The Book Behind Awards is an initiative that seeks to recognize and celebrate the challenges of authorship and elevate storytelling that often gets lost in mainstream conversations.

The prize was launched in 2021 and held its first ceremony at the Elangeni Hotel in Durban, South Africa. It attracted over 250 delegates with thousands more via the Facebook live stream. Prizes were awarded across 35 categories.

The 2022 edition opened with the nomination process which ran from March 14 to May 14. The nominees were announced on Monday, July 18, 2022 with a round of voting commencing soon after.

Public SMS voting information is available via The Book Behind’s social media pages. You can vote as many times as you like to improve your favorite author’s chances to win.

The official awards ceremony will be held on the October 1, 2022, at Durban ICC.

See a list of some of the categories and nominees below:

Best Biography:

  1. Barbara Masekela – Poli Poli
  2. Tunisia Mashaba – A Father is Born
  3. S. Bharuth – Cabin Crew Diaries
  4. Asive Vukaphi – Dear Bestie Bae

Best Poetry Book:

  1. Afrika Dlamini – Shedding
  2. Vishnu Kristna – Stepping Stones
  3. Kobus Moolman – A Book of Rooms

Best Fiction Book:

  1. Jackie Phamotse
  2. Novian Dunne
  3. Joane Joseph
  4. Manto Mkhwanazi
  5. Phindi Yende

Best Non-Fiction Book:

  1. Mthandeni Sangweni – Udwedwe
  2. Ayanda Msweli – Qaph’eqolo ngengonwabu
  3. Sabelo Mdletshe – Habits
  4. Sandir Sewmungal – The Unknown Journey
  5. Kristie Leigh Pillay – Serial Life Wrecker

Go here for the full list.