Five ‘captivating’ stories shortlisted for Caine Prize for African Writing

Five “challenging and stimulating” stories spanning generations, genres and themes have been shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African Writing.

The award celebrates the richness and diversity of African literature and recognises outstanding achievements in African storytelling. Among those up for this year’s award are Yejide Kilanko (Nigeria) for This Tangible Thing, HarperVia (2023) and Tlotlo Tsamaase (Botswana) for Peeling Time (Deluxe Edition), TorDotCom (2022).

Also in contention are Mame Bougouma Diene and Woppa Diallo (Senegal) for A Soul of Small Places, TorDotCom (2022); Ekemini Pius (Nigeria) for Daughters, By Our Hands, Isele Magazine (2022) and Yvonne Kusiima (Uganda) for Weaving, Isele Magazine (2022). The winner of the 2023 Caine Prize will be announced at a ceremony held on Monday 2nd October 2023 in London.

Deciding the winner will be a judging panel comprising: chair of judges Fareda Banda, a professor of law at SOAS, University of London; Edwige-Renée Dro, a writer, literary translator, and literary activist; Kadija George Sesay, editor and founder of the Mboka Festival; Jendella Benson, author and head of editorial at Black Ballad; and Warsan Shire, a multi-award winning writer and poet who recently collaborated with Beyoncé Knowles-Carter on her Peabody Award-winning visual album Lemonade and the Disney film “Black Is King”.

Banda said of the shortlist: “Together, we have meticulously reviewed and debated 230 eligible submissions, ultimately narrowing it down to the final five. The entries we received showcased the depth and breadth of writing on the continent and beyond. These stories span generations, genres and themes; challenging, stimulating, and delighting us.

“They embrace speculative fiction and artivism, highlighting the power of engaging and innovative storytelling in addressing gender-based violence and reproductive autonomy. Additionally, they explore inter-generational wisdom and the sense of alienation experienced by diasporic youth. Each story deserves recognition, as they all captivated us." Banda further noted that four out of the six shortlisted finalists reside in Africa, with two from the diaspora.

Ellah Wakatama, chair of The Caine Prize Board of Trustees, commented: “This year we have, for the first time, an all-female judging panel for The Caine Prize for African Writing, which for me, is a particular delight. We set out to put together a group of formidable talent and experience across a range of art forms and disciplines. The judges have presented a shortlist that shows range and ambition, across genres and with diverse approaches to storytelling — the quality and innovation that is a hallmark of our annual shortlist.”