Local author nominated for a prestigious African award.

Multi award-winning author Philani Amadeus Nyoni is excited after being nominated for the inaugural Afritondo short story prize. He is among the 21 shortlisted candidates from all over Africa. His story “Slick dog:Diary of a Ninja” was selected from 421 submissions made by writers from across Africa. Philani said he feels honoured to be selected onsuch a platform. He remarked,”I feel honoured to have my name debated at Continental level once again”.

The author has received several other international awards including a Cause prize for African writing and other local awards including three NAMAs and a BAA. He is an accomplished writer, poet and fimaker. In 2018 he was nominated for the prestigious African writers awards. Last year his book Philthurn 2.0 was translated into Swedish. In a statement announcing the shortlisted candidates Afritondo organisers said they had received 421 entries from 19 countries including Botswana, Cameroon, Canada, Eswatini and Zimbabwe.

A group of readers then came up with a long list of 40 writers before narrowing it down to 21. Our very own Philani made it into the final 21. If he wins this award he will pocket USD 1000. The organizers said they had to apply stricter standards including appraising the quality of writing and assessing each entry’s reflection of the theme.