2014 Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature: 10 African Authors Shortlisted
Ten African authors have been shortlisted for the 2014 edition of the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa, a statement from Globacom has said. The statement noted that this year’s award is the fifth edition and it coincides with the 80th birthday of the Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka in whose honour the award is instituted.
It is being sponsored by Globacom with a winner going home with $20,000 (over N3 million).
Those shortlisted include Othuke Ominiaboha, Akin Bello, Soji Cole, Comfort Adesuwa Ero and Toyin Abiodun. Others are Isaac Attah Ogezi, Moshood Oba, Mayowa Saja, Wumi Raji and Akin Adejumo. The list was made from a total of 163 entries submitted from 17 African countries in the genre of drama, which is the focus of this year’s edition.
The winner is expected to emerge and presented with his prize in Lagos on July 5. The Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa is a biennial award for the best literary work produced by an African.
It was established by the Lumina Foundation in 2005 and has since been serving as an African equivalent of the Nobel Prize, particularly in recognising and encouraging professional and personal excellence.
Entries were invited from authors of any published play or collection of plays by the same author of African descent, published within the last two years.
The aims of the award include propagating the dynamics of self enhancement, celebrating excellence, patriotism, integrity, heroism, intellectualism and selfless service epitomised by Wole Soyinka and generating excellent books (both in content and packaging) authored by Africans.
They also include fostering global harmony through the provision of opportunities for appreciation of cross cultural perspectives and promoting the authors and their works. (National Mirror)
