19 OCTOBER 2023, LONDON UK – The prestigious Caine Prize for African Writing is delighted to announce that Senegalese writers Mame Bougouma Diene & Woppa Diallo have been awarded the 2023 Caine Prize for African Writing for their outstanding short story, A Soul of Small Places, published in TorDotCom in 2022.
This year’s competition witnessed a record-breaking number of submissions, with 297 entries spanning 28 African countries vying for the coveted prize, while also marking a significant milestone in the Caine Prize’s history with an entirely female judging panel.
Chaired by Fareda Banda - Professor of Law at SOAS, University of London, The Caine Prize Judging Panel unveiled Mame Bougouma Diene & Woppa Diallo as this year’s winners during an awards ceremony held at One Birdcage Walk, London on Monday 2 October 2023.
Speaking of the winning story, Fareda Banda said: “A Soul of Small Places by Mame Bougouma Diene and Woppa Diallo has earned its place as a groundbreaking short story, making history by becoming the first jointly conceived narrative to win the prestigious Caine Prize for African Writing since its inception in 2000. It is also the first from Senegal to win the Caine Prize. The judges said that this was a beautifully written story, tender and poetic. Written as speculative fiction, it is about resistance and resilience in the face of gendered violence. This visceral tale speaks powerfully, but not didactically, to one of the pressing global issues of our time. It reminds us too of the power of love in all its forms. The winning story leaves a lasting impression and invites readers to return to it.”
Mame Bougouma Diene & Woppa Diallo join the esteemed ranks of previous winners, including Kenyan writer Idza Luhumyo (2022), Ethiopian-American writer Meron Hadero (2021), and Nigerian-British writer Irenosen Okjie (2020).
This year's judging panel, comprised of Writer & Activist Edwige-Renée Dro; Editor & Founder of Mboka Festival Kadija George Sesay; Author & Head of Editorial at Black Ballad Jendella Benson; and Multi-Award Winning Writer & Poet Warsan Shire; were highly impressed by the overall quality and diversity of the shortlisted stories, recognising the exceptional talent within the African literary landscape.
Mame Bougouma Diene & Woppa Diallo will receive the prestigious £10,000 Caine Prize, in addition to having their work featured in the 2023 Caine Prize Anthology, This Tangible Thing and Other Stories published by Cassava Republic Press. Runners-up Yejide Kilanko, Tlotlo Tsamaase, Ekemini Pius, and Yvonne Kusiima will receive a prize of £500 and also feature in the 2023 Caine Prize Anthology.
Mame Bougouma Diene & Woppa Diallo’s winning story, ‘A Soul of Small Places’ is inspired by real-life experiences, weaving together a narrative that touches on urgent issues of gender-based violence, women's rights, and the resilience of survivors in remote Senegalese communities. Set against the backdrop of African cosmology where spirits and humans coexist, the short-story skillfully incorporates supernatural elements, adding depth and cultural richness. Amidst its dark and brutal narrative, the remarkable collaboration between the two writers also explores the timeless theme of love, making it a compelling and thought-provoking work that demands attention.
The Caine Prize for African Writing has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of African writers, offering unmatched global visibility and opportunities, including publishing deals and writing fellowships.
Joining Mame Bougouma Diene & Woppa Diallo on this year’s shortlist were:
Yejide Kilanko (Nigeria) - 'This Tangible Thing', HarperVia (2023)
Tlotlo Tsamaase (Botswana) - 'Peeling Time (Deluxe Edition)', TorDotCom (2022)
Ekemini Pius (Nigeria) - 'Daughters, By Our Hands', Isele Magazine (2022)
Yvonne Kusiima (Uganda) - 'Weaving', Isele Magazine (2022)