NABOTU News
March 4, 2010: Race for Africa Region Commonwealth Writers Prize The shortlist for the regional winners from Africa has been unveiled in the race to win the influential 2010 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize. Only two Ugandan authors have in the past won this coveted prize in the category of Africa’s best first book. Jackee Budesta Batanda won in 2003 with her book Dance with me. And Doreen Baingana won with her book Tropical fish: tales from Entebbe in 2006.
Only three African countries- South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana have authors short listed for the 2010 regional competition. The race for best Africa book is between 5 authors from South Africa and 2 from Nigeria. While the race for Africa’s best first book is between 4 authors from South Africa, 2 authors from Nigeria and 1 author from Ghana. East Africa did not have any of its authors make it to the 2010 shortlist.The only consolation being one of the titles competing for best book, Eyo by Abidemi Sanusi is published by WordAlive a local publisher.
The Commonwealth Writers Prize was established in 1997 with the objectives to promote new voices, reward achievement, encourage wider readership and greater literacy, thereby increasing appreciation of different cultures and building understanding between cultures. It is organised and funded by the Commonwealth Foundation, and is supported by the Macquarie Group Foundation. « Back to News Briefs |
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