Etisalat Africa Prize Promo Image

Ten lucky authors have been longlisted for the second edition of the Etisalat Prize for literature. 

Speaking for the panel of judges, Sarah Ladipo Manyika has this to say in the press release: “We the judges are excited about this long list which is reflective of the great diversity presented by the full list of submissions this year. We are happy by our decision and cannot wait to reread the nine books to prepare for the upcoming retreat where we will determine the shortlist”.

Matthew Willsher, the C.E.O of Etisalat, is quite pleased that the “Five of the nine finalists are books authored by women; one of the nine finalists is a Nigerian citizen and two are from Nigeria/American and Nigerian/Ghana decent. The longlist also features writers from South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe”.

The Longlist

An Imperfect Blessing by Nadia Davids

Whoever Fears the Sea by Justin Fox

The Thunder that Roars by Imran Garda

Penumbra by Songeziwe Mahlangu

Kintu by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi

Fresh Air and other stories by Reward Nsirim

Happiness Like Water by Chinelo Okparanta

Ghana Must Go by Taiye Selasi

Shadows by Novuyo Rosa Tshuma

Our ten lucky longlistees are in line to win £15,000, an engraved Montblanc Meisterstück and an Etisalat-sponsored fellowship at the University of East Anglia under the mentored of Professor Giles Foden, author of the Last King of Scotland.

Of course, there’s still a shortlist to look forward to before the winner is announced on the 22nd of February 2015.

Congrats all!

 

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Source: BooksliveSA