The seventh Nommo Awards, celebrating the best in African speculative fiction, were announced last weekend at the 82nd World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) in Glasgow.
The prestigious event, organised by the African Speculative Fiction Society (ASFS), highlighted the outstanding contributions of African authors and artists in the realm of science fiction, fantasy, horror and philosophical fiction.
According to a statement, the ceremony, hosted by renowned Zimbabwean author Tendai Huchu, brought together luminaries of African literature, including Nnedi Okorafor, Wole Talabi, Suyi Davies Okungbowa, and Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki. A special guest of honour, Tom Ilube CBE, after whom the Best Novel award is named, added a touch of philanthropy and passion to the event, underscoring the importance of supporting African storytelling on a global stage.
This year’s winners included Wole Talabi, who took home the Ilube Award for Best Speculative Fiction Novel for Shigdi and the Brass Head of Obalufon, a work praised for its imaginative fusion of African mythology and science fiction. The Best Novella award was claimed by Stephen Embleton for Undulation, a poignant narrative featured in Mothersound: The Sauútiverse Anthology.
In a rare tie, the Best Graphic Novel category saw two winners: Grimm’s Assistant by Mamode Ogbewele and Chigozie Amadi, and WindMaker Volume 1 by Roye Okupe and Sunkanmi Akinboye. Both works were lauded for their visual storytelling and rich cultural references.
The Best Short Story award went to Gabrielle Emem Harry for My Name is a Plea and a Prophecy, a gripping tale that has resonated deeply with readers for its exploration of identity and destiny.
The Nommo Awards, named after the Dogon mythical beings, have become a crucial platform for African speculative fiction, offering a unique lens into the diverse and complex narratives emerging from the continent. With record-breaking nominations this year, the awards showcased the talents of writers and artists from Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Senegal, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone, among others.
The Nommo Awards serve as both a celebration and a beacon, shining a light on stories that challenge, inspire and expand the imagination.
For more details on the winners and their works, visit the official Nommo Awards website: https://www.africansfs.com/nommo-awards/2024-nommo-awards-winners
