Here is something to get us through the week: Ako Caine Prize shortlistee Rémy Ngamije’s four playlists, inspired by this year’s shortlisted stories.

On May 19, the AKO Caine Prize for African Writing announced the five shortlisted writers for this year’s prize: Erica Sugo Anyadike, Chikodili Emelumadu, Jowhor Ile, Rémy Ngamije, and Irenosen Okojie. [Go here to read the stories and biographies of each writer.]

Ngamije keeps a public spotify account called remythequill where he posts playlists “curated” by the main character in his debut novel, The Eternal Audience of One (2019). Each playlist is defined by a mood and setting featured in the novel.

His latest addition to the library of playlists is music inspired by each story on the Ako Caine Prize shortlist. The four playlists span genres from reggae, Afropop, seventies funk to nineties R&B. Featured artists include Sister Nancy, Chaka Khan, Mýa, Burna Boy, Sade, Al Green, Tracy Chapman, and more.

Click the links below to listen.

  1. A playlist inspired by Irenosen Okojie’s “Grace Jones”
  2. A playlist inspired by Erica Anyadike’s “How To Marry An African President”
  3. A playlist inspired by Chikodili Emelumadu’s “What To Do When Your Child Brings Home A Mami Wata”
  4. A playlist inspired by Jowhor Ile’s “Fisherman Stew”

Thanks for the summer listening Rémy Ngamije!