The Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) is making space for young African writers. They recently announced the winners for the first-ever JAY Lit Awards. They recognized the best poetry, fiction, and non-fiction published in the journal over the past year.

Timi Sanni and Salama Wainana shared the Poetry Prize for their works “State of Emergency” and “Three Deaths”. In fiction, Chidera Nwume’s “Welcome to Iya Mosun’s Midnight Club” took the top spot, while Frank Njugi’s essay “The Palate” won the Non-Fiction Prize.

Winners in the poetry category each receive $25, while the fiction and non-fiction winners take home $50. Alongside cash prizes, the awards offer book bundles from partner presses like Masobe Books and Jacaranda, manuscript reviews, and literary masterclasses. These are all ways that they are practical resources aimed at helping young writers sharpen their craft and advance their careers.

This platform is not just about awards. It is JAY Lit building a youth-driven literary culture. This is necessary work!

JAY Lit editor Ibrahim Babátúndé Ibrahim agrees that the awards are about more than just prizes. “This is about creating space for young writers and letting them know their work matters. We want to encourage them to keep writing and sharing their stories.”

The judging panel featured well-known African literary figures, including S. Su’eddie Vershima Agema (Poetry), Makena Onjerika (Fiction), and Mubanga Kalimamukwento (Non-Fiction), all of whom praised the winning pieces.

Congratulations to Timi Sanni, Salama Wainana, Chidera Nwume, Frank Njugi, and all the runners-up!