Nigerian writer Nisola Jegede was named First Runner-Up, while fellow Nigerian writer and JAY Lit contributor Mohammed Babajide Mohammed also made the longlist of 26 exceptional works recognised for the 2025 Iridescence Award. The literary initiative is organised by Kinsman Quarterly, an American literary publication dedicated to celebrating diverse voices and creative expression.
The original longlist of 26 writers for the 2025 Iridescence Award is as follows:
– CaTyra Polland
– Chantel Bennett
– E. Doyle-Gillespie
– Elaine Joy Edaya Degale
– Exeter Stevens
– Jacqueline Douge
– Jennifer Coley
– Jiang Pu
– Lawrence Williams III
– Makeda K. Braithwaite
– Marua Nurlykhan
– Melody Cooper
– Mohammed Babajide Mohammed
– Nagueyalti Warren
– Nicholas Samuel Stember
– Nisola Jegede
– O. Hunt
– Robyn Katona
– Sarah Zhang
– Spencer Brownstein
– Tammy A. Sincavage
– Tia D. Hutton
– Iridulon
– Y. Kendall
– Zhara France
– Zoe Hatton
2025 Iridescence Award Winners and Finalists
Grand Prize Winner
Nicholas Samuel Stember — In the Eye of the Beholder
First Runner-Up
– Nisola Jegede — The Pulse Beneath the Earth
Second Runner-Up
– E. Doyle-Gillespie — Santa Barbara Casting Brass
Top Six Finalists
– Melody Cooper — Shocked
– Jiang Pu — Alchemy and 3 Other Spiritual Poems: A Journey Back to Wholeness
– Jennifer Coley — The Fool’s Arrow
– Tammy A. Sincavage — Weaving Skills
– VJ Grisby (Iridulon) — Guyya Cycle – Invocation Deferred
– Elaine Joy Edaya Degale — Dandelion
Honourable Mentions
– Y. Kendall — Peace at Thoughtspeed
– Tia D. Hutton — Chocolate Soda Eyes and Other Poetry
– Spencer Brownstein — A Feast for the Fairy King
– O. Hunt — The Dream of Nibilin
– Chantel Bennett — Shades of Blue
The Iridescence Award, organised by Kinsman Quarterly, recognises literary talent and celebrates creative storytelling across genres and cultural backgrounds.
The longlisted writers were also announced as contributors to the anthology Iridescence: The Second Dimension, which brings together works from an international selection of writers.
The award results, announced on 31 August 2025, saw Nicholas Samuel Stember emerge as the Grand Prize winner, with Nisola Jegede and E. Doyle-Gillespie taking first and second runner-up positions, respectively.
Congratulations to Nisola Jegede, JAY Lit contributor Mohammed Babajide Mohammed, and every other writer recognised at the 2025 Iridescence Award!
