Ntsika Kota becomes first writer from Eswatini, Africa to win Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2022 | Books and Literature News,The Indian Express
Kota is a chemist by training and a self-taught writer who has drawn from African folklore to etch a story reaching back to the early days of humanity
Ntsika Kota has become the first writer from Eswatini, Africa to win the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2022, one of the world’s most sought-after literary awards, for his story and the earth drank deep.
“There are not many literature prizes more global in scale or inclusive in scope than the Commonwealth Short Story Prize… I was aware of the calibre of writing and adjudication, so I was under no illusions about my chances,” said Kota.
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A chemist by training, Kota’s win was announced in an online ceremony today hosted by spoken word poet Mr Gee that featured the Chair of the judges Guyanese writer Fred D’Aguiar. Also in attendance were last year’s winner Kanya D’Almeida and this year’s regional winners (the competition is divided into five regions: Asia, Africa, the Pacific, the Caribbean and Canada and Europe).
“[Kota’s story] reaches across cultures and generations. A story that uses African folktale in a way that remains true to form but is also accessible,” said Louise Umutoni-Bower, judge for the Africa region. “The willingness of the writer to put ‘evil’ on display without interrogation or judgement was commended.”
Rating: 5