We are thrilled to announce the longlist for the K & L Prize for Fiction 2024! This SEVHAGE category for short fiction is open to African writers globally and celebrates stories that address themes of mental health, aiming to reduce stigma while encouraging positive narratives that promote well-being.

The competition, which invites submissions of 800-2000 words, is made possible through the generous endowment of Dr Myles Idoko Ojabo, the initiator of the Prize, and is administered by the SEVHAGE Literary and Development Initiative and SEVHAGE Publishers.

The 2024 K & L Prize has seen an exceptional number of compelling submissions, reflecting both the creative talent and the pressing need to discuss mental health through fiction. The judging process has been rigorous, led by the renowned Professors Hyginus Ekwuazi, Maria Ajima, and an exceptional team of readers and judges.  Indeed, most of the entries we received this year were truly outstanding, with some narrowly missing a place on the longlist. Thus, it is important to emphasise that a good number of the entries not reflected on the list are by no means lacking in quality but were edged out in a highly competitive selection process.

We are proud to unveil the longlist of extraordinary writers whose works have stood out in this year’s competition:

(In Alphabetical Order of Titles)

1. A Funky Business Called Parenthood by Olayinka Yaqub
2. Alkaline by Queen Deraa
3. Book of Confrontation by Hajaarh Muhammad Bashar
4. Cloud Bubble by Adata Felix Odumo
5. Fractals by Praise Chidinma Abraham
6. Gentle Boy by John Ebute
7. Gloss by Grace Omolola
8. Grief Hears the Sound of a Pin; Love Listens to the Wind by Justice Chinonso Orekeyi
9. Heavy by Justin Clement
10. Labyrinth by Peace Ufedojo Haruna
11. My Mother’s Miracle by Hajara Hussaini Ashara
12. Neneh by Uchenna Ekweremadu
13. Nurturing a Child by Chinaza Agomuo
14. Our Bodies by Abdulrahim Hussaini
15. Quicksand by Ruby Excel
16. Saving Adanna by Amira Abdul-Azeez
17. The Thing with Feathers by Ekpenyong Kosisochukwu
18. The Water Scar by Enit’ayanfe Ayosojumi Akinsanya
19. The Whispers by Temiloluwa Ruth Areola
20. This, too, will pass by Amanda Ilozumba
21. Unexplainable Bygones by Raphael Adebayo
22. We Sell Baby Dogs Here by Eugene Yakubu Shichet

Congratulations to all the longlisted writers! Stay tuned for the shortlist announcement on 27th December 2024 and the final winner reveal on 31st December 2024.

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