Exploring the theme, “The Shifting: Empowering Voices… Inspiring Minds,” the lineup of events will celebrate “Africa’s rich storytelling culture”, and explores the “evolving dynamics of creativity and cultural connectivity across the continent”
EXPLORING the theme, “The Shifting: Empowering Voices… Inspiring Minds,” the 8th edition of the annual Quramo Festival of Words (QFest), which runs Tuesday, October 2 through Saturday, October 6 at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. will celebrate “Africa’s rich storytelling culture,” and explore the “evolving dynamics of creativity and cultural connectivity across the continent.”
According to the promoters, Quramo Publishing, “QFest 2024 will culminate in a celebration of African storytelling, bringing together writers, filmmakers, and creatives from across the continent for five days of dynamic discussions, learning, and networking opportunities.”
The festival’s highlights include,
- Masterclasses: where experts including Sam Onyelemu (VP, Trace TV), Fidelis Duker (renowned filmmaker), and James Murua (Kenyan writer), will guide participants through sessions on writing, filmmaking, and the creative process.
- Panel Discussions: Conversations with creatives, such as “Lenses of Change: Harnessing the Power of Your Camera for Social Impact,” focusing on the role of storytelling in driving societal change. And a book chat with the likes of Ibiso Graham Douglas on the reflective and entertaining anthology Covik One Nine.
- Cultural Exchange: Featuring Siamsa, an Irish storytelling evening hosted by Ambassador Peter Ryan and Aduke Gomez, celebrating cross-cultural narratives.
- Film Screenings: Featuring screening of two films on the life and careers of the Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka in commemoration of his 90th birthday anniversary: October 3 – Ebrohimie Road: A Museum of Memory, directed by Kola Tubosun; and; October 5 — The Man Died, a feature film inspired by Soyinka’s prison notes of same title, directed by Awam Amkpa, produced by Femi Odugbemi, and starring Wale Ojo and Sam Dede, and others; October 4 – a showcase of short films by emerging filmmakers under the title QShorts and; Word Slam spoken word contest both with cash prizes for the winners.
The festival will conclude on Sunday, October 6, with the unveiling of the 2024 winner of the annual Quramo Writers’ Prize (QWP), aimed at “discovering and nurturing Africa’s next generation of literary talent. The longlist of 20 manuscripts was announced in September by the organisers.
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Presentation of award at past edition of the Prize
PRESS RELEASE
Quramo Writers’ Prize 2024 announces Longlist of 20 Manuscripts for 8th Edition
THE Quramo Writers’ Prize (QWP) 2024 has unveiled its longlist of 20 manuscripts for the 8th edition of the prize, aimed at discovering and nurturing Africa’s next generation of literary talent.
Established in 2017, the prize awards a cash prize of N1 million, along with a publishing contract, providing a crucial platform for emerging, unpublished African writers to launch their careers.
Each year, the prize begins with a call for submissions of 30,000-word fiction manuscripts. From the pool of entries, a longlist of 20 writers is announced, which will then be narrowed down by a distinguished jury to a shortlist of five. The winner will be revealed during the Quramo Festival of Words (QFest) 2024, which runs from October 2nd to 6th at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. This year’s theme, “The Shifting: Empowering Voices… Inspiring Minds,” reflects the festival’s commitment to championing diverse African narratives and fostering new perspectives.
According to a statement from the Editorial Manager of Quramo Publishing, Omoteniola Akinwalere, the longlisted writers for the 2024 edition are:
Adeseri Emmanuella, Martin Chukwumah, Kabir Sabe Jibia, Salome Abiodun Medemaku, Arthur Gabriel Yak, Chukwumah Jonathan Jonathan, Amaka Azie, Sandra Uche Delumozie, Bisola Akintomide, Oyeleye Esther Eniola, Chidi Nwakpa, Henry Chukwuemeka Onyema, Lawal Ayuba Adewale, Ifeanyi Kalu, Ornguze Nashima Nathaniel, Immaculate Halla, Adikaibe Caleb Chidera, Vandefan Aondogu Fidelis, Joseph Olamide Babalola, Deryus Kwabena Partey,
The three-person jury overseeing the selection process includes: Dr. Eghosa Imasuen, writer and Executive Director of Business Development at Narrative Landscape Press, Mrs. Lechi Eke, author, book editor, and CEO of Finished Work Enterprises, Mr. Anote Ajeluorou, writer, former Arts Editor, Head of Politics at The Guardian, and founder of TheArtHubNg.
For more information, please visit our social media channels @quramoofficial or visit www.quramo.com, [email protected], +234 704 787 2000, for updates on the festival and prize announcements.
