2024 WINNER
We are excited to announce that “Fibers from the Deep” by Divine Inyang Titus is the winner of the 2024 Toyin Falola Prize! Divine becomes the second Nigerian to win this prestigious prize, after Abdulrahim Hussani (2022). His narrative introduces us to Ikem, a deeply conflicted protagonist navigating existential dilemmas, family turmoil, trauma, detachment, loss, and spiritual crises—particularly following the death of his brother and the breakdown of his family.
When we called for submissions under the theme of the sacred, we sought not just broad and bold interpretations, but also an aesthetic finesse that could elevate those interpretations. Divine’s profound and introspective journey with Ikem achieves exactly this. Like Ikem, readers are left pondering the powerful question, “What else is sacred in this world if not this love, this life?”
Our judges describe it as “a compelling exploration of the tension between cultural heritage and modern identity. Its narrative skillfully balances humor, spiritual conflict, tragedy, and existential questioning. The power of the story lies in its raw authenticity, its ability to evoke both empathy and introspection, making it a deserving winner in this contest.”
“Fibers from the Deep” brilliantly resonates with broader societal issues, including the lingering impact of violence, poverty, and the tensions between tradition and modernity. The story invites us to confront the existential questions that shape our identities and challenge our beliefs, making it a truly exceptional piece of work.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Divine Inyang Titus for this remarkable achievement, and to all the participants for their creativity and enthusiasm. With over 300 submissions from across the continent and the diaspora, we are very grateful to our dedicated readers and esteemed judges, Professor Gilbert Ndi-Shang and Chinua Ezenwa-Ohaeto, for their unwavering effort and support.
Now in its 4th year, the Toyin Falola Prize continues to celebrate African writers who challenge, inspire, and push the boundaries of storytelling. We look forward to showcasing more exceptional stories from talented voices across the continent.
2024 SHORTLIST
We are excited to announce the shortlist for the 2024 Toyin Falola Prize, celebrating the vibrant voices across the continent. Each story, briefly captured below, ushered our judges and readers into their captivating worlds with a profound understanding of life and creative depth. Join us in honoring these remarkable writers and their contributions to African literature.
- “Fibers from the deep” – Divine Inyang Titus
- “A Place like here/Hotel Baghdad” – Mlilo Mpondo
- “The Harvestor’s Commandment” – Mohammad Haruna
- “The Blood We Tie” – Immaculate Halla
- “The Recrudescence” – Nwafor Emmanuel
We praise Divine Inyang Titus’ “Fibers from the deep,” for its probing exploration of its main character’s journey through spiritual questioning, family dynamics, and personal growth amidst turmoil. It delves deep into themes of identity, belief, and connection, culminating in a poignant exploration of love and loss within the family amidst steadfast faith.
“A Place like Here” by Mlilo Mpondo strength lies in its authentic portrayal of marginalised characters navigating Yeoville’s gritty streets and the contrasting northern suburbs of Johannesburg. This story weaves together themes of identity, survival, and resilience through vivid storytelling and cultural insights, offering a compelling exploration of human experiences and societal inequities and inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of urban life and the enduring spirit of its inhabitants.
“The Harvestor’s Commandment” by Mohammad Haruna intricately weaves themes of privilege, moral dilemma, and spiritual redemption through Tasam’s journey from luxury to expulsion and ultimate pilgrimage. It offers a poignant take on the consequences of transgressing sacred duties in pursuit of power and understanding.
Immaculate Halla “The Blood We Tie” captivates with its arresting portrayal of familial loyalty and moral dilemmas amidst profound personal struggles. Through the main character’s harrowing choices and the sisters’ unwavering support, the narrative reveals the complexities of love, loss, and the haunting repercussions of buried secrets.
“The Recrudescence” by Nwafor Emmanuel enthralls with its vivid depiction of a village upended by the mysterious stranger Mmiri, whose arrival ignites a tumult of greed, envy, and otherworldly repercussions. Through vibrant characters and a compelling storyline, the narrative delves into the clash between human desires and divine intervention, weaving moral quandaries and unforeseen twists that captivate readers until its haunting resolution.
Congratulations again to all the writers!
2024 LONGLIST
Hurray! We are delighted once again to announce the longlist for the Toyin Falola Prize, 2024 edition. It has been four years since the Prize began to offer a platform for the outburst of African creative writing coursing through the continent and its diaspora. We are grateful to be the first witnesses. We are also grateful each year for the ability to continue this tradition, recognizing and celebrating some of the excellent writing Africa offers.
Like previous years, the turnout in submissions has been massive, numbering in the hundreds from different parts of the continent. It tells a lot about how seriously Africa and its creative talents take narratives. Against accounts of African literature dwindling, we are happy to announce that this cannot be any further from the truth.
Out of the deluge of submissions entered for the Toyin Falola Prize, our readers and judges have spared time and resources and have presented us with this 9-writer longlist, ranging across different parts of the continent. We have representatives from Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa.
Many thanks go to our partners, whose support has been immensely generative. We hope that the prize, through these stories, continues to honour the work of Africa’s most distinguished historian, whose initiatives and scholarship continue to show the best of the continent and its layered history.
To the longlisted writers, congratulations!