THE 2022 TOYIN FALOLA PRIZE LONGLIST
Earlier this year, we announced the call for submissions for the 2022 Toyin Falola Prize on the theme of “Freedom”: “We are interested in the several possibilities that can come out of attempting to narratively understand freedom, tests its limits, its bounds.” And as expected, we’re not disappointed, both by the quality and quantity of entries received.
“The stories are dauntless. Their writers are clearly observant and actively and personally concerned with the issues of their societies. The stories prove that Africa’s passion for telling stories remains wild, salient, and always growing. It’s a flame that’s constantly being fueled by many new writers who truly care about the present and future of their continent. The submitted stories speak loudly for this as they diagnose futuristic concerns and tackle continental themes. What’s interesting is that the stories are hopeful and optimistic. They shift away from the negative representations of Africa and focus on her beauties instead. They also try to imagine a ‘futuristic Africa’ and assert that the continent has all the resources to make it happen.”
Fayssal Bensalah,
Judge,
2022 Toyin Falola Prize
THE LONGLIST
- Amadi on the Concrete – Jarred Thompson
- Arewa Boys – Abdulrahim Hussani
- Bury My Body – Ani Kayode Somtochukwu
- Caged Birds – Sakinah Musa
- Heatwave – Mia Uys
- Salem – Alex Kadiri
- They Call Me Trouble – Fatima Okkhuosami
- Time Stands Still – Radha Opubor
- TriniBoys – Daniel Ogba
- Truthing Through – Babalola Joseph