The finalists for Prix Ivoire for African Literature in French, the leading literary prize from Cote D’Ivoire, were announced on Sunday, August 29, 2021
The Prix Ivoire is an award created by Akwaba Culture, an Ivorian law association in 2008. Open to writers from Africa and its Diasporas, the winner gets a two million CFA francs (about 3,000 euros) cheque, a trophy and attends the Geneva Book Fair. It is sponsored by the Côte d’Ivoire Ministry of Culture, Francophonie the International Organization of La Francophonie, the French Embassy in Abidjan and the Librairie de France Group of Ivory Coast.
Previous winners of the Prix Ivoire have been Isabelle Rochet (2019), Gauz (Armand), Côte d’Ivoire (2018), Johary Ravaloson (Madagascar) (2017), Marijosé Alie (Martinique) (2016), Kettly Mars (Haïti) (2015), Bahaa Trabelsi (Maroc) (2014), Hemley Boum (Cameroun) (2013), Mariama N’doye (Sénégal) (2012), Frédéric Grah Mel (Côte d’Ivoire) (2011), Elisabeth Ewombè-Moundo (Cameroun) (2010), Tiburce Koffi (Côte d’Ivoire) (2009), Racine Kane (Sénégal) (2008).
One hundred and three books from 19 countries were entered into the 2021 edition of the prize. Doing the honours of cutting down these entries were a pre-judging panel of Michel Koffi (president), Auguste Gnaléhi, Serge Grah, Koffi Koffi, and Henri N’koumo. From the 103, the shortlist announced was;
- Nassuf Djailani (Comores/France) CETTE MORSURE TROP VIVE, Atelier des nomads
- Davina Ittoo (Mauritius) MISÈRE, Atelier des nomades/Vallesse
- Blaise Ndala (Congo/Quebec) DANS LE VENTRE DU CONGO, Memoire Dencrier/Vallesse
- Souad Jamai (Morocco) LE SERMENT DU DERNIER MESSAGER, La Croisée Des Chemins
- Fedwa Misk (Morocco) NOS MÈRES, La Croisée des chemins
- Emmelie Prophete (Haïti), LES VILLAGES DE DIEU, Memoire Dencrier.
Selecting the winner from the above shortlist is a panel chaired by writer Werewere Liking.
The 13th Prix Ivoire for African Literature in French Speaking, will be awarded in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire on Saturday, November 20, 2021.
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