Four Nigerian Authors Make Longlist of The 2017 9Mobile Prize For Literature

Three Nigerian Authors have been named in the longlist for the 2017 9mobile Prize for Literature. The three Authors Ayobami Adebayo, Anietie Isong, Lesley Nneka Arimah and Odafe Atogun join 5 others-all from South Africa- in the longlist.

Launched in 2013 by Etisalat Nigeria, now known as 9Mobile, the Prize for Literature is a platform set up to promote literary creativity and talent development in Africa.

Like it Matters by South African author, David Cornwell

Stay with Me by Nigerian author, Ayobami Adebayo;

Being Kari by Qarnita Loxton (South Africa);

What it Means When a Man Falls From the Sky by Lesley Nneka Arimah (Nigeria);

Radio Sunrise by Anietie Isong (Nigeria);

Taduno’s Song by Odafe Atogun (Nigeria);

The Printmaker by Bronwyn Law-Viljoen (SouthAfrica);

Asylum by Marcus Low (South Africa);

A Casualty of Power by Mukuka Chipanta (South Africa)

Harry Garuba, head of this year’s judging panel, which also includes Doren Baingana and Siphiwo Mahala said: “The entries range through a variety of themes and preoccupations that mirror the expanse and diversity of the continent. The care and craft that the authors bring to the exploration of their chosen themes show a level of skill and artistry not often found in first works of fiction. These works give us a glimpse of the exciting literary landscapes ahead for African fiction.”

Director, Brand and Experience, 9mobile, Elvis Ogiemwanye expressed his delight at reaching this stage of the Prize and commended the judges saying, “the Prize is what it is today because of the independence and competence of the judging panel, whose rich and varied experience boosts the entire process”.

The Prize for Literature celebrates new writers of African citizenship whose debut fiction of over 30,000 words was published in the last 24 months. Authors and their publishers can be based anywhere in the world. The winner of the Prize is awarded £15,000, a high-end device, 9mobile Fellowship at the University of East Anglia mentored by Professor Giles Foden, author of The Last King of Scotland.