Early this month, Brittle paper announced its literary icons of the year. In the list were Abdulrazak Gurnah, Stella Nyanzi, Uche Umezurike, the Cheeky Natives and Masobe.

Gurna was announced Brittle Paper African Literary Person of the year, for over 50 years of intense contribution in African Literature, although the world refused to see him. Gurnah, had earlier this year, to my immerse pleasure, won the Nobel prize for literature, a validation that I take personal, a reminder that the work one does in secret or in open, if honest, will be honored in due time.

Uche Umezurike was awarded Academic of the year, “For the variety of ways he has contributed to African literary culture.” Months ago, Uche won the Nigerian prize for Literary criticism.

Dr Stella Nyanzi was crowned writer-activist of the year, for her bravery and dodgedness in the face of oppression. Recall that Stella was arrested and sentenced to 18 months in prison, charged for allegedly harassing the president of her country online.

The Cheeky Natives was announced social media influencer of the year, while Masobe is Brittle Paper’s publishing house of the year. Congratulations to all the awardees.