The Toyin Falola Prize has announced a longlist of 11 for its second edition emanating from 495 eligible submissions.
According to a statement by LUNARIS, which organises the prize, the writers on the list in no particular order are;
1) “Hold Day” – Nana Adwoa Tweneboah Amponsah-Mensah /Ghana
2) “Iphopho Le Vezandlebe” – Tshepiso Mabula / South Africa
3) “Scars Without a Wound” – David Okigbo / Nigeria
4) “Breaking the System” – Adewunmi Aboyade / Nigeria
5) “Sinmot” – Blessing Nwodo / Nigeria
6) “Inside the Eye” – Racquel Anyango / Kenya
7) “Eavesdroppers” – Mary Ann Egbudom / Nigeria
8) “Should have Listened to Mother” – Mandisi Nkomo / South Africa
9) “Lotanna Rising” – Michael Nwanolue / Nigeria
10) “Hunger for Crystal” – Ernestine-Vera Kabushemeye / Kenya
11) “Superposition” – Justin Clement / Nigeria
The statement said “It is refreshing to note that majority of the stories from the pool where this longlist has emerged performed beyond expectations when the call was made for creative writers to speculate narratives that creatively envision Africanfutures.
“From the position of our judges, we know that these stories have not only alerted us to the immeasurably talented cohort of writers working within and outside of the continent but have also acquainted us with the ways they are pushing the boundaries of how to imaginatively conceive a future for the continent.
“To say this is exciting is to understate the importance of these stories and their writers, in this present moment and for the continent. As noted by the judges, Nerine Dorman and Akwasi Aidoo, the diverse submissions are between strong and excellent in their use of dialogues, imagination, and writing, all of which have culminated in enthralling reads”.
While congratulating those longlisted, the organisers said they are excited to share the list and gave assurance about the prospects of the Toyin Falola Prize in promoting through curatorial initiatives and narratives that redefine Africa against divisive molds.