The Nigerian author and editor Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki wins the 2022 World Fantasy Award for The Year’s Best African Speculative Fiction (2021), edited by Ekpeki and published by Jembefola Press.

Ekpeki was named winner in the Anthology category, at an awards ceremony held in New Orleans, from November 3-6, 2022.

With his win, he makes history on many fronts as the first African-born, Black writer, editor, and publisher to win the award in its near five-decade history.

The World Fantasy Awards are annually awarded for “outstanding achievement in fantasy fiction published during the previous calendar year.” The award is organized by the World Fantasy Convention.

Ekpeki shared the news of his win on Twitter:

He highlighted the unprecedented significance of his win, and expressed gratitude to the authors featured in the anthology, including Sheree Renée Thomas, Tobi Ogundiran, Rodney Somto Ihezue, Moustapha Mbacké Diop, Marian Denise Moore, Dilman Dila, Clarence Young, Yvette Lisa Ndlovu, Makena Onjerika, Eugen Bacon, Derek Lubangakene, Tobias S. Buckell, Tendai Huchu, Pemi Aguda, Craig L. Gidney, WC Dunlap, Chinelo Onwualu, and Shingai Njeri Kagunda.

After Ekpeki’s win, he received a huge outpouring of support and congratulations on social media. Take a look below:

You can access the anthology for free here.

Congratulations to Ekpeki!