Romeo Oriogun has been named a finalist for the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award. His critically acclaimed collection, The Gathering of Bastards, published under the African Poetry Book Fund, is in the running for the $100,000 prize, the largest monetary award for a single collection of poetry in the world.
The winners will be revealed on February 1.
The University of Nebraska Press, which has been a champion of diverse and powerful voices in literature, took to its X handle to celebrate the news. “We’re so excited to congratulate @RomeoOriogun! His book The Gathering of Bastards (@AfricanPoetryBF) is a finalist for the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award!” the press tweeted, highlighting the significance of this achievement.
Oriogun, whose work has consistently garnered international acclaim, also expressed his gratitude on social media. “Still can’t believe that my little book is a Kingsley Tufts finalist, but here we are. & it is such a blessing to be in the company of the other amazing poets!” He wrote.
This recognition adds to the growing list of accolades for the Nigerian poet, whose poetry collection Nomad won the Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2022, and has become a prominent voice in contemporary African literature.
The Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award, based at Claremont Graduate University in California, is one of the most coveted honours in the poetry world. Established to support mid-career poets, the award not only celebrates artistic achievement but also provides financial resources to help poets continue their creative journeys.
As the late Kate Tufts, the award’s founder, once said, the prize was designed to enable poets to focus on their craft “without paying bills.”
Oriogun’s The Gathering of Bastards has been praised for its bold exploration of identity, migration and the complexities of human existence. The collection resonates deeply with readers, blending vivid imagery with raw emotional depth. Its nomination for the Kingsley Tufts Award underscores its significance in the global literary landscape.
The Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award is unique in its mission to honour poets at a pivotal stage in their careers. Unlike lifetime achievement awards, it aims to provide a stepping stone for poets to reach new heights. Past recipients include luminaries such as Tom Sleigh and Terrance Hayes, whose works have continued to shape the poetic canon.
For Oriogun, this nomination is not just a personal triumph but also a testament to the growing influence of African poetry on the world stage. The African Poetry Book Fund, which published The Gathering of Bastards, has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of African poets, ensuring their stories reach a global audience.
As the countdown to February 1 begins, the literary community is rallying behind Oriogun, celebrating his remarkable achievement and wishing him the best of luck.
