The inaugural Arole Agarawu African Poetry Prize has announced its 2026 shortlist, naming ten poets from 356 submissions received across 21 countries. More than 3,500 poems were read during the selection process before the field was narrowed to a longlist of 30 poets and, ultimately, ten finalists. The shortlisted poets are Isaiah Adepoju, Ameen Animashaun, Edinam Denoo, Rafiat Lamidi, Sydney Mayes, Migwi Mwangi, Blessing Omeiza Ojo, Chiwenite Onyekwelu, Rasheed Ayinla Shehu Shehu, and Salma Abdulatif Yusuf.

The shortlist brings together poets based in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and the United States, with works ranging from “Alfred: Cantos” and “Dog Fighting a Heron” to “Ndombolo Creation Story” and “Grains of Paradise.” Established by the Arole Agarawu Foundation in memory of Alhaji Arole Agarawu, the prize honours the West African songwriter and composer whose work contributed to Yoruba musical traditions including Sakara, Apala, and Waka. The foundation describes the prize as an effort to extend that legacy by recognising contemporary poets engaging with form, language, rhythm, and the evolving possibilities of African poetics.

The ten shortlisted poets now proceed to the final stage, where a guest judge will select the recipient of the Arole Agarawu African Poetry Prize, worth $1,000. A second $1,000 award, the Arole Grayling Wraith Prize, will go to an eligible shortlisted poet living on the African continent and includes a professionally produced video of a selected poem. A poet may qualify for both awards, while the board may select a second poet for the Grayling Wraith Prize if the main prize goes to a poet living in Africa. Further details on the final stage will be announced in the coming weeks.

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