By Mythily Merai, Daisy Shayegan, Grace Briggs-Jones and Harry Banham
The Island Prize for a debut novel from Africa features manuscripts by unpublished African writers and aims to break down the obstacles to publication which they traditionally face. The prize provides a platform for authors born in, or who have citizenship of, African countries to share stories which relate to their own experiences. Karen Jennings, a South African author and member of the prize’s judging panel, hopes that this exposure will contribute to global appreciation of stories from the continent.
Submitting writers must have never previously published a novel and cannot be represented by a literary agent. Initial submissions of three chapters, or 10,000 words and a covering statement, are judged by a panel of judges comprised of renowned African authors, editors and publishers. Between five and ten submissions are then selected for full manuscript requests, forming the longlist. This is then cut down to a shortlist over the next couple of months.
From the shortlist, three winners are chosen, with a prize of £500 for first place and £200 for each of the runners-up. All three winners also have an opportunity to be published in the UK and South Africa. This year’s winners were announced in the first week of June and tackle themes of political corruption, liberation, self-love and more. Let’s take a look at them in more detail:
Simbarashe Steyn Kundizeza
Zimbabwean author Simbarashe Steyn Kundizeza has been awarded the 2024 Island Prize for his book, Freelance. The novel explores the human toll of corruption and unchecked power, alongside the quest for justice within a complex political environment. Set in Zimbabwe in 2019, the story follows Omar Warsame Mohammed, a Somali-American freelance investigative journalist from Minnesota.
Having fled the Somali civil war as a child, Omar grew up as a refugee in Zimbabwe with his friend Edgar Antonio. Now an established reporter, Omar receives a mysterious Facebook message from Edgar, who works for Rossiya Fert, a major Russian fertiliser company in Zimbabwe. Before Omar can meet him, he learns Edgar has been found dead in an apparent suicide.
Simbarashe Steyn Kundizeza lives in Harare, Zimbabwe, with his wife and daughter. A finalist in the 2018 Africa Book Club Short Story Competition, his story, ‘A Way Out,’ appeared in The Wrong Patient and Other Stories from Africa. Additionally, his work, ‘The Whistleblower,’ was published in Transition Magazine, Issue 131. Kundizeza is recognized for his contributions to contemporary African literature, addressing complex themes and socio-political issues.
Ruby Excel
Ruby Excel, a teacher and writer from Ghana, has made a splash as the runner-up for this year’s prestigious Island Prize. Her novel, Lyrics To The Colour Red, plunges into the heart of Ghana in 1948, where the aftermath of World War Two leaves soldiers who fought for British colonisers unpaid and disillusioned. As a liberation movement ignites, the country's elite scramble to protect their wealth and status, forcing individuals to take sides amidst the chaos.
At the story’s core is Imani Freeman, a journalist, and her partner, Amari Kessab. As tensions escalate in the city, Imani grapples with an estranged husband, the weight of her elite family’s expectations and a series of fraught relationships. Her journey through grief and her tough, often heart-wrenching decisions, paint a vivid portrait of struggle and resilience.
Ruby Excel is undeniably a worthy runner-up, and anticipation builds as she collaborates with acclaimed writer Karen Jennings to refine her manuscript. Lyrics To The Colour Red promises to be a powerful read, so keep an eye out for its release. This is a story you won’t want to miss.
Mali Kambandu
Mali Kambandu is a distinguished Zambian writer and the other runner-up this year. In 2018, she won the Kalemba Short Story Award for her poignant short story, ‘A Hand to Hold,’ and was shortlisted for the Writivism Short Story Award for ‘The Photograph.’ Her work is also featured on esteemed literary platforms like the Gyara Journal, African Writer Magazine, Kalahari Review, Menelique and Maapilim.
Her novel, When the Shadows Call, examines themes of freedom, violence, self-determination and self-love through the lens of its’ Zambian characters. It explores the complexity of human emotions up against societal constraints. The characters are faced with difficult choices which reflect the broader socio-political issues in contemporary Zambia. Mali Kambandu's ability to portray these themes with sensitivity and nuance makes the novel a thought-provoking read.
Set against the rich and diverse backdrop of Zambia, When the Shadows Call is a gripping crime story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The protagonist’s journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, navigating personal and external conflicts. Kambandu's characters are vividly drawn, with each individual's story contributing to the overall impact of the novel. The interplay between the characters' personal struggles and the crime elements creates a dynamic narrative. Kambandu's skilful storytelling and deep understanding of human nature make When the Shadows Call a deserving runner-up for The Island Prize 2024.
Congratulations to the winner, runner-ups and all those who were long listed!