The Quramo Festival of Words (QFest) 2025 concluded with a triumphant finish, awarding the coveted Quramo Writers Prize (QWP) to Hubaidat Oyinkansola Ishola for “’What Binds, What Breaks” and showcasing a thrilling poetry slam won by Michael Gnaho. The festival officially kicked off on Friday, October 3, with the celebration of the five writers longlisted for the QWP.
The five longlisted writers and their manuscript entries were introduced in a captivating panel session moderated by culture manager Segun Aribisala, where they discussed their work, entry process, and expectations for the prize.
The five finalists were: “Black Bird” by Chioma Jane Okeagu, “Kaku” by Esther Eniola Oyeleye, “Moon Child” by Abisola Junaid, “Son of the Harem” by Harry Onyeogo” and “What Binds, What Breaks” by Hubaidat Oyinkansola Ishola
QWP 2025 winner, Ishola and her parents displaying her plaqueIshola’s manuscript was eventually declared the winner, securing the N1 million cash prize and a publishing deal with Quramo Publishing. Abisola Junaid’s “Moon Child” and Chioma Jane Okeagu’s “Black Bird” took the second and third consolatory positions, respectively.
Ishola received the award in the presence of two of the judges, head of jury, writer and culture promoter Aduke Gomez, and journalist and writer Anote Ajeluorou. The winner’s parents were also present to share in their daughter’s joyous moment.
QFest Convener, Mrs. Gbemi Shasore celebrating Poetry Slam winner, Michael GnahoThe prize underscores the powerful platform Quramo provides young writers, as evidenced by the success of the 2023 winning manuscript, Dear Zimi by Chizeterem Chijoke. Chijoke’s work was the Quramo Publishing entry for the prestigious CANEX Book Factory Prize for Publishing in Africa in Algiers, Algeria. The book keenly contested for the $20,000 prize, narrowly losing to South Africa’s Karavan Press.
Chijoke, who spoke at the event, expressed profound gratitude to QFest Convener Gbemi Shasore and the Quramo team for believing in her work and giving it “wings to soar.” She revealed she is currently working on a new novel exploring distant marriages and their impact on family well-being.
The festival’s energy peaked on Sunday, October 5, with an evening of fire-spitting spoken word at the Eko Hotel and Suites venue, following three intense days of panel sessions, film shows and book chats.
The Sunday session began with Irish guest poet Stephen James Smith, who was affectionately christened with three Nigerian names by the compere, Gloria Babarinde. This was followed by QFest’s signature Q-Conversation, featuring veteran actress Joke Silva and Mrs. Shasore. The intimate session saw the actress share moving moments, including the tragic loss of her daughter due to medical personnel’s negligence at a tertiary facility.
Following the conversation, 10 young poets, mostly university students and new graduates, took the stage for the poetry slam. The jury was comprised of three literary heavyweights: Kenya’s Professor Mukoma wa Ngugi, journalist James Murua, and poet Stephen James Smith. The audience was also a crucial part of the judging process, as their votes accounted for 70% of the scores.
After a gruelling hour-long contest, three word slammers; Samuel Adeshimisola (Shimisola), Temiloluwa Bolawole (THATPOET) and Michael Gnaho (MAG), emerged as the finalists.
Michael Gnaho eventually clinched the victory, taking home the N100,000 cash prize.
As the curtains close on QFest 2025, young creatives are already looking forward to the next edition, knowing the festival remains a vital platform to showcase and reward their burgeoning literary and poetic talent.
