Nigeria writer Pemi Aguda is the winner of the Writivism Short Story 2015 for her story, Caterer, Caterer. The writer was announced at a ceremony at the National Theatre in Kampala on Sunday evening.
The evening, which was emceed by Writivism board member and recently announced Etisalat judge Zukiswa Wanner, had a series of activities before the big announcement. They included a song by singer Afri, a young woman with an angelic voice on the keyboard whose track was called Askari. She was followed by a series of others. Filmmaker and author Tsitsi Dangarembga read a story from an upcoming anthology from Zimbabwean women writers. Also on stage was poet Chijioke Amu-nnadi who read a moving poem. There were also two amazing poems by Peter Kagayi.
Rachel Zadok represented the panel of judges chaired by Chika Unigwe and comprising Mukoma wa Ngugi, Tendai Huchu, Ainehi Edoro that selected the shortlist on stage. She explained the very thorough process that was done to ensure that there was the best writing at the later stages.
Then came the final part of it all, the prize-giving and the shortlistees were asked to come on stage. Mathilda Roberts who works with the Miles Morland Foundation was given the task announcing the winner. The runner up was Adeola Opeyemi but the winner of the day was Pemi Aguda for her story Caterer, Caterer.
Cue the mad celebrations and a speech by Pemi Aguda who thanked everyone. After this, there were made celebrations with winners of other prizes like Miles Morland Scholar Ndinda Kioko and Caine Prize winner 2014 Okwiri Oduor joining the newest must-know African writer.
See y’all, next year folks.
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