Adam El Shalakany was announced the winner of the Short Story Day Africa Prize 2018 on August 5, 2019. Noel Cheruto was the first runner up and Lester Walbrugh was the second runner up.
Short Story Day Africa recognises short story writers across the continent while also helping to increase their skills sets with workshops. The Short Story Africa Day prize has been won by Tochukwu Emmanuel Okafor (2018), Sibongile Fisher (2016), Cat Hellisen (2015), Diane Awerbuck (2014), and Okwiri Oduor (2013).
The 2018 edition of the prize followed the general theme of “Hotel Africa” with the longlist being announced on March 4 followed by a shortlist of ten on July 4.
Adam El Shalakany ‘s winning story was described as one which “features a small and shabby hotel in Cairo, and a cast of strangely endearing characters, but everyone who read it said it made them “happy”; which, given that it features very ordinary people living somewhat melancholy lives, is testament to how deeply it resonates with the reader.”
Hotel Africa: New Short Fiction featuring those who were shortlisted is now available as an ebook in Africa. Click here to buy your copy!
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