We sincerely apologise for the delay in sharing this announcement, and we thank poets, readers, and supporters for their patience as we completed the final stages of the prize. Following the longlist for the inaugural Ladi Kwali Poetry Prize, the judges have now selected a shortlist of five outstanding works. Supported in partnership with Bakandamiya, the prize celebrates artistic excellence and spotlights remarkable voices shaping contemporary African poetry.
We congratulate every poet who was longlisted and thank all who submitted their work. The shortlist reflects the strength and range of the field.
Winners will be announced on Saturday, 23 May. Join us at our winners announcement event.
We are delighted to announce the longlist for the inaugural Ladi Kwali Poetry Prize. These poets have been longlisted from a strong field of entries celebrating artistic excellence in contemporary African poetry.
The inaugural Ladi Kwali Poetry Prize celebrates artistic excellence and spotlights remarkable voices shaping contemporary African poetry. Submissions are currently closed.
A transformative mentorship and publishing program empowering emerging writers from Northern Nigeria. Applications for the 2025 cohort are currently closed.
