40 African writers make the 2019 AWDT African Writers Award longlist

The African Writers Development Trust (AWDT), has released the longlist of the 2019 edition of the African Writers Awards (AWA). Forty African writers from Kenya, Nigeria, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Cameroun made the list in the categories of Children’s literature, Flash fiction, Poetry, and Short story.  

A press release by Anthony Onugba, which states that a shortlist will be published on Monday, August 26, 2019, lists the following writers on the longlist.

Children’s Literature – Judged by Nahida Esmail (Tanzania)

1.      Albinism Is Not A Curse by Oroni Tendera (Kenya)

2.      Okapi Rock Ii by Allen Jo (Kenya)

3.      Kumba Wants to Skip Class by Spencer Okoroafor (Nigeria)

4.      The Lazy Vulture by Elaoje Sophie Oto (Nigeria)

5.      The Zappinator by Eme Ogbu (Nigeria)

6.      Cultural Stereotypes by Kui Gitonga (Kenya)

7.      Christmas in the Village by Kelvin J. Shachile (Kenya)

8.      The Birth of Nuru - The African Barbie by Nimo Kuria (Kenya)

9.      Pauline in a New School by Mwita Grace (Kenya)

10.  My Friend, Tom by Ajiambo Immaculate (Kenya)

Flash Fiction – Judged by Adah Bitiah Chembo (Zambia)

1.      Isoken By Praise Osawaru (Nigeria)

2.      Breaking the Norm; Ungrateful Girl by Temani Nkalolang (Botswana)

3.      The Pharmacist Writes by Oluwagbenga Ayomide Ruth (Nigeria)

4.      21st Century Crossing by Mabaso Nokubonga (South Africa)Falas fiction,

5.      Osu by Bliss Boma (Nigeria)

6.      Rewriting the Old Cultures by Kodeck Bildad (Kenya)

7.      Cultural Stereotypes in African Literature by Ojeamiren Aimalohi (Nigeria)

8.      Magcaba Sinenhlanhla by MlilowokuNqoba (South Africa)

9.      The Child Strangler by Efe-Khaese Desmond (Nigeria)

10.    Bambi by Nkateko Priscilla Masinga (South Africa)

Poetry – Judged by Kolabomi Adeko (Nigeria)

1.      Ode to The African Woman by Abba Kalgo (Nigeria)

2.      Young Alone by Njoka Dickson (Kenya)

3.      Pongwe’s Life by Andrea B Matambo (Zambia)

4.      Nigerian Stereo-Errortic-Tionary by Babalola Joseph Olamide (Nigeria)

5.      Deepression by Wangari Lucy (Kenya)

6.      Our Lives in Short by Ezeh Michael (Nigeria)

7.      "Mysterious 54 Children" by Kiekomo Divine (Cameroon)

8.      Joy Street by May Livere (Kenya)

9.      Where Do You Come From by Karimot Odebode (Nigeria)

10.  ‘Cold Sun’ by Ashioya Edward (Kenya)

Short Stories – Judged by Sabah Carrim (Mauritius)

1.      Please, Please by Benson TJ (Nigeria)

2.      A Lesson in Diffraction by Justin Clement (Nigeria)

3.      Wild Things by Mazpa Ejikem (Nigeria)

4.      Habyarimana is Dead by Philip Arko Ewusi (Ghana)

5.      Good Bad People by Erick Livumbazi Ngoda (Kenya)

6.      Girls From Home by Ekemini Pius (Nigeria)

7.      Talking Skulls by Emily Khalayi Wekulo (Kenya)

8.      Hiding by Priscillar Matara (Botswana)

9.      A Tale of a New Dawn by Fwangkes Kenret (Nigeria)

10.  The Knowing by Rudo Mutangadura (Zimbabwe)