The Toyin Falola Prize recently announced the 10 breathtaking stories longlisted for the 2022 edition.

Administered by the literary magazine Lunaris Review, the prize is named after the distinguished professor of African History Toyin Falola. Writers applying must be between the ages of 15 and 35. The cash prize of $2,500 will be shared between the winner and shortlisted writers.

The longlist of 10 stories features at least six writers from Nigeria and two from South Africa.

The judge for the 2022 Toyin Falola Prize, Fayssal Bensalah, remarked:

The stories are dauntless. Their writers are clearly observant and actively and personally concerned with the issues of their societies. The stories prove that Africa’s passion for telling stories remains wild, salient, and always growing. It’s a flame that’s constantly being fueled by many new writers who truly care about the present and future of their continent. The submitted stories speak loudly for this as they diagnose futuristic concerns and tackle continental themes. What’s interesting is that the stories are hopeful and optimistic. They shift away from the negative representations of Africa and focus on her beauties instead. They also try to imagine a ‘futuristic Africa’ and assert that the continent has all the resources to make it happen.

See the longlist below:

  1. “Amadi on the Concrete” – Jarred Thompson
  2. “Arewa Boys” – Abdulrahim Hussani
  3. “Bury My Body” – Ani Kayode Somtochukwu
  4. “Caged Birds” – Sakinah Musa
  5. “Heatwave” – Mia Uys
  6. “Salem” – Alex Kadiri
  7. “They Call Me Trouble” – Fatima Okkhuosami
  8. “Time Stands Still” – Radha Opubor
  9. “TriniBoys” – Daniel Ogba
  10. “Truthing Through” – Babalola Joseph

The shortlist and winner will be announced shortly. Congratulations to the writers!