NLNG’s Literature Prize longlist of 11, power, politics dominate- Andy Odeh

July 27, 2018 The Words Finesse 0 Comments

Longlisted plays for 2018 NLNG Prize for Literature
The struggle for political control and power play dominate the longlist for the $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Literature, announced yesterday in Lagos by the Advisory Board for the Prize, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited.

Below are what, in parts, Andy Odeh -Manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs of NLNG Limited- had to say, in a statement issued yesterday, about the NLNG longlist and its prizes that began eight years ago.

"The 2018 longlist of 11 plays chosen from 89 entries was selected by a panel of three judges led by Matthew Umukoro, professor of Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan. Other members of the panel include Mohammed Inuwa Umar - Buratai, professor of Theatre and Performing Arts and the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU), Zaria; and Ngozi Udengwu, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Film Studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

"The Umukoro-led panel was appointed in February 2018 by the Prof. Ayo Banjo-led Advisory Board for the Nigeria Prize for Literature which has been administering the prize on behalf of Nigeria LNG Limited since 2010. Entries for the 2018 Prize were received by the judges in April 2018.

"The longlist for this year’s Prize is as follows:
1. August Inmates by Chidubem Iweka; published by Kraft Books
2. Death and The King’s Grey Hair by Denja Abdullahi; published by Kraft Books
3. Embers by Soji Cole; published by Emotion Press
4. Guerrilla Post by Obari Gomba; published by Narrative Landscape Press
5. Majestic Revolt by Peter E. Omoko; published by Malthouse Press
6. Melancholia by Dul Johnson; published by Sevhage Publishers
7. No More the Taming Hawks by Diran Ademiju-Bepo; published by Dynasty Tales
8. Once Upon an Elephant by Bosede Ademilua-Afolayan by Kraft Books
9. Sankara by Jude Idada; published by Parressia Publishing
10. The Rally by Akanji Nasiru; published by Kraft Books
11. Unstable by Dickson Ekhaguere; published by Tryspect Solutions

"Members of the Advisory Board for the Literature Prize, besides Professor Banjo, two-time Vice-Chancellor of Nigeria’s premier university, University of Ibadan, are Prof. Jerry Agada, former Minister of State for Education, former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, and Professor Emeritus, Ben Elugbe, former President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters and president of the West-African Linguistic Society (2004-2013).

"The Nigeria Prize for Literature has, since 2004, rewarded eminent writers such as Gabriel Okara (co-winner, 2004, poetry), Professor Ezenwa Ohaeto (co-winner, 2004, poetry) for The Dreamer, His Vision; Ahmed Yerima (2005, drama) for his play, Hard Ground; Mabel Segun (co-winner, 2007, children’s literature) for her collection of short plays Reader’s Theatre; Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo (co-winner, 2007, children’s literature) for her book, My Cousin Sammy; Kaine Agary (2008, prose) for her book Yellow Yellow; Esiaba Irobi (2010, drama) who clinched the prize posthumously with his book Cemetery Road; Adeleke Adeyemi (2011, children’s literature) with his book The Missing Clock; Chika Unigwe (2012, prose), with her novel, On Black Sisters Street; Tade Ipadeola (2013, poetry) with his collection of poems, The Sahara Testaments, Professor Sam Ukala (2014, drama) with his play, Iredi War; Seasons of Crimson Blossoms, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim (2016, prose) and The Heresiad, Ikeogu Oke (2017, poetry)."

The Nigeria Prize for Literature with a cash award of $100, 000 is awarded yearly to the best excellent work, alternating amongst four literary genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature which will this year be awarded to the best excellent work submitted in the Drama genre.

Leading up to the announcement of the shortlist of three and winner, there will be a number of events open to the public featuring the authors which will be publicized on the corporate social media platforms of NLNG Limited.

A shortlist of three is expected in September and a possible winner will be announced by the Advisory Board in October.

For further details about the Longlist, Click HERE

For more info about NLNG Prize for Literature, visit their page via HERE

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11 Plays announced for 2018 Long list of NLNG Prize for Literature

July 27, 2018 TWF Editor 0 Comments

Photo credit: AmehNews.
Eleven plays made it to the long list for the $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Literature this year, announced on Thursday, 26th of July, 2018, sponsored by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG).

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Nigerian Writer, Anietie Isong wins 2018 McKitterick Prize with Debut Novel, Radio Sunrise

July 26, 2018 The Words Finesse 0 Comments

Photo credit: Newsbreaker.
Anietie Isong, Nigerian writer, has won the 2018 McKitterick Prize with his debut novel, "Radio Sunrise", making him the first Nigerian to do so since its establishment in 1990.

The Society of Authors revealed that McKitterick Prize honours the first novel by a writer aged over 40.

Speaking at the Authors’ Awards ceremony at the Royal Institute of British Architects, London, the Prize Judge,  Aamer Hussein said: “It’s a particular pleasure to discover the original, intriguing voice of Anietie Isong. 

"In his brief, deftly told Radio Sunrise, the author depicts his often-hapless protagonist’s sexual mishaps and political travails on a journey to his hometown with a unique blend of humour and poignance. An intriguing and accomplished new novelist.”

Receiving the prize from broadcaster and actor, Stephen Fry, at the well attended event by over 400 guests from across the publishing industry, the Nigerian-British writer said,  “I wrote Radio Sunrise to help draw attention to a myriad of issues in Nigeria, and I am thrilled that this resonated with the judges.”

Anietie, who is the brother of Emem Isong, an award-winning Nigerian filmmaker, with this feat, joins a distinguished line of previous winners like Helen Dunmore, Petina Gappah and Mark Haddon.

Apart from receiving the £4000 prize money, Anietie Isong has received previous awards like a Commonwealth Short Story Award and the Remember Oluwale Writing Prize.

He has worked as a journalist, speechwriter and communications manager in Nigeria and the UK. He holds a PhD in New Media and Writing. 

He will be speaking at the Marlborough Literature Festival in the UK, in September.

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Black Panther's sister, Shuri gets own spin-off comic, to begin in October

July 22, 2018 The Words Finesse 0 Comments

Shuri, yet another "Black Panther" Spin Off

Marvel Comics has announced a spin-off series, to begin in October, in which Black Panther is lost on a mission to space, and Shuri is looked upon to step up to fill the void left by her big brother in their mythical home nation Wakanda.

"The world fell in love with Shuri in the movie. Now, the Black Panther’s techno-genius sister launches her own adventures," the publisher said, confirming news first published by Bustle.

British-Guyanese actress, Letitia Wright, earned praises for her portrayal of sarcasm and high-tech inventions that made her one of the main new characters in the film, which critics agree was a groundbreaking moment for blacks on the silver screen.

"While she [Shuri] is the most at home in her lab, working to keep her country at the forefront of science and technology, Wakanda is missing its leader," Marvel wrote in a press statement about the new series.

"Without T'Challa around, Shuri will have to decide if she will forego her own passions in order to stand up for her nation."

Female Nigerian-American sci-fi author, Ms Nnedi Okorafor, who writes African-based science fiction and fantasy novels, will write "Shuri." 

Hinting about her new task, she wrote on Instagram, "Marvel has given Shuri (sister of T’Challa) her own comic series…and I’m writing it. Yup!😎!! Shuri is an African young woman of genius level intelligence who is obsessed with technology and has traveled spiritually so far into the past that she’s seen Wakanda before it was Wakanda. The Ancestors call her “Ancient Future”. And she’s super ambitious. What do I love about her? Alllll that and more. #wakandaforever 🙅🏾‍♀️ #nnediokorafor#marvel"

Ms Okorafor is no stranger to the Marvel Universe as she has previously contributed to the bi-weekly series, Black Panther: Long Live the King. 

According to BBC, she is already working for Marvel on its "Wakanda Forever" series, which focuses on the Dora Milaje, the all-female special forces unit in the fictional nation.

Ms Okorafor told the online women's magazine, Bustle, that Shuri was a character in the "Marvel Universe who really sings to me."

She explained in an email to Bustle that she loved the character for her ambition and being a young African woman of "genius level intelligence who is obsessed with technology and has travelled spiritually so far into the past that she's seen Wakanda before it was Wakanda."

The author, who has Nigerian parents, has won a number of international awards, including a Hugo Award for her novella, Binti, and the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature.

Her novel, "Who Fears Death" is reportedly being made into a drama series produced by Game Of Thrones' George RR Martin.

According to Box Office Mojo, "Black Panther" has taken in more than $1.34 billion, making it number nine on the all-time box office list. "Avatar" is the all-time champion at nearly $2.8 billion. 

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PIN UI To Host Poets, Spoken Word Artists, Orators, Others

July 18, 2018 TWF Editor 0 Comments


Poets in Nigeria (PIN), University of Ibadan (UI) Connect Center, enriched with passionate young writers and literary enthusiasts, will, on the 27th of July, 2018 gather writers, spoken word artists, orators and literary enthusiasts to a big literary event at the University of Ibadan. 

The trio events which will hold at Arts Theatre, UI will feature competitions ranging from Spoken Word Slam to Oratory Contest to kick start at about 11 o' clock in the morning. 

Also in the evening, the event will be spiced up with a stage performance of "Frantic Vultures" by Gabriel Okonkwo, directed by Raji Joseph. 

While Oratory Contest will be on the topic, "Security Challenges in Nigeria: The way forward", participation for Spoken Word Slam will be by invitations to the shortlisted participants who would have forwarded their biodata -Name, Department, Faculty, and Contact details- to spokenwordslamUI@gmail.com with an 8-line poem on any theme, on or before Monday, 23rd of July.

Set to attend this promising event as guest poets include both established and budding poets such as Eriata Oribhabor (President, PIN), Servio Gbadamosi, Aniemeka Ndubuisi Martins, Ibrahim Odugbemi, Lawal Kafayat Gold, Olatunde Busayo, Mobolaji Sofoluwe, Muhammed Suleiman, Lanase Hussein Kehinde, Okunlola Olayinka Azeezat and others.

Orators and poets from Halls of Residence in the University of Ibadan and other Universities will be in attendance. 

Poets in Nigeria (PIN) is a literary body dedicated to the growth of Literature in Nigeria and the world. Over the years, PIN has been able to organize literary events and recorded successes across states in Nigeria. 

It also has Centres in various Universities across Nigeria where events are held annually.

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35 Poets Make 2018 Babishai-Niwe Poetry Award's Longlist

July 11, 2018 TWF Editor 0 Comments


The 2018 Babishai-Niwe Poetry Award has announced a longlist of 35 names.

Twenty-six (26) of the longlist are from Nigerian, Three (3) from Kenya, Two (2) from Zimbabwe; while one (1) poet each from South Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda and Malawi, made it to the list.

The 2018 Award judged by Remi Raj, Rehema Nanfuka, and Alfred Msadala produced the following longlist:

Stephen Ogunfoworin (Nigeria)
Janet Kali (Kenya)
Marial Awendit (South Sudan)
Adedayo Adeyemi Agarau (Nigeria)
Osadolor Osayande (Nigeria)
Madu Chisom Kingdavid (Nigeria)
Olamide Adio Olanrewaju (Nigeria)
Ayodele Sosegbon (Nigeria)
Mhraf Worku (Ethiopia)
Onele Peter-Cole (Nigeria)
Rex Omonla (Nigeria)
David John Esu (Nigeria)
Babalola Joseph O (Nigeria)
Olabode Olanrewaju (Nigeria)
George Gumikiriza (Uganda)
Chiedozie Kelechi Danjuma (Nigeria)
Bo Chacha (Nigeria)
Lod Nael (Nigeria)
Muna Chinedu (Nigeria)
Badmus Jabril (Nigeria)
Darlington Chibueze Anuonye (Nigeria)
Kazeem Adeyomola Ismail (Nigeria)
Tariro Ndoro (Zimbabwe)
Ogwiji Ehi-kowochio Blessing (Nigeria)
Grace Sharra (Malawi)
Yakeeb (Nigeria)
Badmus Jubril (Nigeria)
Wafula p’Khisa (Kenya)
Boluwatife Afolabi (Nigeria)
Zibusiso Mpofu (Zimbabwe)
Samson Abanni (Nigeria)
Okwudili Nebeolisa (Nigeria)
Daniel Many Owiti (Kenya)
Timothy Ojo (Nigeria)
Salawu Olajide (Nigeria)

The winner of this year Award will be announced at the 2018 Babishai-Niwe Poetry Festival from 3-6 August, in Kapchorwa and Mbale, Uganda.

Founded in 2009 by Uganda’s Beverly Nambozo Nsengiyunva, director of Babishai-Niwe Poetry Foundation, the BN Poetry Award was originally aimed at highlighting poetry by Ugandan women. 

The first winners were Lilian Akampurira Aujo in 2009, Sophie Brenda Alal in 2010), Sanyu Kisaka in 2011, and Susan Piwang in 2012. 

After the prize was expanded to all African poets, the winners were Tom Jalio in 2014, Adeeko Ibukun in 2015, and Sanya Noel and Moyosore Orimoloye in 2016.

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On Caine Prize 2018 Shortlist, a literary critic, Pa Ikhide speaks

July 11, 2018 TWF Editor 0 Comments

Ikhide R. Ikheloa. Photo: The Trent.
A controversial literary critic, Ikhide R. Ikheloa, in a Twitter chat on SynCity’s “Literary Lords and Ladies” series, asserted that the Caine Prize has degenerated to the celebration of mediocrity,  orthodoxy, and exhausted cliches.


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Brittle Paper calls for nominations for 2018 Literary Awards

July 10, 2018 The Words Finesse 0 Comments


Brittle Paper, an online literary site is calling for nomination of works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and essays or think pieces for consideration by its editorial team for the 2018 edition of its Awards.

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I’m sorry for men because they can’t procreate– Chimamanda Adichie

July 10, 2018 The Words Finesse 0 Comments

Chimamanda Adichie. Photo credit: WSJ.

Celebrated Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has said that she feels sorry for men because they can’t have the experience of giving birth.

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2018 Caine Prize Winner, Makena Onjerika, to give a tenth of her prize to street children

July 08, 2018 TWF Editor 0 Comments



The Kenyan winner of the prestigious Caine Prize for African Writing, Makena Onjerika has said she will donate a tenth (£1,000) of her winnings to help rehabilitate street children in Kenya.

In her recent tweet she also said that she is hopefully working with others for the long term around children's affairs.

Speaking to BBC on how she will expend the remaining money, Onjerika said, "With the rest of the money I'll buy a car or maybe a motorcycle to get through traffic jams in Nairobi."

On why she chose to write about street children, she said she write about them because "Kenyans - me included - do not see street kids as children.

"There are children, and then there are 'chokora'," she added, explaining the derogatory Swahili term used by Kenyans which translates as "street urchins".

Onjerika, who is the fourth Kenyan to take the prize, won for her short story “Fanta Blackcurrant,” published in Wasafiri in 2017, in which a street child in Nairobi, who makes a living from sex trade is caught stealing and is beaten by local criminals.

Her story Fanta Blackcurrant was chosen from a shortlist of five.

Read or Listen to "Black Currant"

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PenWarlord unleashes Spoken Word for the oppressed

July 08, 2018 The Words Finesse 7 Comments


One of the rising Spoken Word Poetry Artists from Kwara State in Nigeria, Saliu Ahmad Toyin, popularly called Penwarlord has decided to lend a voice to the EndSARS campaign raging across Nigeria. 

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40 Fellows Elected into the Royal Society of Literature

July 05, 2018 The Words Finesse 1 Comments

The elected 40 new Fellows under the age of 40. Photo credit-RSL website.
Forty Fellows under the age of 40 have been elected into this year's Royal Society of Literature (RSL).

The announcement was done on Wednesday, June 28, 2018 at The British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB.

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Prolific Welsh writer and journalist Meic Stephens dies

July 04, 2018 TWF Editor 0 Comments


The prolific Welsh literary author, poet, editor, critic, translator and obituarist, Meic Stephens died yesterday at the age of 79.

His known works included The Oxford Companion to the Literature of Wales (1986), Rhys Davies: A Writer's Life (2013) and Poetry 1900 - 2000 (2007).

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Nigerian Writer, Isong Shortlisted For UK’s Biggest Literary Prize Fund

July 04, 2018 The Words Finesse 0 Comments


The shortlists for the Betty Trask, McKitterick, Tom-Gallon and Somerset Maugham awards have been announced by The Society of Authors, with Nigerian writer Anietie Isong, amongst the 22 shortlisted names.

The four prizes will be awarded at The Authors’ Awards on Thursday 19th July, in London, a unique night of riches with all the awards judged by authors for authors.

The event has rewarded the early works of some of today’s most prominent literary figures such as Zadie Smith, Seamus Heaney, Helen Dunmore, Hari Kunzru, Carol Ann Duffy and Mark Haddon.

The evening will see the UK’s biggest literary fund of more than £98,000 awarded to established and emerging writers of fiction, non-fiction and poetry.

Anietie Isong is shortlisted for the McKitterick Prize, for his debut novel, Radio Sunrise.

Frances Fyfield, McKitterick judge says of Radio Sunrise: "A small volume, staying long in the imagination, with the huge backdrop of a young, utterly likeable Nigerian journalist trying to live a life and get ahead. Lovely, simple first-person narrative of youthful manhood, getting it wrong, getting it right, learning on the hoof. Makes the reader long to meet him, while engendering both hope and despair for the society he inhabits, all enlivened by humour."

Anietie Isong has worked as a journalist, speechwriter and public relations manager in the UK and in Nigeria. His writing has received some awards, including a Commonwealth Short Story Award.

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Five things you may not know about Maya Angelou, the African American author, poet and singer

July 04, 2018 TWF Editor 0 Comments


Maya Angelou, who would have been 90 on 4 April, remains one of America’s most influential writers, artists and cultural figureheads.

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Afro Anthology and Enkare Review call for a blind protagonist centered short stories from African writers

July 04, 2018 TWF Editor 0 Comments


Afro Anthology Series and Enkare Review have invited African story writers to submit a fictional work that centers around a blind protagonist or has blindness as its core theme. 

According to them in their release, the anthology will be published on World Sight Day 2018 which comes up on October 11 in recognition of blind citizens and to draw attention to blindness and visual impairment. 

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ANA Calls for Submissions to its Annual Journal

July 03, 2018 TWF Editor 0 Comments


The National Executive Council of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has announced a call for submissions for the 2018 ANA Review.

In a statement issued by the National Secretary of the Association, Dr. Ofonime Inyang, interested entrants should direct their submissions for the 37th edition of the Review to "the Association’s Editorial Board headed by the General Secretary."

According to the statement, submissions are expected in four genres: Poetry—No more than six poems per submission; Prose—Short stories or fiction excerpts must be under 4,000 words; Essays—Academic and literary essays on subjects related to literature are welcome and must be under 5,000 words; and Drama—Skits only, under 3,000 words.

All submissions are expected to be sent as MS Word attachments via email to
titiaofonime@gmail.com, bearing details such as: Name, Genre, State Chapter, Contact, and Telephone of the writer, on the first page.

All submissions to the Review closes on Friday, 3th of August, 2018.

The ANA Review, published yearly by the Association, is a journal that seeks to assess the pulse of contemporary Nigerian and African literary writing and critical discourse in the field.

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ANA Commiserates With Victims Of Lagos Petrol Tanker Inferno

July 03, 2018 TWF Editor 0 Comments


The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Lagos Branch has expressed her sympathy to victims of last Thursday petrol tanker explosion which occurred on the Otedola Estate Bridge-side of Lagos-Ibadan Express Way of Lagos, applauding  various state agencies for taking quick action to rescue the situation.

Lagos State chapter Chairman of the Association, Mr Yemi Adebiyi expressed shock at the losses due to the incident.

“It is saddening that at a time Nigerians are yet to overcome the trauma of the Plateau massacre by unknown gunmen, the incident in Lagos which occurred due to the unfortunate explosion of a moving petrol tanker ended in not only throw Lagosians into mourning but, also aggravated our pains for the several disasters which have befell our nation in recent time.

“Members of the ANA are greatly agonised by the losses of lives in the incident. We feel the pains and sorrow of the injured, death of loved ones and loss of properties and commiserate with Lagosians and Lagos State government on the sad incident.”

He further added that “one cannot fail to notice and commend the swift response of relevant disaster rescue and emergency agencies of the Lagos State authorities, including men of the Nigeria Police as they rallied round to salvage the situation in order to ameliorate the possible ripple effects of the disaster, which could have aggravated the pains on Lagosians, in record time."

It would be recalled that Lagos is the hosting state of the forthcoming international convention of ANA, holding between October 25 and 28, 2018.


Culled from Daily Independent.

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Kenyan Makena Onjerika wins 2018 Caine Prize for African Writing

July 03, 2018 The Words Finesse 0 Comments


Kenyan writer Makena Onjerika has won the 2018 Caine Prize for African Writing for her short story “Fanta Blackcurrant”, beating four other finalists.

The prize comes with a £10,000 award.

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Poets, Story tellers, Artists Call To Submit To Ake Review

July 02, 2018 TWF Editor 0 Comments


The Ake Arts and Book Festival has announced a call for entries for the 2018 edition of their annual journal, Ake Review.

According to the statement issued, the theme for this year’s festival which is the 6th Edition is: Fantastical Futures, focused on a re-imagined African future.

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