The search for Africa’s most prolific debut fiction writer, the Etisalat Prize for Literature, climaxed last Sunday at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos, with NoViolet Bulawayo carting home the coveted prize of £15,000.
At a befitting celebration of first time writers of published fiction books, Bulawayo with her “We Need New Names” was announced winner of the Etisalat Prize out the shortlist which included Yewande Omotosho with “Bom Boy”, and Karen Jenning with “Finding Soutbek”.
The Zimbabwean-born winner of the Etisalat Prize for Literature, Bulawayo, in addition to the cash prize of £15,000, was presented with an engraved Montblanc Meisterstück pen, a Samsung Galaxy Note and will attend the Etisalat Fellowship at the prestigious University of East Anglia as well as being mentored by Giles Foden – Author of the “Last King of Scotland”. She will also have book tours in three African cities and get the chance to start work on her second book.
An elated Bulawayo specially thanked the judges, patrons, and Etisalat Nigeria for the award and for the opportunity the Etisalat Prize for Literature afforded her.
