Mame Bougouma Diene and Woppa Diallo were declared winners of the Caine Prize for African Writing 2023 in London, UK on Monday, October 2, 2023.
The Caine Prize for African Writing is awarded annually to an African writer published in English for an outstanding short story since the year 2000. It has recognised some of the most famous writers working today like Leila Aboulela, Helon Habila, Yvonne Adhiambo Owour, and many more. In recent times, winners of the prize have been Idza Luhumyo (2022), Meron Hadero (2021), Irenosen Okojie (2020), Lesley Nneka Arimah (2019), Makena Onjerika (2018), Bushra al-Fadil (2017), Lidudumalingani Mqombothi (2016), and Namwali Serpell (2015).
For 2023, the prize was judged by a jury chaired by SOAS professor of Law Fareda Banda alongside Edwige-Renée Dro, a writer, literary translator, and literary activist; Kadija George Sesay, editor and founder of Mboka Festival; Jendella Benson, author and Head of Editorial at Black Ballad; and Warsan Shire, a multi-award-winning writer and poet who recently collaborated with Beyoncé Knowles-Carter on her Peabody Award-winning visual album Lemonade and the Disney film Black Is King.
From the 297 entries spanning 28 African countries, the jury announced the shortlist on July 6 before the winners were announced at the Africa Writes conference last night. The winning story is ‘A Soul of Small Places, Mame Bougouma Diene and Woppa Diallo (Senegal, TorDotCom (2022).
Speaking of the winning story, Fareda Banda said: “A Soul of Small Places by Mame Bougouma Diene and Woppa Diallo has earned its place as a groundbreaking short story, making history by becoming the first jointly conceived narrative to win the prestigious Caine Prize for African Writing since its inception in 2000. It is also the first from Senegal to win the Caine Prize. The judges said that this was a beautifully written story, tender and poetic. Written as speculative fiction, it is about resistance and resilience in the face of gendered violence. This visceral tale speaks powerfully, but not didactically, to one of the pressing global issues of our time. It reminds us too of the power of love in all its forms. The winning story leaves a lasting impression and invites readers to return to it.”
Mame Bougouma Diene & Woppa Diallo’s winning story, ‘A Soul of Small Places’ is inspired by real-life experiences, weaving together a narrative that touches on urgent issues of gender-based violence, women’s rights, and the resilience of survivors in remote Senegalese communities. Set against the backdrop of African cosmology where spirits and humans coexist, the short-story skillfully incorporates supernatural elements, adding depth and cultural richness. Amidst its dark and brutal narrative, the remarkable collaboration between the two writers also explores the timeless theme of love, making it a compelling and thought-provoking work that demands attention.
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