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Tanzanian authors Philipo Oyaro and Fatuma Salim emerged as the top winners at the 2023 Safal-Cornell Kiswahili Prize for African Literature competition. Their outstanding contributions to Kiswahili literature were honored during a prestigious ceremony held in Nairobi, Kenya, last month, where Dr. Caroline Asiimwe, the executive secretary of the East African Kiswahili Commission (EAKC), presented the awards.
Oyaro clinched the first prize in the fiction category for his compelling novel “Dunia Duara” (The Earth is Round), while Salim claimed the top spot in the poetry category with her evocative collection “Changa La Macho” (Sand in the Eyes). Both authors received a prize of $5,000 (approximately Shs19.5m), marking a significant achievement in their literary careers.
“Dunia Duara” offers readers a captivating crime detective story centered around Aneth, a charismatic figure entangled in a web of deceit and betrayal within the mining industry. Oyaro’s narrative delves into themes of love, loss, and justice, painting a vivid portrait of contemporary Tanzanian society.
Salim’s “Changa La Macho” serves as a poetic manifesto, addressing societal injustices and advocating for change. Through her verse, Salim tackles issues such as sexual abuse, pandemics, and natural disasters, offering a poignant reflection on resilience and collective action in the face of adversity.
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Reflecting on her historic win as the first woman to triumph in the poetry category, Salim expressed her gratitude and excitement, describing the experience as a validation of her unique voice and perspective. She emphasized the importance of diversity in literature and hoped to inspire more women to share their stories through poetry.
The significance of Salim’s achievement resonated deeply with her personal journey and cultural heritage. Drawing inspiration from her experiences as a woman and her cultural background, Salim infused her work with authenticity and depth, challenging stereotypes and amplifying marginalized voices.
The Safal-Cornell Kiswahili Prize for African Literature plays a pivotal role in fostering literary talent across the continent. Supported by Safal Group, Cornell University’s Africana Studies Centre, and the Ngugi wa Thiong’o Foundation, the prize aims to recognize outstanding writing in African languages and promote translation efforts.
The judging panel for the 2023 edition, comprising esteemed scholars and literary experts, commended the high quality of submissions and the wealth of creative talent demonstrated by entrants. The winning manuscripts, along with selected shortlisted works, will be considered for publication by Mkuki na Nyota Publishers in Tanzania, contributing to the enrichment of African literary heritage.
In addition to Oyaro and Salim’s triumph, Ahmad Simba and Lenard Mtesigwa, also from Tanzania, were recognized as runners-up in the fiction and poetry categories respectively. Their manuscripts exemplified the richness and diversity of Kiswahili literature, showcasing the depth of talent within the Tanzanian literary community.
As the Safal-Cornell Kiswahili Prize continues to champion African languages and literary expression, it serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring writers and celebrates the power of storytelling to bridge cultures and ignite social change.
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