Nigerian Wins International Prize for African Literature
By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse
A Nigerian Visual Artist, Ayi Ayoola-Amale has won the 2024 Justo Bolekia Boleká International Prize for African Literature.
This was made known by Mrs. Folusho Ogar, Country Director, Splendors of Dawn Poetry Foundation, in a statement issued on Thursday.
She said Ayoola-Omale’s exceptional work, ‘The Suns Chased Us’, a compelling poetry collection that examines the essence of humanity, was adjudged the best entry for the award.
“The Suns Chased Us, comprises 100 poems in seven parts, using evocative yet accessible language to depict the interplay of nature, culture, and human emotions. The collection invites readers to transcend cultural boundaries and embrace a shared human experience.”
The statement said the jury, chaired by Justo Bolekia Boleká, included literary experts from Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
“The panel commended Ayoola-Amale’s ability to employ art as a medium for social transformation and recognized her lifelong commitment to promoting peace and global understanding through literature.”
Ayoola-Amale’s works have been published in the esteemed Casa de África collection, and were showcased at literary events including the Madrid Book Fair, Berlin Literature Festival, the Medellín International Poetry Festival, and COP27.
Her literary contributions include six poetry collections comprising Where the World Sings, Life Script, and The Weight of the Rat’s Nest
The African Literary Excellence started in 2017 under the Justo Bolekia Boleká International Prize, has celebrated African and Afro-descendant authors who have significantly contributed to poetry, narrative, essays, and translation.
Named after the esteemed Spanish-African academic and writer Justo Bolekia Boleká, the award aims to amplify African literature’s presence on the global stage.
The Syndicate reports that Ayoola-Amale is the founder of Splendors of Dawn Poetry Foundation and the co-founder of Poets of the Planet, organisations that harness poetry as a tool for transformative social change.
Her art and literature address critical themes of violence, racism, social justice, and resilience, offering universal insights into humanity and nature.
