TWENTY
SHORT STORY WRITERS MAKE AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SHORT STORY PRIZE LONGLIST
By: Wole Adedoyin
The African Human Rights Short Story Prize is
proud to announce the longlist of its esteemed literary competition. Out of the
Seventy English-language submissions received, Twenty Short Story Writers from
across Africa have been selected for the longlist. The rigorous process of
selecting the longlist was carried out by Gabriel Sunday Afolayan, a renowned
literary expert and judge for the competition.
To learn more about Gabriel Sunday Afolayan, please visit his profile at https://ihrafafrica.blogspot.com/2023/01/gabriel-sunday-afolayan-and-tom-block.html.
According to Gabriel Sunday Afolayan, the
selected stories, presented in two volumes of a 406-page document, showcase a
diverse range of narratives that tackle the intricate themes of human rights in
Africa. It is important to note that the longlist is arranged in the sequence
of their appearance and not according to their quality, as all the selected
works are considered to be of high caliber.
While some entries seemed to have been hastily
packaged for the purpose of the competition, lacking proper plot structure,
literary devices, and editing, the organizers urge aspiring writers to invest
time in honing their craft. The African Human Rights Short Story Prize
encourages authors to revise their works, seek expert feedback, and refine
their stories to achieve their full potential.
Nonetheless, the longlist serves as a testament
to the exceptional talent that Africa possesses. The works presented here
demonstrate that African writers, both emerging and established, can rival and
surpass their global counterparts with their literary prowess.
The African Human Rights Short Story Prize has
consistently been a beacon of light in addressing human rights issues that
pervade the African continent. The organizers are commended for their
unwavering commitment to promoting human rights through the medium of
literature.
Submissions for the competition were received
from eight countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Malawi, USA, Zimbabwe,
Cameroon, Pakistan, and Ghana.
As the African Human Rights Short Story Prize
progresses, the next phase will see the shortlisting of finalists. The
shortlisted stories will undergo further scrutiny.
Find below the complete longlist:
1.
Diary of a First Daughter By Busayo Fakunle
2.
The Libertarian Slave By Timbsara Augustine Laurence
3.
Heaven By Patience Bello Peterson
4.
At the End of the Rainbow By Olusoji Obebe
5.
Caught in the Web By Martha Shigara
6.
Water Maid By Victor Damilola Garuba
7.
You are a Criminal By Chukwu Sunday Abel
8.
She Died in the Midst of Plenty By Nwakpa Gilbert Arinze
9.
The Trap of Tradition By Oladele Babajamu
10.
Marry Me When I am Older By Chigozie A. Mbadugba
11.
Leaks and Stains By Lade Ajayi
12.
Dejected By Johanna Ataman
13.
Gloom By Idiase Efemena Perpetual
14.
I will be Good By Mimi Uguemo Samuel
15.
Little Sister By Enitan Abdultawab
16.
Untold Woes By Elizabeth Aduragbemi Akinmutola
17.
The Head Breaker By Testimony Odeh
18.
Bobina By Stephen Adinoyi
19.
Barricaded By Isidinma Nnmadi
20.
Uncut By Nasiru Munirat Ozohu
