The Caine Prize for African Writing has just revealed its distinguished panel of judges for 2024. Chaired by the acclaimed Nigerian author Chika Unigwe, the panel also includes Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu, Julianknxx, Tumi Molekane (also known as Stogie T), and Ayesha Harruna Attah.
For those unfamiliar with the Caine Prize, it is an annual award that celebrates outstanding short stories by African writers published in English. Named after the late Sir Michael Caine, the prize has become a prestigious platform for recognizing literary talent across the continent.
Let’s delve into the backgrounds of these remarkable judges:
- Chika Unigwe:
- Role: Chair of Judges
- Accolades: An award-winning Nigerian author, Unigwe serves as a creative writing professor at Georgia State College and University in Milledgeville, Georgia.
- Notable Works: Her acclaimed novels include “On Black Sisters’ Street,” “Better Never Than Late,” and “The Middle Daughter.”
- Honors: In 2023, Unigwe was knighted into the Order of the Crown by the Belgian government for her significant contributions to literature.
- Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu:
- Background: A Zimbabwean writer, scholar, and filmmaker.
- Novels: She is the author of critically acclaimed and award-winning novels such as “The Theory of Flight” (2018), “The History of Man” (2020), and “The Quality of Mercy” (2022).
- Upcoming Work: Ndlovu’s fourth novel, “The Creation of Half-Broken People,” is set to be published in 2024 and 2025 by Picador Africa and House of Anansi, respectively.
- Education: She holds a PhD in Modern Thought and Literature from Stanford University.
- Julianknxx:
- Background: A Sierra Leonean poet, artist, and filmmaker based in London, UK.
- Recent Solo Show: His first institutional solo show, “Chorus In Rememory of Flight,” at the Barbican in London (2023), was described as “transcendent and poignant” by the Evening Standard.
- Group Exhibitions: Julianknxx has participated in group exhibitions at Tate Modern, Gagosian, and Carl Freedman Gallery, among others.
- Tumi Molekane (Stogie T):
- Identity: A South African hip-hop artist, bold lyricist, and pragmatic thinker.
- Narrative: His work delves into the complexities of South Africa and the continent as a whole, critiquing power and exploring the underworld of Johannesburg.
- Balance: Stogie T strikes a delicate balance between different worlds through his unconventional lyrics.
- Ayesha Harruna Attah:
- Background: A Ghanaian writer with an impressive literary portfolio.
- Notable Novels: Her novels include “Harmattan Rain” (Commonwealth Prize-nominated), “The Hundred Wells of Salaga” (William Saroyan Prize finalist), and “The Deep Blue Between.”
- Diverse Perspectives: The judges’ rich tapestry of voices and unique expertise promises an exciting selection of stories.
The shortlisted stories and their authors will be unveiled in mid-July. Each writer on the shortlist will receive £500, and the ultimate winner will be awarded £10,000. The judges will convene in September to select the winner, who will be celebrated at an award ceremony in London later in 2024.