Manuscript ‘Mungu Hadanganywi na Hadithi Nyingine’ by Kenyan author Edwin Omindo shortlisted for the Safal Prize
Safal Kiswahili Prize for African Literature, sponsored by The Safal Group of Mabati Rolling Mills(MRM), has announced the shortlist for its 2024 competition. Courtesy photo
Safal Kiswahili Prize for African Literature, sponsored by The Safal Group of Mabati Rolling Mills(MRM), has announced the shortlist for its 2024 competition.
The prize was established by Dr Lizzy Attere and Prof Mukoma wa Ngugi in 2014 to recognize writing in African languages and to encourage translation from, between and into these languages.
A total of 210 manuscripts, reviewed by a panel of Judges, were selected for the 2024 competition.
Mungu Hadanganywi na Hadithi Nyingine by Edwin Omindo, a Kenyan Author, Nderemo za Mtaa - Joel Hamisi (Tanzania), Kitanzi cha Mauti - Mayassa Abdallah Chembea (Tanzania), Nyaraka za Wafu - Ali Othman Masoud (Tanzania), Waadhi - Mohamed Hamid Haji (Tanzania), Bure Ghali - Bashiru Abdallah (Tanzania), Laana ya Uovu - Mohamed Idrisa (Tanzania), were among the shortlisted manuscripts.
"It is very gratifying to see that since the competition began in 2015, the Prize continues to attract a large number of participants from various countries. The quality of the competing manuscripts also increases each year, thereby enriching Kiswahili literature," expressed Mwalimu Abdilatif Abdalla, Chairperson of the Prize's Board of Trustees.
The winners from the shortlist will be announced at the award ceremony to be held on July 3, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Total prizes of US$15,000 are awarded for the best unpublished manuscripts in these categories; novel, poetry, biography, drama, and graphic novels.
Winning manuscripts are published by Mkuki na Nyota Publishers, Tanzania.
The best poetry manuscript is translated into English and published as a book by the Africa Poetry Book Fund.
“The Prize is more than a literary award--it is a symbol of commitment to African identity. By supporting original work in Kiswahili, we help safeguard and elevate a language that continues to unite, inspire, and empower millions across the continent,” said Mr Anthony Ng’ang’a, who is a trustee of the Safal Kiswahili Prize.
