So I paid particular attention to this even though I didn’t talk about it sooner but I’m happy to announce that the shortlist has been revealed and the following writers from Nigeria and South Africa made the shortlist of 26 ‘unexpected’ stories from 11 countries down from 4000 stories received from 47 countries for the initial long list. In no particular order, they are:
1. Exorcism – Lausdeus Chiegboka (Nigeria)
2. Saving Obadiah – Enyeribe Ibegwam (Nigeria)
3. The Driver – Oyinkan Braithwaite (Nigeria)
4. The Pigeon – Faraaz Mahomed (South Africa)
5. The Entomologist’s Dream – Andrew Salomon (South Africa)
6. This is How We Burn – Cat Hellisen (South Africa)
7. When I Came Home – Mark Winkler (South Africa)
For more details on the prize and to read the excerpts of their stories, click here