Rose Okeke wins the 2022 James Currey Prize for African Literature

Nigerian writer, Rose Okeke, has won the 2022 James Currey Prize for African Literature for her manuscript, “Child of the Corn.”

The James Currey Prize for African Literature is an annual award for the best-unpublished work of fiction written in English by any writer, set in Africa or on Africans in Africa or in the Diaspora. It was established in 2020 by Nigerian writer, filmmaker and publisher Onyeka Nwelue, in honour of James Currey, a publisher of academic books on Africa. The first winner of the prize was Ani Kayode Somtochukwu.

The jury for 2022 chaired by Ever Obi, Indian author and scholar, Dr. Suraj Yengde, Teri Sillo (United Kingdom), Thomas Dukelabik Amanquandor (Ghana), Peace Anyiam-Osigwe (Nigeria), Olukorede S Yishau (Nigeria), and Charmaine R Mujeri (Zimbabwe).

The longlist for the awards was announced on 1 June before the shortlist was revealed on 1 July. 

Jury chair Ever Obi in an announcement said: “The major work is done.”

The shortlisted writers are: 

Rose Okeke (Nigeria), Child of the Corn

Buntu Siwisa (South Africa), Paperless

Esomnofu Ebelenna Tobenna (Nigeria), Madness

Abenea Ndago (Kenya), Lord Kitchener

Mohammed Hammie (Tanzania), Mandiga’s Well. 

The winner of the award was announced at a prize ceremony hosted by OneWorld Publications publisher, Juliet Mabey, marking the 3-day James Currey Literary Festival on September 3. 

The winner receives £1000.

The James Currey Literature Festival is supported by British Council, British Airways, Daniel Ford International, Bodleian Libraries, African Studies Centre, University of Oxford, Pitanga, Heat African, OneWorld Publications, Abibiman Publishing, Hattus Books, FTWeekend Oxford Literary Festival, La Cave Musik, Punch, World Arts Agency, Y!Naija, Open Country Magazine,  Sally Dunsmore, BellaNaija, NaijaTimes, ThisIsLagos and James Murua.