Nigerian writer Pacella Chukwuma-Eke has been announced as the winner of the 2025/2026 Bash Amuneni Prize for Performance Poetry for her poem, Post Apocalypse.
She was selected as the winner after progressing through an initial longlist of 10 poets, including Pacella Chukwuma-Eke, Malon Opeyemi, ThePurpleHeartgirl, Saheed Sunday, Jochebed Airede, Testimony Odey, Sa’ada Isa Yahaya, Onyinyechu Kwu Mbaike, Knownralph and Obinna Melody, to the shortlist comprising three writers including: Anita Nwokoji (known as ThePurpleHeartgirl), Obinna Melody; and the winner Pacella Chukwuma-Eke.
Named after the poet Bash Amuneni, known for his enthralling presentations and resonant verses, the annual prize aims to acknowledge and champion exceptional achievements in performance poetry. In this edition, Pacella Chukwuma-Eke receives a £150 cash prize.
Pacella Chukwuma-Eke, NGP XV, is a 19-year-old Nigerian writer. She is the author of Love In Its Bliss and Sins; runner-up for the Nigerian Prize for Teen Authors, Poetry Category; and The Apocalypse, published by Konya Shamsrumi. Her works have been published in several literary journals, including Roughcut Press, Eunoia Review, Strange Horizons, Bacopa Review, and elsewhere.
Congratulations, Pacella Chukwuma-Eke!
