The shortlist for the inaugural Iskanchi Book Prize, a manuscript prize open to African writers, was announced on Monday, May 6, 2024.
Iskanchi Press and Magazine, founded by publisher, journalist, and writer Kenechi Uzor in 2020, has produced several magazine editions of their magazine as well as numerous titles. The platform announced a new initiative called the Iskanchi Book Prize to bring to light the best new writing from the continent. It is open to African writers and seeks to honour outstanding prose and hybrid book manuscripts, offering the winner a publishing opportunity.
The shortlist for the new award was announced on Monday with the organisers stating,
“The Iskanchi Book Prize attracted an impressive array of talented writers, and we are thrilled to see such diversity and excellence on this year’s shortlist. The 11 shortlisted manuscripts showcase the best of African realities and the continent’s vibrant literary talent and align with our mission to promote authentic African perspectives.”
The shortlisted manuscripts are;
- Delightful Cage, Joyce Odera (Nigeria)
- FINELAND, Lauwo George (Tanzania)
- Citizens, Abenea Ndago (Kenyan)
- The Seeker, Terna Douglas Abu (Nigeria)
- The Brilliance Of A Million Suns, Alieu Bundu (Sierra Leone)
- The Perfect Muslims, Onyeka Nwelue (Nigeria)
- Khisa John – Sunset Over Elgon Hills (Uganda)
- The Boy With The Indigo Heart, Thabi Moeketsi (Zimbabwe)
- A Little Wonder To Dream, Olowe Damilola (Nigeria)
- Oyinloye Michael Oluwatomisin – Gone (Nigeria)
- The Child from Dindefello Falls, Aminta Dupuis
The grand prize winner to be announced later in the year will receive $1500 cash prize and publication in Fall 2025.
