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 Ilube Award for Best Speculative Fiction Novel by an African Shortlist:
- Marvellous Michael Anson, Firstborn of the Sun
- Modupe H. Ayinde, A Song of Legends Lost
- Nkereuwem Albert, The Bone River
- Nnedi Okorafor, Death of the Author
- Paul Olisaeloka Anozie, Black Navel
- T.L. Huchu, Secrets of the First School
The Nommo Award for Best Speculative Fiction Novella by an African Shortlist:
- Moses Ose Utomi, The Memory of the Ogisi
- Nnedi Okorafor, One Way Witch
- Tobi Ogundiran, At the Fount of Creation
The Nommo Award for Best Speculative Fiction Short Story by an African Shortlist:
- Adelehin Ijasan, A Heap of Petrified Gods
- Kevin Rigathi, If Memory Serves
- Plangdi Neple, Full, Empty Houses
- Moustapha Mbacké Diop, Apostasy in Fruit
- Somto Ihezue, We Begin Where Infinity Ends
- T.L. Huchu, The Cancellation of Michael Z
The Nommo Award for Best Speculative Fiction Graphic Novel by an African Shortlist:
- Gerald Vreden and Hakeem Rafai, Rise of The Mafu #1: The Awakening
- Juni Ba, The Fables of Erlking Wood
- John Uche and Francis Goodluck, Celestial Eyes Vol. 2: The Second Cycle
- John Uche and Stone Otor, Francis Goodluck, Lord Blue, Jeremiah Abah & Gabriel Onche, Worlds: A One-shot Anthology
Presented annually by the African Speculative Fiction Society (ASFS), the Nommo Awards recognise the best works of speculative fiction by African writers and creators. Established in 2017, the awards celebrate works across science fiction, fantasy, horror, alternative history, and other forms of speculative fiction. The awards have four categories: Best Speculative Fiction Novel, Best Speculative Fiction Novella, Best Speculative Fiction Short Story, and Best Speculative Fiction Graphic Novel.
Congratulations to all nominees!
