The inaugural James Currey Fellowship, 2021/22 and residence in Oxford as Academic Visitor at the African Studies Centre, University of Oxford has been awarded to South African-British writer, Stephen Embleton.
In his approval letter, Director of the African Studies Centre, Professor of African History, Miles Larmer, said: “I am delighted to congratulate you for the award of the James Currey Fellowship for 2021/22, which reflects your achievements in the field of African Literature.
“We look forward to welcoming you to Oxford in January 2022 in your capacity as James Currey Fellow. During your stay, events will be organised that will give you the opportunity to discuss your work with Oxford academics and students, in particular those affiliated with the African Studies Centre and our MSc in African Studies.
“As an Academic Visitor to the African Studies Centre, you will have access to Oxford’s Bodleian Library with all its resources.”
The James Currey Fellowship is the brainchild of the Oxford-based James Currey Society, in cooperation with African Studies Centre at University of Oxford.
The James Currey Society was founded by Nigerian writer, filmmaker and publisher, Onyeka Nwelue.
The Society is focused on making the works of James Currey known globally, and accessible to as many people as possible.
Being a member of the James Currey Society offers you the chance to participate in both academic and performative workshops held by leading publishers and authors.
Members of the James Currey Society undertake research projects about funding publishing and empowering writers.
Stephen Embleton was born and lives in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. His background is Graphic Design, Creative Direction and Film. His first short story was published in 2015 in the ‘Imagine Africa 500’ speculative fiction anthology. More short fiction followed in the “Beneath This Skin” 2016 Edition of Aké Review, “The Short Story is Dead, Long Live the Short Story! Vol.2”, the debut edition of Enkare Review 2017, The Bloody Parchment, AfroSFv3, and The Kalahari Review.
He is a charter member of the African Speculative Fiction Society and its Nommo Awards initiative. He was featured in Part 11 of the 100 African Writers of SFF on Strange Horizons. His debut speculative fiction novel, Soul Searching, was published in 2020.
He was shortlisted for the 2021 James Currey Prize for African Literature.
Website: www.jamescurreysociety.co.uk
