The first edition of the Etisalat Prize for Literature is nearing its grand finale. The winner of the 15, 000-pound prize will be announced on the 23rd of this month.
The event is scheduled to take place at The Marquee, Federal Palace Hotel & Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. The dress code is black tie/traditional. A light dinner and cocktails will be served at 6pm until 7pm when the ceremony begins.
If you get a chance to attend, expect to see the literary who-is-who on the continent–academics, book critics, high-profile writers and bloggers. Of course, the three finalists—Noviolet Bulawayo, Yewande Omotosho, and Karen Jennings—will be there. Also look out for the likes of Pumla Gqola, Billy Kahora, Sarah Ladipo Manyika, Ellah Allfrey, Kole Omotoso, Ama Ata-Aidoo, and Margaret Busby.
Billed to serenade the literary stars with soulful African music is celebrated African music legend – Youssou N’Dour.
Keep in mind that the day before, on the 22nd, there will be a meet-the-writers event at Freedom park. It starts at 4 pm. Space is limited, so get there early.
Etisalat Prize for Literature is the first ever pan-African literary award—a literary award for Africans by Africans.
It’s enjoyed massive amounts of love from the online African community of bloggers and writers and also from the media, with exclusive features on the BBC UK, Al Jazeera, Xin Hua and the January issue of British Airways Highlife Magazine.”
In addition to the £15,000 cash prize, the winner will “attend the Etisalat Fellowship at the prestigious University of East Anglia (mentored by Giles Foden – Author of the Last King of Scotland) and a three city book signing tour alongside the other two runner ups.”
All three finalists must be giddy with excitement. I’m sending good vibes their way and wishing them the best.
May the best woman win!
For more information on the Etisalat Prize for Literature visit – www.etisalatprize.com
obinna Udenwe February 24, 2014 05:45
I pray my sweetheart, Karen Jennings wins! Amen!