We are pleased to announce the long list of the 2023 Akachi Chukwuemeka Prize for Literature. Out of a pool of entries, we have selected 22 poems for the long list, out of which a shortlist and winners will emerge.
We regret that we are unable to send emails to all applicants about the status of their work. This is due to large volume of submission. Please bear with us. A shortlist will be announced o the 10th of May and winners on the 13th of May.
The Long list
1. Overdose Procedural By Nonso Njoku
2. I Do Not Know By Chidozie Emesowum
3. A Conversation Between A Cyborg And A Therapist By Zaynab Bobi
4. Mutation At The Restaurant Where Everything Is A Fragment Of Self By Everest Udochukwu
5. What The Science Says By Chiwenite Onyekwelu
6. Portraiting As A Cat In A Poem Where I Have Lived Six Times By Muhammed Sanni Olowonjoyin
7. Can A Mortal Hear This Story? By Mahmoodah Temitope Oyeleye
8. The Edge Of Despair By Adesiyan Oluwapelumi
9. Happiness And Everything But— By Nineteen
10. Dandelion for Asiya by Loic Ekinga
11. Alas, A Prayer By Nnadi Samuel
12. The Whole Day’s Train Is Filled With A Poem So Sad That My Body Could Collapse Into It By Ojo Tayo
13. Apology IV By Timi Sanni
14. Brief Analysis Of Upheaval & Redemption By Eniola Abdulroqeeb Arowolo
15. Portrait Of The Voices In My Head As The Animal Mount For My Lovers by Frank Njugi
16. Ameen, Àṣẹ, Or The Power That Makes Things Be by Animashaun Ameen
17. All Man Join by Sima Essien
18. Song In Which The Body Longs For Silence by Ayiyi Joel
19. Portrait Titled After Chukwuemeka Akachi’s Absence by Okoli Stephen
20. Extra Preamble to End Time by Nweke Benard Okecheukwu
21. Verses on Mental Cavity by Gabriel Awuah Mainoo
