Nadia Davids wins the 2024 Caine Prize for African Writing

South African writer Nadia Davids has won the 2024 Caine Prize for African Writing for her outstanding short story, “Bridling”. 

Her story, which had originally been published in the Georgia Review in 2023, was deemed “outstanding” by the judging panel. 

Author Chika Unigwe, chair of the judges, said: “‘Bridling’ is an impressive achievement, a triumph of language, storytelling and risk-taking while maintaining a tightly controlled narrative about women who rebel. It embodies the spirit of the Caine Prize, which is to celebrate the richness and diversity of short stories by African writers. That is to say, to challenge the single story of African literature.” 

Davids will receive £10,000 in addition to her story being featured in the 2024 Caine Prize Anthology, Midnight in the Morgue and Other Stories published by Cassava Republic Press.  

Runners-up Tryphena Yeboah, Samuel Kolawole, Uche Okonkwo and Pemi Aguda will receive a prize of £500 and also feature in the 2024 Caine Prize Anthology. The anthology will also include stories from this year’s workshop held in Salima, Malawi. 

This year’s competition witnessed a record-breaking number of submissions, with 320 entries spanning 28 African countries vying for the coveted prize, while also marking a significant milestone in the Caine Prize’s history as it enters its 25th year.  

Alongside Unigwe this year’s judging panel were poet, artist and filmmaker Julianknxx; writer, scholar and filmmaker Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu; hip-hop artist Tumi Molekane, aka Stogie T; and novelist Ayesha Harruna Attah.

Ellah Wakatama Allfrey, chair of the Caine Prize board of trustees, said: “I was delighted by the range and ambition of this year’s shortlisted stories. It is especially pleasing to see writers many will recognise and to introduce new voices. As we enter into our 25th year, it’s wonderful to have such a strong shortlist and the formidable Nadia Davids as our winner.”

The Caine Prize for African Writing has supported African writers for nearly 25 years, and organisers said it has offered “unmatched global visibility and opportunities, including publishing deals and writing fellowships”.

Davids’ winning story, “Bridling” can be read on the Caine Prize website.