4 Nigerians Make The 2017 Writivism Shortlist

I am excited about the 2017 Writivsm shortlist because my friend, Blessing Christopher made the shortlist this year. Before she sent in her original and unique short story, This Story Has No End, I had the privilege of reading it. I was glad that her hardwork had paid off. I would like to tell the story of how Blessing Christopher and I became friends after FEMRITE Uganda selected us to participate in the 2015 residency program in Sweden, but I will save that story for the future.

For those who haven’t heard of the $400 Writivism Short Story Prize, it was first awarded in 2013 and is organised by the Center for African Cultural Excellence (CACE). This prize is the highlight of the annual Writivism Festival. It is well-known as a prize for short fiction by young writers.

As for the $400 Koffi Addo Writivism Prize for Creative Nonfiction, it used to be open only to Ghanaians, But now all Africans are eligible. This year is its second year and two Nigerians are on its shortlist.

As usual, the five shortlisted short stories will be published on Munyori Literary Journal. But the three shortlisted nonfiction stories will be published on Enkare Review.

Congratulations to all the eight shortlisted writers. The organisers will sponsor their attendance to the 2017 Writivism Festival in Kampala from August 17-20.  The winners will be announced at the festival.

Here is a list of the shortlisted stories.

The Writivism Short Story Prize

• “Fairies,” by Saaleha Bhamjee (South Africa).
• “Mobache,” by Régine Gwladys Lebouda (Cameroon).
• “Stolen Pieces,” by Munachim Amah (Nigeria).
• “The (Un)Lucky Ones,” by Andrew C. Dakalira (Malawi).
• “This Story Has No End,” by Blessing J. Christopher (Nigeria).

Four out of five of the shortlisted stories have been published HERE. Click to READ.

The Koffi Addo Prize for Creative Nonfiction

• “A Long Way From Home,” by Vivian Uchechi Ogbonna (Nigeria).
• “Finding Binyavanga,” by Sada Malumfashi (Nigeria).
• “Meat Bomb,” by Charles King (South Africa).

Read the shortlisted entries HERE.

The winner of the Short Story Prize will take home a cash prize of $400 and take up a one month writing residency at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Short Story prize shortlisters will attend the Writivism festival and win $100 each. The winner of the Koffi Addo Prize for Creative Non Fiction will take home a cash prize of $500.

I wish all the writers the best.

 

For more information, visit The Writivism Prize website.