Submissions are now open for the 2024 Afrocritik Prize for Criticism worth up to $600 USD. The call asks applicants to review three African books (novel, short story, and poetry collection) to incentivize critical thinking and cultural discourse.

Founded in 2021, Afrocritik is a digital media platform covering lifestyle, culture, art, and entertainment, with a focus on Africa and the African Diaspora. The aim is to spotlight African creativity and lead conversations and dialogues that promote change and strive for a positive representation of the continent and its diaspora.

Ahead of its third anniversary, Afrocritik launched its inaugural Afrocritik Prize for Criticism on March 23. Speaking about the initiative, co-founder Owanate Max-Harry remarked that the prize will spotlight discourse within the works of contemporary African writers:

As Afrocritik approaches its third anniversary, we thought it pertinent to further incentivise critical thinking, especially amongst the literary arts and in young Africans. This is in line with our mission to spotlight excellence in the continent and diaspora at large.

Prizes up to $600 will be allotted for the best reviews. The winner will receive a cash prize of $300, with the first and second runners-up receiving $200 and $100, respectively.

Books in Review:

Affection & Other Accidents by Dami Ajayi

Dreaming of Ways to Understand You by Jerry Chiemeke

His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie

Submission Guidelines:

  • Submit a 600 to 800-word review each, covering all three books under review.
  • Entries must be submitted as a single document (doc. or pdf file) within the entry period.
  • Multiple submissions are discouraged.
  • Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 24.
  • Applicants must be African citizens residing in Africa.
  • Proof of age and citizenship may be required during submission.

A shortlist of five will be announced first, while the top three will be announced in June 2024. All shortlisted works will be published on the Afrocritik website.

Submit here.

Deadline: April 30, 2024

Good luck to all applicants!