Yinka Olatunbosun
Recently, Etisalat Prize for Literature held a series of public literary events in Nairobi, Kenya between June 15 to 18 to promote African literature and celebrate the winner and shortlisted writers of its previous edition.
The literary programme featured a panel discussion with the winner of the 2015 edition of the Etisalat Prize, Congolese Poet and Writer, Fiston Mwanza Mujila, author of Tram 83; as well as Etisalat Prize for Literature shortlisted writers, Penny Busetto, author of The Story of Anna P, as Told by Herself and Rehana Rossouw who wrote What Will People Say?.
The authors also visited the University of Nairobi and Daystar University and enjoyed some book reading sessions at Goethe-Institute Nairobi and PAWA254. As part of the programme, Etisalat Prize for Literature shortlisted books were donated to the institutions during the book tour.
Speaking on the essence of the tour, the Director, Brands and Experience, Etisalat Nigeria, Elvis Ogiemwanye said the programme is aimed at putting African literature in more hands across the world. He expressed the hope that the tour will help encourage more Africans to embrace African literature, adding that Africa is rich in literary talent.
It would be recalled that on June 1, Etisalat announced its call for entries to the 2016 edition of the Etisalat Prize for Literature. The Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, who made this disclosure, also announced the Judging Panel for the 2016 Etisalat Prize is chaired by the Nigerian novelist and poet, Helon Habila, with South African writer and activist Elinor Sisulu and Ivorian writer, Edwige-Renée Dro as members.
