Mali Kambandu, Ruby Excel, and Simbarashe Steyn Kundizeza are on the shortlist for the Island Prize for a Debut Novel from Africa 2024 announced on Monday, May 13, 2024.
The Island Prize for a Debut Novel from Africa is a prize from Holland House Books (UK), Karavan Press (SA) as well as Booker Prize longlistee Karen Jennings. It is aimed at giving writers from Africa (or the diaspora) a chance to showcase their work to a wider audience, with the possibility of feedback, mentoring, meeting with a potential agent, and publication (both in the UK and South Africa). It was first won by Reem Gaafar.
The jury for 2024 comprises prize founder Karen Jennings, previous winner Reem Gaafar, and Wasafiri’s Editor and Publishing Director Sana Goyal. They announced the longlist on February 23 before the shortlist was revealed on Monday. The shortlist features the following stories;
- Lyrics to the Colour Red, Ruby Excel (Ghana)
- When The Shadows Call, Mali Kambandu (Zambia)
- Freelance, Simbarashe Steyn Kundizeza (Zimbabwe)
Simbarashe Steyn Kundizeza said, “Amazing news! My debut novel, “Freelance,” has advanced from the longlist to the shortlist for the Island Prize! While the journey has been challenging at times, moments like these rejuvenate my love for the craft and inspire me to continue honing my skills as a writer. I look forward to the next steps and am excited to engage with the vibrant literary community gathered around this esteemed prize. This recognition is incredibly motivating, and I can’t wait to see where it leads. Huge thanks to the judges and congrats to my fellow finalists!”
The winner will be announced soon.
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