins BWR's 2024 Poetry Contest](https://jaylit.com/hussain-ahmed-wins-bwrs-2024-poetry-contest/) - Black Warrior Review (BWR) has announced the 2024 winner of its annual poetry contest and it is none other than Nigerian poet, Hussain Ahmed. Hussain won the poetry contest with his captivating poem, “Song of Summer”, set to be published in issue 51.2 of BWR which is slated for release in early 2025. His artist
- [Unserious Collective Announces 2024 Fellowship Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/unserious-collective-announces-2024-fellowship-shortlist/) - The Unserious Collective, a renowned literary organization, has unveiled the shortlist for its 2024 Fellowship program. This year’s shortlist of ten is withered down from an initial longlist of twenty, and it features many exciting names, including JAY Lit Issue 7 contributor, Timi Sanni. The full list is as follows: Dokubo-Asari Habiba Samuel A. Adeyemi Prince Gershom
- [Akwaeke Emezi Announces New Book](https://jaylit.com/akwaeke-emezi-announces-new-book/) - Celebrated Nigerian author Akwaeke Emezi has announced a new novel titled Sọmadịna, a West African young adult dark fantasy, set to be published by Underlined Press on April 15, 2025. Known for their genre-spanning work, Emezi returns with a work that combines the supernatural with elements of Igbo tradition and the Biafran War. Emezi is
- [Chinemerem Prince Nwankwo and Nwodo Chukwu Divine are 2024 Lucky Jefferson Finalists](https://jaylit.com/lucky-jefferson-unveils-the-2024-poetry-and-prose-finalist/) - Lucky Jefferson has recently announced the finalists of its' 2nd 2024 poetry and prose annual contest. An award-winning literary journal that generates interactive conversations around poetry and art by reforming the way journals are produced and shared. Lucky Jefferson features poets and writers who have never been published, marginalized perspectives, and those who sought to
- [Ubwali Literary Magazine Launches 3rd Issue in Celebration of Zambia's 60th Independence Day](https://jaylit.com/ubwali-literary-magazine-launches-3rd-issue-in-celebration-of-zambias-60th-independence-day/) - On the occasion of Zambia's 60th Independence Day, Ubwali Literary Magazine launched its 3rd issue to celebrate the huge milestone. Ubwali, a Zambian literary magazine described this as its biggest issue yet, featuring the work of 19 Zambian artists. This includes short stories by Muuka Gwaba, Mwenya Chikwa, Mwinji Siame, Joe Nyirenda, Lakish’a, and Mwila
- [The Adaptation of African Literature into Film: Celebrating Audiovisual Heritage](https://jaylit.com/the-adaptation-of-african-literature-into-film-celebrating-audiovisual-heritage/) - Every October 27, the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage highlights the importance of preserving films, recordings, and audiovisual works that capture the essence of our history, culture, and collective human experience. African literature, renowned for its rich oral and written traditions, is an invaluable part of this heritage. Through film and documentary adaptations, African stories
- [INKSPIREDNG Set To Release UJANA by Frank Njugi](https://jaylit.com/inkspiredng-set-to-release-ujana-by-frank-njugi/) - INKSPIREDNG, a chapbook publishing platform under the leadership of Nigerian poet and literary promoter Jide Badmus, has announced the upcoming release of Ujana, a debut chapbook by Kenyan poet, Frank Njugi. Ujana, which translates to "Youth" in Swahili, explores the vibrant and complex realities of being a young artist in Nairobi and East Africa. With
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Abu Bakr Sadiq](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-abu-bakr-sadiq/) - A literary rise with so much more to come... Abu Bakr Sadiq was born in Minna, Niger State of Nigeria. Growing up as a son to a father who was an educator and instructor, it felt natural that he had to frequently engage in intensive close reading and writing in English language in his formative
- [Ameen Animashaun Wins The 2024 A. E. Claeyssens, Jr. Poetry Prize](https://jaylit.com/ameen-animashaun-wins-the-2024-a-e-claeyssens-jr-poetry-prize/) - Nigerian poet Ameen Animashaun has been announced as the winner of the 2024 A. E. Claeyssens, Jr. Poetry Prize for his captivating poem, "Song." "Song" is a poignant poem exploring themes of identity, longing, and resilience. Through lyrical language and vivid imagery, Animashaun weaves a narrative delving into the human experience, revealing complexities of love,
- [Pumla Dineo Gqola's Female Fear Factory Wins CANEX Publishing Prize 2024](https://jaylit.com/pumla-dineo-gqolas-female-fear-factory-wins-canex-prize/) - The inaugural CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa was awarded in a prestigious ceremony held in Algiers, during the CANEX Weekend. Organised as part of Afreximbank's CANEX Book Factory initiative in partnership with Narrative Landscape Press Limited, the event honoured outstanding achievements by African publishing companies. The dinner was hosted by the Honourable Minister of
- [Inua Ellams Joins First Story as Ambassador](https://jaylit.com/inua-ellams-joins-first-story-as-ambassador/) - Award-winning poet, playwright, and performer Inua Ellams has been appointed as an Ambassador for First Story, England's leading creative writing charity for young people. Expressing his gratitude, Ellams says: "I am thrilled to join First Story as an Ambassador, it is crucial for young people to express themselves freely through writing and share their ideas
- [Narrative Landscape Set to Publish Contraband Bodies by Olajide Salawu](https://jaylit.com/narrative-landscape-set-to-publish-contraband-bodies-by-olajide-salawu/) - Narrative Landscape Press, a leading Nigerian publishing house, has announced the acquisition of Contraband Bodies, a new poetry collection by Nigerian poet Olajide Salawu. Describing Contraband Bodies in his own words, Salawu says: "It is a personal record migratory travails and a country lost to precarious politics. It is a conscious elegy of displacement and
- [Unserious Collective Announces Fellowship Longlist for 2024](https://jaylit.com/unserious-collective-announces-fellowship-longlist-for-2024/) - The Unserious Collective, a renowned literary organization, has unveiled its longlist for the 2024 Fellowship program. This year's list features a diverse group of poets from across the country, all vying for a share of the 2 million Nigerian Naira prize pool. The list includes JAY Lit Issue 7 contributor, Timi Sanni. The longlist for
- [Kanyinsola Olorunnisola, Tega Oghenechovwen, and Koye Oyedeji Make 2024 Granum Prize Longlist](https://jaylit.com/kanyinsola-olorunnisola-and-tega-oghenechovwen-make-2024-granum-prize-longlist/) - The 2024 Granum Prize has been revealed. Featuring an impressive array of talented writers, three Africans have made the cut: Kanyinsola Olorunnisola, Tega Oghenechovwen, and Koye Oyedeji, all of Nigerian descent. Meet the writers Kanyin Olorunnisola is a Nigerian writer, editor, and filmmaker. He is the author of two chapbooks and the director of the
- [Gabriel Awuah Mainoo Graces Dialogue with Africa in Denmark](https://jaylit.com/gabriel-awuah-mainoo-graces-dialogue-with-africa-in-denmark/) - JAY Lit poetry editor Gabriel Awuah Mainoo, on Saturday 12th October 2024, delivered a masterful rendition of poetry and music in collaboration with Anne Green Munk and Torben Bjørnskov at the Dialogue with Africa festival, which took place in Denmark. Ghanaian author Gabriel Awuah Mainoo and Danish author Anne Green Munk read out loud from
- [Introducing The Miles Morland Foundation Writing Scholarships Shortlist.](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-miles-morland-foundation-writing-scholarships-shortlist/) - The Miles Morland Foundation has unveiled the shortlist for the 2024 Morland Writing Scholarships. Established in 2013 by British philanthropist Miles Morland, the Miles Morland Writing Scholarships support aspiring African writers of fiction and nonfiction. The annual awards provide four winners with a £18,000 grant, offering financial freedom to focus on their craft. Since inception,
- [The Republic Magazine Celebrates Receiving Two Major Funding Grants](https://jaylit.com/the-republic-magazine-celebrates-receiving-two-major-funding-grants/) - The Republic is proud to announce that they have received not one, but two funding grants from the Open Society Foundations (OSF) and the Mellon Foundation! The Open Society Foundations (OSF) has granted them a whopping $200,000 and the Mellon Foundation has granted them a staggering $300,000. The Republic × The Open Society Foundations (OSF) Partnership
- [Éric Chacour is a 2024 Atwood Gibson Writers' Trust Fiction Prize Finalist](https://jaylit.com/atwood-gibson-writers-trust-fiction-prize-unveils-finalists-for-2024/) - Writers' Trust has unveiled its finalists contending for one of Canada's most sought-after literary prizes in its 2024 edition. Among these exceptional finalists is Canadian-Egyptian author Éric Chacour. In no particular order, here are the five finalists chosen from a wide pool of talented writers: Éric Chacour - What I Know About You (Coach House
- [Gboyega Odubanjo’s Adam Honoured on the T.S. Eliot Shortlist Posthumously](https://jaylit.com/gboyega-odubanjos-adam-honoured-on-the-t-s-eliot-shortlist-posthumously/) - Celebrated poet, Gboyega Odubanjo's poetry collection, Adam, has earned posthumous recognition on the shortlist of the T.S Eliot Prize for 2024. Haunted by the discovery of the remains of a young Black boy in the River Thames in London, 2001, Gboyega Odubanjo’s Adam builds from the Genesis myth and from Yoruba culture to examine with
- [Olubunmi Familoni Wins the Nigeria Prize for Literature 2024](https://jaylit.com/olubunmi-familoni-wins-the-nigeria-prize-for-literature-2024/) - Nigerian author, Olubunmi Familoni has been revealed as the winner of the 2024 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Literature competition for his book, The Road Does Not End. The award, presented by Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairperson of the Advisory Board, alongside Professors Olu Obafemi and Ahmed Yerima, recognizes Olubunmi Familoni's book, The Road Does
- [Call for Submissions: The Poetry Journal](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-the-poetry-journal/) - The Poetry Journal has officially opened its call for submissions for its second issue, inviting poets from across the globe to contribute work centred around an “African experience". Writers are encouraged to explore everyday human experiences through creative and accessible poetry. Submission Guidelines The submission is open to all. Submissions must centre around an "African
- [Quramo Publishing Announces 2024 Word Slam and Writers Prize Winners](https://jaylit.com/quramo-publishing-announces-2024-word-slam-and-writers-prize-winners/) - The 2024 edition of Quramo Festival of Words (QFest) concluded with exciting moments as the winners of both the Quramo Writers Prize and the Quramo Word Slam were announced. In the Quramo Writers Prize category, Arthur Gabriel Yak emerged as the winner for his piece Whispers Of Survival taking home the grand prize of ₦1,000,000
- [Call for Submissions: Isele Magazine](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-isele-magazine/) - Isele Magazine has unveiled its call for submissions for the upcoming quarterly issue, centering on the theme of air pollution. The issue aims to spotlight the complex and pressing narratives of air pollution through various forms of storytelling and artistic expression. Prominent disasters such as the BioLab chemical fire in Atlanta, the Bhopal gas tragedy,
- [Brittle Paper Announces 2024 Submission Call for Festive Anthology Vol. III](https://jaylit.com/brittle-paper-announces-2024-submission-call-for-festive-anthology-vol-iii/) - Brittle Paper has announced the call for submissions for its 2024 Festive Anthology, inviting writers to contribute poetry, short stories, and essays that capture the spirit of festive celebrations ‘offering readers 25 days of heartwarming literary pieces instead of chocolates’. Brittle Paper is an esteemed online literary magazine dedicated to readers of African literature, recognized
- [Introducing The Blessing Kolajo Poetry Prize 2024 Longlist](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-blessing-kolajo-poetry-prize-2024-longlist/) - The longlist of the Blessing Kolajo Poetry Prize 2024 (BKPP), themed “Fragment Of Time” has been revealed! This year’s entries explore the complexities of time, its fleeting nature, its fragments held in memory, and its impact on both individual and collective experiences. The 30 longlisted authors are: Anatomy of my grandmother hanging in a scythe
- [Call for Applications: The 2025 Rajat Neogy Editorial Fellowship at A Long House](https://jaylit.com/call-for-applications-the-2025-rajat-neogy-editorial-fellowship-at-a-long-house/) - In a bid to continue in their commitment to foster editorial talent in Africa, A Long House is putting out a call for the 2025 Rajat Neogy Editorial Fellowship, the third edition since the fellowship was founded in 2021. The fellowship hopes to keep developing and expanding through the years, inspiring and nurturing a robust
- [Gerald Ewa and Raina Muriithi Make Building Bridges Competition Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/gerald-ewa-and-raina-muriithi-make-building-bridges-competition-shortlist/) - Renard Press has announced the shortlist for their Building Bridges Anthology. Gerald Ewa and Raina Muriithi are among the talented poets whose exceptional poems earned them an entry in the upcoming anthology. In no particular order, here are the gifted poets who made the shortlist: ‘A Calculated Step’ by Oz Hardwick ‘A Man in a
- [The Idembeka Creative Writing Workshop 2025 Opens for Submissions on October 15](https://jaylit.com/the-idembeka-creative-writing-workshop-2025-opens-for-submissions-on-october-15/) - The Idembeka Creative Writing Workshop is opening for submissions for its 2025 edition from 15th October to 15th November 2024. The workshop which was established in 2022 by Frances Ogamba, Kasimma and Mubanga Kalimamukwento is free to attend for African writers with not more than three publications to their credit. The 2025 edition will hold
- [Introducing The Ngiga Humour Writing Prize Longlist](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-ngiga-humour-writing-prize-longlist/) - Ngiga Review has revealed the Ngiga Humour Writing Prize longlist (in honour of John Okafor AKA Mr. Ibu) aimed at ‘celebrating and rewarding the brilliance of African writers who skillfully weave humour into their storytelling’. The longlisted authors are: Olusesi Fatimo T. – "Paternity Fraud" Tobiloba Oladeji – "Pest of Friends" Solomon T. Hamza –
- [Call for Submissions: The 2024 Abebi Award in AfroNonfiction](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-the-2024-abebi-award-in-afrononfiction/) - The Abebi AfroNonfiction Institute (TAANI) announces the second edition of the Abebi Award in Afro-Nonfiction, following the success of its inaugural year. Sponsored by Jadesola Osiberu, CEO Greoh Studios, the 2024 Abebi Award in AfroNonfiction will be judged by Àjọkẹ́ Bọ́dúndé, Ope Adedeji and Mofiyinfoluwa O. Founded by Mofiyinfoluwa O., the institute exists to celebrate
- [Introducing The Global Black Women's Non-Fiction Manuscript Prize Longlist](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-global-black-womens-non-fiction-manuscript-prize-longlist/) - Cassava Republic Press has revealed the longlist for its inaugural Global Black Women’s Non-Fiction Manuscript Prize which includes Black women authors from all across the globe. Below is a list of all longlisted authors as mentioned: African Feminist Reflections on State Sponsored Backlash in Kenya by Marilyn Kamuru (Kenya) Anxiolytic Notes by Daniela Rodrigues Damaceno
- [Dream Count: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Breaks 11-Year Silence with New Novel](https://jaylit.com/dream-count-chimamanda-ngozi-adichie-breaks-11-year-silence-with-new-novel/) - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, celebrated author of modern-day classics like Americanah, Purple Hibiscus, and Half of a Yellow Sun, has sent the literary community in Africa and beyond into a joyous frenzy with the announcement of Dream Count, her first full-length novel in 11 years. The novel tells the story of four women—Chiamaka, Zikora, Omelogor, and
- [Kusoma Book Project Announces Winners](https://jaylit.com/kusoma-book-project-announces-winners/) - The winners of The Kusoma Book Project, which invited Kenyan storytellers to submit a manuscript for a children’s book that celebrated intellectual, physical and emotional differences, were announced and celebrated at an artist’s reception in Eldoret earlier this year. The winners are: Ruth W. Ngiciri, author of The Little Giraffe Who Was Different Blessings Wanjiku
- [Call for Submissions: Shallow Tales Review](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-shallow-tales-review/) - The literary journal has announced its submission window for the November issue to be from October 1st to October 31st. The Shallow Tales Review (TSTR) accepts fiction, creative non-fiction, book reviews, poems, one-act plays, cultural and social essays, art photographs, and translations that touch on the sensibilities of the African. They state that literary criticisms
- [Quramo Festival of Words is Back with a Stellar Line-Up and Interesting Activities](https://jaylit.com/quramo-festival-of-words-is-back-with-a-stellar-line-up-and-interesting-activities/) - The highly anticipated Quramo Festival of Words is set to make a triumphant return for its eighth edition this year, with the theme, The Shifting, which ‘mirrors the dynamic changes of our global landscape’. In accordance with its aim of providing a platform for emerging African writers, Quramo Media has established the Quramo Writers' Prize.
- [Introducing the 2024 Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature Award Winners](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-2024-jomo-kenyatta-prize-for-literature-award-winners/) - The winners of the 2024 Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature have been announced! Celebrating excellence in East African storytelling, the awards recognize remarkable works in both Kiswahili and English across multiple categories, including Adult, Youth, and Children’s literature. The Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature is a biennial literary award given by the Kenya Publishers' Association.
- [African Talent Takes Centre Stage in Upcoming "Things Fall Apart" Adaptation](https://jaylit.com/african-talent-takes-center-stage-in-upcoming-things-fall-apart-adaptation/) - A groundbreaking adaptation of Chinua Achebe's iconic novel, Things Fall Apart, is set to hit screens, with a stellar cast of African talent leading the charge. The official description of Things Fall Apart states it is the: “Story of Okonkwo, one of literature’s most iconic characters—a fearless African warrior and leader who is resolute about
- [Saddiq Dzukogi Wins 2024 Narrative Magazine Poetry Contest](https://jaylit.com/saddiq-dzukogi-wins-2024-narrative-magazine-poetry-contest/) - Nigerian poet, Saddiq Dzukogi has been announced as a winner of the 16th Narrative Magazine Annual Poetry Contest for his piece, "Egress". Clinching the first spot in the contest, he is joined by two fellow African poets; Adedayo Agarau and Brian Gyamfi whose works earned them a spot as finalists in the contest for their
- [Announcing JAY Lit's 2025 Best of the Net Nominations](https://jaylit.com/announcing-jay-lits-2025-best-of-the-net-nominations/) - It's that time of the year when Sundress Publications accepts nominations for its annual Best of the Net anthology. For the first time in our history, the Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) is sending in nominations from works we published within the period in review—July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Our nominees
- [The Way Home](https://jaylit.com/the-way-home/) - I cradle my boy in my arms until his body is cold. The once dark blue school bag holds his head securely against my body. At first, I wonder if the bones protruding from my chest will cause him to bruise, then I remember that he can no longer feel me. The tattered blanket that
- [The Oddity](https://jaylit.com/the-oddity/) - Who sleeps at night and lets out moans instead of snores, waking up with a soaked pantie as though I had romped with a man all night? That’s me. I moved to the UK from Nigeria three months ago, and this started two months into that, in a place where I have no one to
- [Introducing the 2024 African Writers Awards Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-2024-african-writers-awards-shortlist/) - The shortlist for the 2024 African Writers Awards has been announced! Celebrating excellence in African literature, the awards include the African Teen Writers Awards for Poetry and Prose, the African Writers Awards (Short Stories), the Wakini Kuria Prize for Children’s Literature, and the Wanjohi Prize for African Poetry. The shortlistees include JAY Lit poetry editor Gabriel
- [Call For Submissions: Dinaane Debut Fiction Award](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-dinaane-debut-fiction-award/) - Jacana Media has released an open call for submission for their Dinaane Debut Fiction Award. With this award, they focus on debut writers, looking to encourage new writing talent. The media house says that sometimes wonderful, illuminating and challenging fiction doesn’t get published because publishers are more and more constrained by market forces. Fiction is
- [Call For Submissions: Afritondo Short Story Competition](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-afritondo-short-story-competition/) - The Afritondo Short Story Prize 2025 is now open, calling all Black and African writers worldwide. This year, they want writers to respond to the theme of “masks”: spiritual, psychological, social, and cultural coverings that people wear. In some African cultures, masks are worn only by a particular group of people. Around the world, though,
- [Gbenga Adesina Wins the 2024 Raz-Shumaker Prairie Schooner Book Prize in Poetry](https://jaylit.com/gbenga-adesina-wins-the-2024-raz-shumaker-prairie-schooner-book-prize-in-poetry/) - Nigerian poet and essayist, Gbenga Adesina has been announced as the 2024 winner of the Raz-Shumaker Prairie Schooner Book Prize in Poetry for his book, Death Does Not End At The Sea. He will receive a $3,000 award along with publication by the University of Nebraska Press The prize was awarded by guest judges Joseph
- [CANEX Book Factory Announces Shortlist for CANEX Publishing Prize](https://jaylit.com/canex-book-factory-announces-shortlist-for-canex-publishing-prize/) - The CANEX Book Factory, an initiative of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has announced the shortlist for the inaugural CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa. The publishers and their shortlisted titles are as follows: Cassava Republic Press (Nigeria) for Female Fear Factory: Unravelling Patriarchy’s Culture of Violence by Pumla Dineo Gqola Jacana Media (South Africa)
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Gabrial Awuah Mainoo](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-gabrial-awuah-mainoo/) - All the Beautiful Places Writing Has Taken Gabriel Awuah Mainoo Gabriel Awuah Mainoo is a multiple-award winning Ghanaian writer, poet, editor, and lyricist who was raised as a sportsman by his father, training as a footballer and also in racket-sport disciplines. In the field of tennis, he clinched trophies and medals for his hall—CASFORD—and the
- [Morabo Morojele and Jarred Thompson Win UJ Prizes for South African Writing in English](https://jaylit.com/morabo-morojele-and-jarred-thompson-win-university-of-johannesburg-prizes-for-south-african-writing-in-english/) - The winners for this year's University of Johannesburg Prizes for South African Writing in English (UJ Prizes) have been announced, following a rigorous adjudication process, in which seven judges from three universities evaluated a wide array of books published in 2023. They winners are Morabo Morojele and Jarred Thompson, with Morojele winning the Main Prize
- [Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim and Francis-Xavier Mukiibi are Winners of the 2024 Creative Future Writers' Award](https://jaylit.com/ibrahim-babatunde-ibrahim-and-francis-xavier-mukiibi-are-winners-of-the-2024-creative-future-writers-award/) - UK-based Nigerian writer Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim has won the Gold Prize for Fiction in the prestigious 2024 Creative Future Writers' Awards (CFWA), while British-Ugandan poet Francis-Xavier Mukiibi won the Silver Prize for Poetry. Now in its eleventh year, the 2024 edition of Creative Future Writers' Awards was themed "Reveal", attracting a record 1,600 submissions from unpublished writers from around the
- [Ugochukwu Anadi, Sima Essien, and Evidence Adjarho win After The End Book Review Competition](https://jaylit.com/ugochukwu-anadi-sima-essien-and-evidence-adjarho-win-after-the-end-book-review-competition/) - In celebration of Olukorede S. Yishau’s recently published novel, After the End, from Masobe Books, reviewers were invited by Afapinen to submit a review of the novel. They were looking for critical reviews that sought to engage and expand the appreciation of the novel. It is safe to say they found such reviews as they
- [Introducing The 2024 Global Africa Translation Fellowship Awardees](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-2024-global-africa-translation-fellowship-awardees/) - The Africa Institute, Global Studies University (GSU), Sharjah, has announced the awardees of the Global Africa Translation Fellowship for 2024. The awardees, in order of placement, are: Yarri Kamara Ibrahim Fawzy Balew Demissie Yarri Kamara is a Sierra Leonean-Ugandan writer, translator and policy researcher. Her translation of Monique Ilboudo’s novel So Distant from My Life
- [Introducing The 2024 Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship Awardees](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-tejumola-olaniyan-creative-writers-in-residence-fellowship-2024-awardees/) - The Africa Institute, Global Studies University (GSU), Sharjah has revealed the awardees of the third cohort for the Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship. The writers, in order of placement are: Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor Rémy Ngamije Amil Issa Shivji Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor, born in 1968 in Nairobi, Kenya, is an acclaimed author of novels, short stories,
- [#JayLitInterviewSeries with S. Su’eddie Vershima Agema](https://jaylit.com/jaylitinterviewseries-with-s-sueddie-vershima-agema/) - Su’ur E. Su’eddie-Vershima Agema is a multiple-award-winning writer, editor, cultural advocate, and development practitioner. Among other prizes across genres, he has won the Association of Nigerian Authors Poetry Prize (2014 & 2022), the Mandela Day Short Story Prize 2016 and was a finalist for the Nigeria Prize for Literature (2022), Africa’s most prestigious literature prize
- [Cozying Up With Poetry: My Thoughts on Oyindamola Shoola's Book, Face Me I Face You](https://jaylit.com/cozying-up-with-poetry-my-thoughts-on-face-me-i-face-you/) - If you’ve ever found yourself peering out of a window to catch a glimpse of your neighbours' lives or politely asking them to turn down their loud music, you’ll find Oyindamola Shoola’s Face Me I Face You a deeply relatable read. The book explores a humorous journey through the chaotic yet captivating world of a
- [Abuja International Poetry Festival 2024 Is Set For Nov 14-16](https://jaylit.com/abuja-international-poetry-festival-2024-is-set-for-nov-14-16/) - The inaugural Abuja International Poetry Festival (AIPFest) 2024 curated by Nasara Creative draws on hope and the possibilities of another important cultural platform with partnerships from The African School of Economics, Abuja Literary Society, Jeje Riders, Spine & Label Bookshop, All Africa Intellectual Property Rights Summit-Rwanda 2024, amongst others, at a time crucial to the
- [Eugen Bacon's new collection, A Place Between Waking and Forgetting, is out!](https://jaylit.com/eugen-bacons-new-collection-a-place-between-waking-and-forgetting-is-out/) - In what has been a prolific year for award-winning author, Eugen Bacon, her new collection of short stories titled A Place Between Waking and Forgetting is now out, released on 19 September 2024 by Raw Dog Screaming Press. As it is synonymous with her work, the collection of short stories is expectedly genre-bending, traversing genres and
- [Janette Ayachi is a Saltire Society Literary Awards 2024 Longlistee](https://jaylit.com/janette-ayachi-is-a-saltire-society-literary-awards-2024-longlistee/) - Scottish-Algerian poet, Janette Ayachi, has been announced as one of the longlisted authors for the 2024 Saltire Society Literary Awards for Poetry, recognized for her collection, QuickFire, Slow Burning. Janette Ayachi's QuickFire, Slow Burning moves beyond the personal, exploring universal themes with poems that ignite both on the page and in performance. She examines fire
- [Pemi Aguda Makes The 2024 National Book Award for Fiction Longlist](https://jaylit.com/pemi-aguda-makes-the-2024-national-book-award-for-fiction-longlist/) - Nigerian author, Pemi Aguda has been announced as one of the longlisted authors for the 2024 National Book Award for Fiction, recognized for her debut short story collection, Ghostroots. Ghostroots is set in the bustling and chaotic city of Lagos. The twelve stories explore the lives of ordinary people grappling with extraordinary circumstances, from infidelity
- [Safia Elhillo is a 2024 Kirkus Prize Finalist ](https://jaylit.com/safia-elhillo-is-a-2024-kirkus-prize-finalist/) - Sudanese-American author Safia Elhillo, has been announced as one of the finalists for the 2024 Kirkus Prize in Young Readers' Literature category, recognized for her compelling young adult novel Bright Red Fruit. Bright Red Fruit is a profound exploration of a young girl’s journey through the challenges of self-discovery, grappling with questions of identity, heritage,
- [Nadia Davids wins the 2024 Caine Prize for African Writing](https://jaylit.com/nadia-davids-wins-the-2024-caine-prize-for-african-writing/) - South African writer Nadia Davids has been announced as the winner of the 2024 Caine Prize for African Writing for her short story "Bridling", published in The Georgia Review in 2023. "Bridling" was praised by the judges for its use of language and storytelling, with Chair of Judges Chika Unigwe stating: “Bridling is an impressive
- [Nigeria Prize for Literature 2024 Unveils Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/nigeria-prize-for-literature-2024-unveils-shortlist/) - The NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature has announced this year's shortlist consisting of three finalists that have been recognized as the leading contenders for the prize, chosen from a pool of 163 books submitted for this year's competition. In no particular order, meet the finalists as well as their compelling pieces: Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmo - A
- [Njoku Nonso is a Winner Of the New Writers Poetry Competition 2024](https://jaylit.com/njoku-nonso-is-a-winner-of-the-new-writers-poetry-competition-2024/) - Njoku Nonso, a Nigerian Igbo-born poet, has been revealed as a winner of the New Writers Poetry Competition 2024 for his winning poem, "Surveillance from a High-Functioning Homo Proteus At Eagle Square, Circa Redacted" with a reward worth €1000 in cash prize! Speaking about the poem, the head judge, Jordan Hamel, in his words describes:
- [The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2024: The Journey So Far](https://jaylit.com/the-nigeria-prize-for-literature-2024-the-journey-so-far/) - In the world of African literature, the Nigeria Prize for Literature stands as a beacon of excellence and creativity.
- [The Evolution of African Storytelling: From Oral Traditions to Digital Narratives](https://jaylit.com/the-evolution-of-african-storytelling-from-oral-traditions-to-digital-narratives/) - You are sitting around a fire, watching its flames dance across a moonlit sky. You feel a surge of excitement, wondering which of the countless folktales your grandfather will share tonight. Each story, steeped in wisdom and humor, serves as a lesson in growth, a theme central to many African tales. In this article, we
- [Peter Okonkwo Exhibits New Book, A Cry for Mercy, At The 2024 Nigeria International Book Fair](https://jaylit.com/peter-okonkwo-exhibits-new-book-a-cry-for-mercy-at-the-2024-nigeria-international-book-fair/) - Nigerian writer and poet, Peter Okonkwo exhibited his fourth and best-selling poetry trilogy, Escape from the Unseen Dungeons: A Cry for Mercy at this year’s edition of the Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF) in Lagos, a book fair that is considered the biggest book fair in West Africa, and the second largest international book fair
- [Agbowó Unveils Unbox: An Interview Series](https://jaylit.com/agbowo-unveils-unbox-an-interview-series/) - "Unbox", Agbowó's new project, is their subset with an active goal of bringing readers into the framework of African artists, excavating their philosophies, methodologies, influences and secrets to the end of further appreciation of their craft, humanization of their person, and inspiration for those that will follow behind them. No one’s story is the same, but
- [Introducing The Winners of the 2024 AprilCentaur Short Story Contest](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-winners-of-the-2024-aprilcentaur-short-story-contest/) - The organisers of the AprilCentaur short story contest have unveiled the winners of their 2024 competition. The winners, in order of placement, are: Enit’ayanfe Akinsanya Desmond Udeh Eniola Dada Doubra Gift Enit’ayanfe Akinsanya is a Nigerian writer whose work has appeared in several notable publications including Isele and The Shallow Tales Review. He is a
- [African Literary Awards Today and What They Can Look Like Tomorrow — JayLit](https://jaylit.com/african-literary-awards-today-and-what-they-can-look-like-tomorrow/) - What is the current state of African Literary Awards, and how can they evolve to meet the needs of the future?
- [Open Call for Applications: African Writers Trust](https://jaylit.com/open-call-for-applications-african-writers-trust/) - The African Writers Trust is inviting applications for its 2024 Short Course on the Writing Craft, Editing Process, and the Business of Publishing. The course will focus on key aspects of the publishing cycle, from writing and editing to the final stages of production and marketing. Through hands-on assignments, group presentations, and one-on-one consultations with
- [Introducing the Iskanchi Magazine Prize Shortlist 2024](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-iskanchi-magazine-prize-shortlist-2024/) - The highly anticipated shortlist for the Iskanchi Magazine Prize has been unveiled, highlighting nine exceptional writers from across Africa, including Olorunfemi Olaleye, a JAY Lit Issue 6 contributor. The shortlisted writers are: Delight Chinenye Ejiaka (Nigeria) Fọpẹ́ Ojó (Nigeria) Olorunfemi Olaleye (Nigeria) Som Adedayor (Nigeria) Rodney Nayo (Ghana) Ejiro Elizabeth Edward (Nigeria) Patrick Ochieng (Kenya)
- [Call for Applications: Narrative Landscape Press](https://jaylit.com/call-for-applications-native-landscape-press/) - The Narrative Landscape Press is calling for applications for an eight-week editorial internship. Information on the internship: Participants will work remotely. The internship will be from the 1st of October to the 30th of November 2024. To apply, send your resume and a short cover letter to editorial@narrativelandscape.com stating why you want to work with
- [Stars and Sabers Acquires Eugen Bacon’s Sauútiverse Novella](https://jaylit.com/stars-and-sabers-acquires-eugen-bacons-sauutiverse-novella/) - Publishers Jendia Gammon and Gareth L. Powell of new speculative imprint Stars and Sabers Publishing acquired world English rights for The Nga’phandileh Whisperer, a genre-bending science fiction, horror, and magical realism Sauúti novella by British Fantasy Award winner and Philip K. Dick and Shirley Jackson Award finalist, Eugen Bacon (Mage of Fools – as author;
- [Divine Inyang Titus Wins the 2024 Toyin Falola Prize](https://jaylit.com/divine-inyang-titus-wins-the-2024-toyin-falola-prize/) - Nigerian author, Divine Inyang Titus has been announced as the winner of the 2024 Toyin Falola Prize for his story, “Fibers from the Deep” becoming the second Nigerian to win the award after Abdulrahim Hussani in 2022. In the words of the judges, “Fibers from the Deep” is described as: “a compelling exploration of the
- [Introducing The 2023 UJ Prize Shortlist ](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-uj-prize-shortlist-2023/) - The University of Johannesburg Prize for South African Writing (UJ Prize) has revealed its shortlist for books published in 2023. Here’s a list of all shortlisted books according to their respective categories: Debut Prize A Soft Landing (novel) by Wisani Mushwana Guerrillas and Combative Mothers (non-fiction) by Siphokazi Magadla The Institute for Creative Dying (novel)
- [What is the Future of Reading: Paperback, E-book, or Audio?](https://jaylit.com/the-future-of-reading-paperback-e-book-or-audio/) - Astronomer Carl Sagan once said that to read is to voyage through time, and with the many lives we live through books, who could argue? But as our reading habits evolve, so do the formats we use to consume literature. Whether it's the comforting rustle of a physical book, the convenience of a digital e-book,
- [Romeo Oriogun Is Among Winners Of The Nebraska’s 2024 Book Award Winners ](https://jaylit.com/romeo-oriogun-among-winners-of-the-nebraskas-2024-book-award-winners/) - Nigerian poet, Romeo Oriogun has been announced as one of the winners of Nebraska’s 2024 Book Awards for his acclaimed poetry collection The Gathering of Bastards which was recognized in the Poetry category. On publication, the University of Nebraska Press said: “The Gathering of Bastards chronicles the movement of migrants as they navigate borders both
- [Call for Submissions: Suppressed Realities](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-suppressed-realities/) - Poets from the East African region are invited to contribute to Suppressed Realities, an experimental digital anthology exploring the theme of suppressed realities. This anthology challenges poets to confront and creatively engage with what is often concealed or overlooked in society. Submissions are sought that respond directly to news stories, headlines, images, videos, or any
- [Introducing The ANA Literary Prizes 2024 Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-ana-literary-prizes-2024-shortlist/) - The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has unveiled the shortlist for the 2024 ANA Literary Prizes highlighting the best of Nigerian literature across multiple genres, with the final winners set to be revealed on November 2nd, 2024. Here is a list of all shortlisted authors according to their award category: ANA/KMVL Poetry Prize Heaven Is
- [Introducing The CANEX Prize For Publishing In Africa Longlist](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-canex-prize-for-publishing-in-africa-longlist/) - The longlist for the CANEX Prize for Publishing has been revealed! Recognizing the publisher of the best African fiction or non-fiction titles, here is list of the books, their authors and its publishing company: The Presidents…From Mandela to Ramaphosa, Leadership the Age of Crisis, Richard Call and Mabel Sithole (Penguin Random House SA) Reine Or,
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Oyindamola Shoola](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-oyindamola-shoola/) - Oyindamola Shoola’s New Poetry Collection Sees Everyday Drama as a Literary Commodity Oyindamola grew up around artfully decorated houses with artwork on the walls, figurines on tables, and life-sized sculptures in the compound. She became enchanted with language from listening to her Ijebu grandmother tell stories about family, friends, and neighbors alike. Her mother’s timely
- [Introducing The 2024 Quramo Writers Prize Longlist ](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-2024-quramo-writers-prize-longlist/) - The 2024 Quramo Writers Prize longlist has been revealed, showcasing literary talent from across Africa. The longlisted authors are: Adeseri Emmanuella Adikaibe Caleb Chidera Amaka Azie Arthur Gabriel Yak Bisola Akintomide Chidi Nwapa Chukwuma Jonathan Joananthan Deryus Kwabena Partey Henry Chukwuemeka Onyema Ifeanyi Kalu Immaculate Halla Joseph Olamide Babalola Kabir Sabe Jibia Lawal Ayuba Adewale
- [Call for Submissions: Aké Review](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-ake-review/) - The Aké Arts and Book Festival has announced a call for entries for the 2024 edition of their annual journal. The 12th edition of the festival’s theme is "Finding Freedom". Submission Guidelines: Entries must be original and unpublished All entries must be submitted via email to editor@akefestival.org Entries should be sent as attachments with ‘AR24
- [Call For Submissions: The Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize 2024](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-the-brigitte-poirson-literature-prize-2024/) - Words, Rhymes and Rhythm is calling on all Nigerians, home and in the diaspora to submit for the 2024 edition of the annual Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize. 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
- [5 African Classics Every Bookworm Should Read at Least Once!](https://jaylit.com/5-african-classics-every-bookworm-should-read-at-least-once/) - Classic books are the cornerstone of any great reading list, and when it comes to African literature, there's a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. If you're craving timeless African novels to enrich your 2024 reading list, prepare to immerse yourself in captivating worlds as we present five must-read classics that promise to ignite your
- [Announcing the Achmat Dangor Literary Prize 2024](https://jaylit.com/announcing-the-achmat-dangor-literary-prize-2024/) - The Achmat Dangor Literary Prize is dedicated to nurturing young, previously disadvantaged writers by providing the financial support needed to pursue an MA in Creative Writing at Wits University. This prestigious award aims to ensure the enduring legacy of Achmat Dangor, an acclaimed South African writer and activist. Application Criteria Who Can Apply: Young creative
- [Announcing the Shortlisted Creatives: AprilCentaur Contest 2024](https://jaylit.com/announcing-the-shortlisted-creatives-aprilcentaur-contest-2024/) - April Centaur has revealed the shortlisted applicants for the second edition of the April Centaur Contest. The applicants who made the list include JAY Lit Issue 7 contributor, Enit'ayanfe Ayosojumi Akinsanya. They are as follows: Eniola Olatunji Molayo Ogidan Oluwaseyi Adedayo Desmond Udeh Enit'ayanfe Ayosojumi Akinsanya Chukwuemeka Victoria Chiamaka Praise Abraham Eniola Dada Ubah Precious
- [New Books by African Authors To Read This Q3 2024](https://jaylit.com/new-books-by-african-authors-to-read-this-q3-2024/) - We are halfway through the third quarter of 2024 and if you are a bookworm looking to explore African literature, then we have just the list for you. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the familiarity of seasoned authors or a debut author looking to make their mark, the upcoming months offer diverse voices.
- [Wole Talabi Is A British Fantasy Award Shortlistee ](https://jaylit.com/wole-talabi-is-a-british-fantasy-awards-shortlistee/) - Speculative fiction writer, Wole Talabi has been voted as a shortlisted author under the Best Anthology category for his anthology, Mothersound: The Sauútiverse Anthology published by Android Press. Mothersound: The Sauútiverse Anthology is the first anthology of stories set in a fictional shared world based on a blend of African cultural worldviews. Edited by Locus
- [Cover Reveal: Boys, Girls and Beasts By Nathaniel Bivan](https://jaylit.com/cover-reveal-boys-girls-and-beasts-by-nathaniel-bivan/) - The cover for Nathaniel Bivan’s upcoming novel, Boys, Girls and Beasts, has just been unveiled by Masobe Books, and it is nothing short of captivating. The cover draws the reader in with its bold design, featuring a blend of human and beastly elements that suggests a deep, primal narrative within. In this epic tale, Jaka,
- [Apply For The Lagos Fringe Young Critics & Reviewers Residency Program 2024!](https://jaylit.com/apply-for-the-lagos-fringe-young-critics-reviewers-residency-program/) - Lagos Fringe is inviting applications from young Africans to its 2024 Young Critics & Reviewers Residency Program, a unique opportunity for young African art enthusiasts with a passion for critique to hone their skills. The Lagos Fringe Young Critics & Reviewers Residency Program offers a comprehensive experience for young African art enthusiasts to explore and
- [Mubanga Kalimamukwento Announces Hybrid Collection of Essays and Poems, Another Mother Does Not Come When Yours Dies](https://jaylit.com/mubanga-kalimamukwento-announces-hybrid-collection-of-essays-and-poems-another-mother-does-not-come-when-yours-dies/) - Multi award-winning Zambian author and Editor-in-Chief of Ubwali Literary Magazine, Mubanga Kalimamukwento, has just announced another upcoming book, a hybrid collection of essays and poems titled Another Mother Does Not Come When Yours Dies. Earlier in Q1 of 2024, Mubanga was named the winner of the Drue Heinz Literary Prize with her collection of short
- [Winners of the 7th Nommo Awards for the Best Speculative Fiction by Africans announced at Glasgow2024](https://jaylit.com/winners-of-the-7th-nommo-awardsfor-the-best-speculative-fiction-byafricans-announced-at-glasgow2024/) - The African Speculative Fiction Society (ASFS) announced the winners of its 7th NommoAwards 2024 at a celebratory ceremony held this weekend at the 82nd World Science FictionConvention (Worldcon) in Glasgow. The Nommo Awards finalists and winners are nominated and voted on by ASFS members. The ceremony brought together some of the largest names in African
- [Chideraa Ike-Akaenyi Wins The Communa Magazine Short Story Competition](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-winners-of-the-communa-magazine-short-story-competition/) - Communa Magazine unveils the winner and the runners-up of the prestigious short story competition in celebration of creativity and storytelling. The winner and the runners-up are: First Place Chideraa Ike-Akaenyi clinched the top spot with her captivating story, "Kaleidoscope" Second Place Oriada Dajko with her beautifully crafted tale, "The House Made of Books" Third Place
- [Sprinng Announces Shortlist for Annual Poetry Contest](https://jaylit.com/sprinng-announces-shortlist-for-annual-poetry-contest/) - Sprinng has unveiled this year's shortlist for its poetry contest. In no particular order, here are the poets shortlisted: ‘Finding Faith within the Rubble’ by Adedokun Ibrahim ‘In The Aftermath of A War’ by Chinecherem Enujioke ‘All Things Are Deep’ By Chinuzoke Chinuwa ‘Migrant’ by Michael Emerald Oladosu ‘Onitsha: The Town of Bustles’ by Miracle
- [A Report on the Maiden Edition of Kano International Poetry Festival (KAPFEST)](https://jaylit.com/a-report-of-maiden-edition-of-kano-international-poetry-festival-kapfest/) - To declare that this literary initiative, founded about a decade ago, has developed muscles greater than the numerous humble activities—like creative writing workshops, book chats, festivals, literary evenings, book drives, poetry competitions, etc—being carried out, since its inception, is legitimate, with the bold display of Kano International Poetry Festival (KAPFEST). Poetic Wednesdays Initiative, a youth-led,
- [Introducing Poetry Africa's Slam Jam Competition Top 10 Finalists ](https://jaylit.com/introducing-poetry-africas-slam-jam-competition-top-10-finalists/) - The University of KwaZulu-Natal's Centre for Creative Arts has announced the top 10 finalists for the prestigious Poetry Africa Slam Jam Competition, marking the 28th edition of this celebrated event. The finalists, selected from a pool of talented poets, include: Asiphe Feni Busisiwe Mahlangu Dshamilja Roshani Jonathan Lefenya Khanyisa Mabasa Masai Sepuru Olive Olusegun Sello
- [Chisom Okafor Wins Jacar Press 2024 New Voices Award for Poetry](https://jaylit.com/chisom-okafor-wins-2024-new-voices-award-for-poetry/) - The prestigious Jacar Press New Voices Award for 2024 has been awarded to Nigerian poet Chisom Okafor for his remarkable collection, All I Know About a Heavy Heart Is How to Carry It. The winning manuscript was selected by Jaki Shelton Green. Chisom's work is celebrated for its revival of an absorbing and observant language
- [SEVHAGE Prizes Offer Publication & Over One Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira (₦1,600,000) in Prize Money](https://jaylit.com/sevhage-prizes-offer-publication-over-one-million-six-hundred-thousand-naira-₦1600000-in-prize-money/) - SEVHAGE Literary and Development Initiative and SEVHAGE Publishers are proud to announce a call for entries into three categories of Creative Non-Fiction, Fiction and Critical Writing worth over One Million, Six Hundred Thousand Naira as follows: The Eugenia Abu/SEVHAGE International Prize for Creative Non-Fiction (open to all writers worldwide). Star Prize of Seven Hundred and
- [Abi Daré’s Highly-Anticipated Second Novel, And So I Roar, Is Out Now!](https://jaylit.com/abi-dares-highly-anticipated-second-novel-and-so-i-roar-is-out-now/) - Nigerian author, Abi Daré, has released her eagerly awaited second novel, And So I Roar. In a follow-up to her debut bestseller, it has already been lauded as one of Amazon Book Review’s Most Anticipated Books of Summer 2024. The novel has received glowing accolades, including three starred reviews and high praise from Booklist. The
- [Eugen Bacon Signs Two Book Deal With Meerkat Press ](https://jaylit.com/eugen-bacon-signs-two-book-deal-with-meerkat-press/) - Decorated author, Eugen Bacon, has partnered up with Meerkat Press to publish not one, but two new books. First up is NOVIC, a dark and poetic prequel to Claiming T-Mo which clutches you with themes of family, parenthood, death, and immortality—what about Novic? This is slated for release Q3 of 2025. Next up, the literary
- [Poetic Wednesdays Initiative Announces Naseeba Babale as New Creative Director](https://jaylit.com/poetic-wednesdays-initiative-announces-naseeba-babale-as-new-creative-director/) - Poetic Wednesday Initiative has made a historic announcement with the appointment of Naseeba Babale as its new Creative Director. This makes Nasiba the first woman to lead a literary organization in the ancient city of Kano. The literary organisation which promotes literature and literary activities in Northern Nigeria and recently organised the Kano International Poetry
- [SEVHAGE and ALINEA Launch The Eugenia Abu/SEVHAGE International Prize for Creative Nonfiction](https://jaylit.com/sevhage-and-alinea-launch-the-eugenia-abu-sevhage-international-prize-for-creative-nonfiction/) - The SEVHAGE Literary and Development Initiative, in collaboration with the ALINEA Initiative, proudly announces the launch of the Eugenia Abu/SEVHAGE International Prize for Creative Nonfiction. This prestigious prize, funded and administered by SEVHAGE and ALINEA, honours the acclaimed writer, broadcaster, and media consultant Eugenia Abu. It aims to celebrate exceptional creative nonfiction from writers around
- [Call For Submissions: The Muse Journal](https://jaylit.com/call-for-submissions-the-muse-journal/) - The Muse Journal is currently accepting applications from all writers in every part of the world to submit to her 52nd Issue. The Muse is a journal of critical and creative writing, an annual publication of the Department of English and Literary Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. It is the oldest-surviving students’ journal in West
- [Glasgow 2024 Worldcon to Host a 2024 Nommo Awards Winners Event](https://jaylit.com/glasgow-2024-to-host-a-2024-nommo-awards-winners-event/) - An exceptional evening awaits guests of the forthcoming Glasgow 2024 Worldcon in a special evening dedicated to the 2024 winners of the Nommo Awards for the best in African Speculative Fiction. The event will feature presentations by renowned African writers Tendai Huchu, Wole Talabi, Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki, and Nnedi Okorafor, with sponsorship from Tom Ilube.
- [Cover Reveal: Year's Best African Speculative Fiction Volume 3](https://jaylit.com/cover-reveal-years-best-african-speculative-fiction-volume-3/) - The cover of the Year's Best African Speculative Fiction Volume 3 has been released and it is awe-inspiring. A creation of Cyrielle Prückner, the cover isa reflection of what awaits the reader when turning the first page. Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki and Chinaza Eziaghighala co-authored the third volume in this highly praised series (the first won
- [Introducing The Center for Fiction 2024 First Novel Prize Longlist](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-center-for-fiction-2024-first-novel-prize-longlist/) - The Center for Fiction has unveiled the 2024 First Novel Prize longlist. This year, 144 works vied for recognition for the First Novel Prize out of which two Africans made the continent proud once again! The two African authors longlisted for the prize are: The Lions' Den by Iris Mwanza, Published by Harlequin Trade Publishing /
- [Evidence Egwuono Adjarho Wins The 2024 Afrocritik Prize for Criticism](https://jaylit.com/evidence-egwuono-adjarho-wins-the-2024-afrocritik-prize-for-criticism/) - Evidence Egwuono Adjarho, a JAY Lit Issue 7 contributor, has been revealed as the winner of the Afrocritik Prize for Criticism 2024 for her review of Peace Adzo Medie’s His Only Wife and the Exploration of the Messianic Expectation of Women in Society. The winner was selected by the judging panel which consisted of Adedayo
- [Introducing The African Women’s Editorial Workshop Participants 2024](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-african-womens-editorial-workshop-participants-2024/) - The Cassava Republic Press has recently unveiled the selected participants for the African Women’s Editorial Workshop 2024 consisting of 11 amazing Africans.
- [Call For Submission: The Safal Kiswahili Prize For African Literature](https://jaylit.com/calls-for-submission-the-safal-kiswahili-prize-for-african-literature/) - The Safal Kiswahili Prize for African Literature is currently accepting submissions for its 9th edition. The Safal Kiswahili Prize for African Literature was founded by Mukoma Wa Ngugi and Lizzy Attree in 2014 to promote writing in African languages and encourage translation from, between and into African languages. The Prize sets a historical precedent for
- [Introducing The 2024 Caine Prize for African Writing Shortlist](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-2024-caine-prize-for-african-writing-shortlist/) - The Caine Prize for African Writing has recently announced the shortlisted authors of its 2024 edition. The five stories shortlisted for the
- [Morland Writing Scholarship Opens for Entries for 2024](https://jaylit.com/morland-writing-scholarship-opens-for-entries-for-2024/) - The Miles Morland Foundation has announced that the 2024 Morland Writing Scholarships for African writers will open for entries on Monday 1st July. The deadline for submissions is Friday 20th September. The only condition imposed on the Scholars during the year of their Scholarship is that they must write. They will be asked to submit
- [Nnedi Okorafor Is An Inductee Of The Science Fiction & Fantasy Hall of Fame](https://jaylit.com/nnedi-okorafor-is-an-inductee-of-the-science-fiction-fantasy-hall-of-fame/) - Nigerian-American writer, Nnedi Okorafor, has been officially inducted into the Science Fiction & Fantasy Hall of Fame. Nnedi, celebrated for her unique blend of African culture and speculative fiction, has captivated readers worldwide with her imaginative storytelling and compelling characters. In her acceptance speech, Nnedi expressed her gratitude and shared her hopes for the future
- [Ake Arts and Book Festival Announces Dates for Its 12th Edition](https://jaylit.com/ake-arts-and-book-festival-announces-dates-for-its-12th-edition/) - The Ake Arts and Book Festival, a major cultural event celebrating creativity through literature, music, art, and film, is set to return to.....
- [Afritondo Unveils Cover for Gripping Short Story Anthology](https://jaylit.com/afritondo-unveils-cover-for-gripping-short-story-anthology/) - Afritondo Magazine has unveiled the cover for its short story anthology titled, Travelling Men Don't Die. The 14 stories that make up this thrilling anthology are from the longlist of the 2024 Afritondo Prize and feature some of the finest writers from the African continent and beyond. Past winners of the prestigious prize (Desta Haile,
- [Hussain Ahmed Amongst 2024 Gulf Coast Prize Winners](https://jaylit.com/hussain-ahmed-amongst-2024-gulf-coast-prize-winners/) - Hussain Ahmed's poem, ‘Talking Drums’ has won the top prize in the poetry category of Gulf Coast's 2024 literary contests. Monica Youn, one of the judges, had this to say on the winner: "'Talking Drums' weaves a gorgeously sophisticated polyrhythm out of the textures of dailiness and of deeper histories. Slabs and snippets, riffs and
- [Announcing The Recipient Of The Inaugural Professor Ian H. Munro Fellowship – Kwame Boafo](https://jaylit.com/announcing-the-recipient-of-the-inaugural-professor-ian-h-munro-fellowship/) - Library Of Africa And The African Diaspora has selected Ghanaian movement artist and scholar, Kwame Boafo as the inaugural LOATAD Professor Ian H. Munro Fellow
- [Introducing Pots of Hell, Edited by Malawian Poet Jonas Zaithwa Chisi](https://jaylit.com/introducing-pots-of-hell-edited-by-malawian-poet-jonas-zaithwa-chisi/) - JAY Lit Issue 1 contributor, Jonas Zaithwa Chisi is out with a new anthology of poems titled Pots of Hell. The anthology, which explores the dark side of existence, is co-authored with John Sukali, Joanna Tadala Chiwongola, Tadala Nkanaunena, Brenda Louis, Haggai Mwakatundu, and John Kaunda. An official statement from Jonas reads thus: “What was
- [Introducing The Ignyte Awards 2024 Finalists](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-ignyte-awards-2024-finalists/) - The Ignyte Award Committee has unveiled the finalists of the 2024 Ignyte Awards, out of which included Africans from across the globe making the continent proud with their exceptional work. The African authors who made the finalists according to their categories are: Outstanding Novel: Adult Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon by Wole Talabi
- [Calls for Submission: LOATAD Black Atlantic Residency 2025](https://jaylit.com/calls-for-submission-loatad-black-atlantic-residency-2025/) - The second iteration of the LOATAD Black Atlantic Residency, themed "What is Africa to Us? African Solidarities”, is now accepting applications.
- [#JayLitSpotlightSeries: Mukandi Siame](https://jaylit.com/jaylitspotlightseries-mukandi-siame/) - Mukandi's Writing Journey Why writing? Mukandi usually says she doesn't know why, as a placeholder answer to conform. Being an artist is rational when society considers you too strange to be anything else, but she presents as normal, and typical. She could have been anything – a lawyer, accountant, therapist, development scientist, or teacher. She
- [Introducing The Open Arts Manuscript Publishing Deal Shortlist ](https://jaylit.com/introducing-the-open-arts-manuscript-publishing-deal-shortlist/) - Open Arts unveils the shortlist for the maiden edition of the Open Arts Manuscript Publishing Deal 2024. The participants shortlisted....
- [Writers Space Foundation Opens Calls For Submission](https://jaylit.com/writers-space-foundation-opens-calls-for-submission/) - Writers Space Africa is currently accepting applications of children’s literature, creative nonfiction, poetry, flash fiction and short stories
- [Michael Imossan Wins 2024 Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets](https://jaylit.com/michael-imossan-wins-2024-sillerman-first-book-prize-for-african-poets/) - Michael Imossan is the 2024 winner of the Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets, for his collection, All That Refuses to Die. He will receive a $1000 USD cash award and publication of his manuscript as part of the African Poetry Book Series by the University of Nebraska Press. Michael Imossan is an Ibibio
- [Editor's Note – Issue 7](https://jaylit.com/editors-note-issue-7/) - A New Era When Bronwyn King conceived the idea of JAY Lit in 2019, the overarching goal was to create a space that was dedicated to inspiring, motivating, and uplifting African youths in the area of literature, while showcasing their awesome talents to the world. This JAY Lit had always done through the publication of
- [Exit (I)](https://jaylit.com/exit-i/) - a bird swoops across powerline cables, two others perch; these creatures have no footwear but have the cleanest of feet, so clean that electricity cannot penetrate. a man slips into a gutter, hit his head on concrete & life flows out of him through a stream of blood; that’s how a slippery shoe submitted a
- [The Odyssey of Freedom](https://jaylit.com/the-odyssey-of-freedom/) - on the day my mother expelled me from my apartment within her body, my father purchased vinegar from the market near the well at Sychar. he sprinkled a bit on the rear of my tongue to preserve every excellence my body will acquire. placing his darkened lips on my forehead signifies that my body is
- [Do Not Speak Ill of Your Mothers](https://jaylit.com/do-not-speak-ill-of-your-mothers/) - This were the words doused into the mouths of young girls who ran the streets clothed with nakedness Begging for love to replace the nightmares of past years holding back the lullaby on their mother’s tongues, Praying that warmth steals the fellowship of coldness in their hearts forever God, sometimes, strolls out
- [2 Poems](https://jaylit.com/2-poems/) - It is ten days to my surgery. My sadness, like dew, descends nightly It is ten days to my surgery. My sadness, like dew, descends nightly in rivulets. I fear all I have left is the pain to remind me I am still alive. Through the walls of my bedroom, sliced thin as wafers by
- [Four Incantations for the Earth](https://jaylit.com/four-incantations-for-the-earth/) - I. The Beginning Earth, your origin transcends the vapid Proposal of primal prostitution Between the cloud and dust, or The aftermath of the heavy sinkage. You are the bed on which water of Life reclines: you are the root of life. My palm brushes past your claybed And my body stands erect as
- [Oil on Canvas (2024)](https://jaylit.com/oil-on-canvas-2024/) - i. i asked, show me you. ii. i don’t mean the unwinding of your scarf, pointing to where you keep the box cutter and the staples. that swirling grey chasm, the marrow of your chest: you hold all the sharp things you can bear. i mean — take off your scarf, and pick up my
- [Omijé Ojú Ọ̀run (Yorùbá Poem)](https://jaylit.com/omije-oju-orun-yoruba-poem/) - Ojú ọ̀run ṣú biri biri, atẹ́gùn nlá mi ilẹ̀ mìtìtì Ará ọjà’n palẹ̀ mọ́, ẹran oko’n wá ibòji kiri Ṣé òjò yí ó rọ̀ bí, tàbí òjò kò ní rọ̀? Òjò kọ́ o, ẹ̀yin ará ilé Omi ẹkún ojú mi ni ó’n lérí làti dà wálẹ̀ Ìpọ́njú ò kí’n mú oúnjẹ lọ lẹ́nu Ìbànújẹ́ ò
- [Kesandu](https://jaylit.com/kesandu/) - 1. Forget everything you know about childhood memories and how sweet they sound when retold; ten, twenty, and many years later. Forget playing ten-ten under the tree with tattered panties and bare nipples long before you knew how to wear bras and singlets. Forget visiting the park and blowing cold tufts of ice cream off
- [Dear Ronda](https://jaylit.com/dear-ronda/) - Ronda, I write to you today because the sun may set on me, and I want your tears to know why they run. Today, guests will fill our house, all the way down to where the compound ends, and Papa will ask me to kill that ram we bought as a lamb last December, and

## Pages

- [Homepage](https://jaylit.com/) - JAY Lit publishes literature written by, about, and/or for born-in-Africa youths. Our definition of ‘African’ is not related to colour, race or ethnicity, but rather place of origin and heritage.
- [Submissions](https://jaylit.com/submissions/) - Submissions We publish creative writing, poetry, prose (stories and narratives), plays, visual stories such as photo essays, and comic and graphic artwork with a storyline in ANY language used in Africa, such as Swahili, Amharic, Yoruba, Zulu, Chichewa, English, French, etc. Submissions must be by, about, and/or for born-in-Africa youths. For the purposes of the
- [Issue 11](https://jaylit.com/issue-11/) - Issue 11 - June 2026 View on Web Archive Download Full Issue Poetry by Victor Obukata, Scott Frost, Chidera Echedom, Emmanuel Sanusi, Victoria Kerubo, Majekodunmi O. Ebhohon, Opeyemi Ajewole Fiction by Douglas Hajanika, Inimfon Inyang-Kpanantia, Súnmisọ́lá Olúdé, Adebayo Ibraheem, H.K. Yahaya Jawula, Emmanuel Oluwatobi Shoyebo, Janet Olobadola Creative Non-Fiction by Obaditan Oluwakorede Oluwatosin, Chidera Udochukwu-Nduka
- [Other Issues](https://jaylit.com/other-issues/) - Past Issues Issue 10 - December 2025 Issue 9 - April 2025 Issue 8 - December 2024 Issue 7 - July 2024 Issue 6 - January 2024 Issue 5 - January 2022 Issue 4 - July 2021 Issue 3 - January 2021 Issue 2 - July 2020 Issue 1 - January 2020 JAY Lit Share
- [Issue 10](https://jaylit.com/issue-10/) - Issue 10 - December 2025 View on Web Archive Download Full Issue Poetry by Daniel Naawenkangua Abukuri, Star Zahra, Ferdinand Emmanuel Somtochukwu, Reme Abel Nakruah Nawoe, Mungai Njenga M’mbogori, Gloria Ameh, Princewill Ticha, Olusegun Ajayi, Godwin Obaji, Valerie Mainoo, Isaac Kanyinji Short Stories by Oyinkan Braithwaite, Fiske Nyirongo, Nnamdi Anyadu, Cynthia Nnenna Nnadi, Sivuse Mbingo,
- [Masthead](https://jaylit.com/masthead/) - Masthead FounderBronwyn Bowles-KingManaging EditorIbrahim Babátúndé IbrahimStrategy and GovernanceJo-Anne KingBusiness DevelopmentAminat AdesanyaHead of ContentArinze ‘Talius’ EbeleDikeNews & Feature WritersOluwatobiloba BakareBongiwe MaphosaSarah AdeyemoSocial MediaOluwadamilola TinuolaDoreen MwendaPoetry EditorGabriel Awuah MainooFiction EditorDeborah Oluniran-AdeniyiNonfiction EditorIruoma ChukwuemekaPeer ReviewersTobi OjenikeAishat AdesanyaAnna S. ManyanzaNneamaka OnochieIjeoma Michelle OpionachieSivuse MbingoSalmah Abdulsalam OizaArjun AggarwalBook ReviewersJohnbosco Onejeme Sakeenah KareemMary Obiri-IbeJohn-Paul KunrunmiMemuna KontehLydia EfobiIsaiah Gbenga AdepojuEsther OkunlolaAdetu YinkaPeace LoyinmiWardah AbbasAmuda
- [Issue 9](https://jaylit.com/issue-9/) - Issue 9 - April 2025 View on Web Archive Download Full Issue Poetry Mariam Mohammed, Bash Amuneni, Emmanuel G G Yamba, Anna Zgambo, Richeal Barnes, I Echo, Eugen Bacon Fiction Karen Njelita, Fatima Okhuosami, Harrison Ncube, Olayinka Yaqub, Mark Kennedy Nsereko, Mulenga Mupinde, Oluwabunmi Adaramola, Bwalya S. Kondwani, Jesimiel Williams, Mifa Adejumo, Fatima Mohammed Non-Fiction Rukayat
- [Anthology of COVID-19 Chronicles](https://jaylit.com/anthology-of-covid-19-chronicles/) - Anthology of COVID-19 Chronicles Download PDF ContributorsAnuoluwapo Adriane AinaChideraa DuruGabriella AdieKelechi OnuobiaMakayla RobertsModebola OluwasonaOla InioluwaOnu Oghenejuvie Davina,Osose Onisomamovie Vidose-EliRamlah Ibrahim MaigariDavid KhalidGrace Oluwadarasimi OgunrotimiMonjolaoluwa Ayomide AjiboyeOluwademilade Emmanuel EshoOluwayonusimi Temidayo Adeniyi Input your details to download full anthology Name Email Location Subscribe and download JAY Lit Share this: Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
- [Issue 8](https://jaylit.com/issue-8/) - Issue 8 - December 2024 View on Web Archive Download Full Issue Poetry bySalama Wainaina, Ishola Joshua, Opeyemi Oluwayomi, Sandile Ngidi, Magdalene Agweven, Lerise Johnson, Abdulrozaq Fholarin, Aisha A. Bolaji, Raeez Jacobs, Agaba WitnessFiction byAbiola Ojo, Jesse Jackson Ogolla, Chidera Nwume, Rigwell Addison Asiedu, Bello Taiwo Victoria, Ndawedwa Denga Hanghuwo, Obaditan Oluwakorede Oluwatosin, Bankole Joseph
- [Issue 7](https://jaylit.com/issue-7/) - Issue 7 - July 2024 View on Web Archive Download Full Issue Poetry byTaofeek Ayeyemi, Ajise Vincent, Annah Atane, Timi Sanni, Arikewusola Abdul Awal, Aman Bibi Gray, Leah Ojúọlápé AdéyẹyèShort stories byMustapha Enesi, Dismas Okombo, Enit’ayanfe Ayosojumi Akinsanya, Súnmisọ́lá Olúdé, Adédoyin Àjàyí, Demilade Oladapo, Olamide Shobowale, Arjun Aggarwal, Thabo Clive Mathonsi, Ekemini PiusPersonal Essays byEvidence Egwuono Adjarho, MaryAnn
- [JAY Lit Awards](https://jaylit.com/jay-lit-awards/) - Jay Lit Award It is the pleasure of the Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) to recognise excellence, and to honour the finest voices published in our journal. Every calendar year, from 2024, the JAY Lit Prizes will award overall winners in three categories—“JAY Lit Prize for Poetry”, “JAY Lit Prize for Fiction”, and
- [JAY Lit Prize for Fiction](https://jaylit.com/jay-lit-awards/jay-lit-prize-for-fiction/) - Jay Lit Prize for Fiction JAY Lit Share this: Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on X (Opens in new window) X More Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Share on
- [JAY Lit Prize for Nonfiction](https://jaylit.com/jay-lit-awards/jay-lit-prize-for-nonfiction/) - JAY Lit Prize for Nonfiction JAY Lit Share this: Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on X (Opens in new window) X More Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Share on
- [JAY Lit Prize for Poetry](https://jaylit.com/jay-lit-awards/jay-lit-prize-for-poetry/) - JAY Lit Prize for Fiction JAY Lit Share this: Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on X (Opens in new window) X More Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Share on
- [Careers](https://jaylit.com/careers/) - Careers Learn About: Volunteering Interning Ambassadorship Volunteers As part of our Ambassador Programme, we’re presently looking for volunteers for the following roles:Peer Reviewers (prose, poetry & other art forms)Content/CopywritersNews ReportersSocial Media ManagersGraphic ArtistsThese roles require not more than a 10-hour commitment per week. Although unpaid, the roles are professional and highly valued, with the opportunity
- [Our Story](https://jaylit.com/about/) - Our Story Africa’s literature is one of the world’s oldest, transcending from stories told around the fire at night to the finest of the written word. With the world’s youngest population and their outstanding exploits over the decades, it was imperative to have a dedicated platform to showcase and celebrate these talented youths. And so,
- [Issue 6](https://jaylit.com/issue-6/) - Issue 6 - January 2024 View on Web Archive Download PDF Cover Picture byFemi AmogunlaPoetry byGabriel Awuah Mainoo, Uaueza Poppy Kanguatjivi, Damian Carlton, Faith Brown, Kaushar Edoo Bibi Auleear, Sarah True, Anita Oguni, ShuwaShort stories byMohammed Babajide Mohammed, Bongiwe T. Maphosa, Abiodun Awodele,Tobi Ojenike, Israel Lumile, Chukwuemeka Famous, Jan Brümmer, Junias Tinashe,Ataho Musiime, Olaleye Olorunfemi,
- [Africa in Pictures](https://jaylit.com/africa-in-pictures/) - Africa in Pictures Nelson Mandela capture site at Howick Location: Howick, South Africa Ashim D’Silva X, Instagram A view across the water at Friendship Park Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Yohannes Minas X, Unsplash A graffiti-painted plane monument in Majunga Location: Majunga, Madagascar Rado Rafidinjatovo Unsplash Camel-riding in the Sahara Desert Location: Marrakech, Morocco yokeboy Instagram
- [Contact](https://jaylit.com/contact/) - Contact For news, media and PR, please email content@jaylit.comFor business and placements, please email business@jaylit.comFor general enquiries and anything else, please use the form below. Make sure to consult the author’s guidelines for directions about submitting or withdrawing your work if it gets accepted elsewhere. X-twitter Instagram Facebook Threads Linkedin Name Email Message Send my

## Pictures

- [Nelson Mandela capture site at Howick](https://jaylit.com/pictures/nelson-mandela-capture-site-at-howick/)
- [A view across the water at Friendship Park](https://jaylit.com/pictures/a-view-across-the-water-at-friendship-park/)
- [A graffiti-painted plane monument in Majunga](https://jaylit.com/pictures/a-graffiti-painted-plane-monument-in-majunga/)
- [Camel-riding in the Sahara Desert](https://jaylit.com/pictures/camel-riding-in-the-sahara-desert/)
- [A cathedral in Windhoek](https://jaylit.com/pictures/a-cathedral-in-windhoek/)
- [A local market in Abeokuta](https://jaylit.com/pictures/a-local-market-in-abeokuta/)
- [Colourful houses on a cliff in Chefchaouen](https://jaylit.com/pictures/colourful-houses-on-a-cliff-in-chefchaouen/)
- [Aerial view of a swimming pool in Sal](https://jaylit.com/pictures/aerial-view-of-a-swimming-pool-in-sal/)
- [National Theatre, Accra](https://jaylit.com/pictures/national-theatre-accra/)
- [Aerial view of mountainous side in Cape Town](https://jaylit.com/pictures/aerial-of-mountainous-side-in-cape-town/)
- [A view from the air in Rwanda](https://jaylit.com/pictures/a-view-from-the-air-in-rwanda/)
- [Low angle shot at Al Aqaleta, the Theban Necropolis](https://jaylit.com/pictures/low-angle-shot-at-al-aqaleta-the-theban-necropolis/)
- [Rainbow captured in University of Benin, Benin City](https://jaylit.com/pictures/uniben-ii/)
- [Cooling towers used as a Bunjee jumping centre in Soweto](https://jaylit.com/pictures/soweto/)
- [Kakum Canopy, Cape Coast](https://jaylit.com/pictures/cape-coast-ghana/)
- [Ilorin Central Mosque, Ilorin](https://jaylit.com/pictures/ilorin-nigeria/)

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## Tags

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