The Abebi Award in AfroNonfiction

The Abebi AfroNonfiction Award exists to shine a much-needed light on nonfiction from Africa, in the form of personal narratives written by Nigerian women, in close proximity to the country and its myriads of joys and sorrows. Named after my maternal grandmother Alhaja Abebi Monsurat Lasaki, this award exists to celebrate bold women writers who are unshackled by cultures of silence and shame, belting the chorus of their voices for all to hear. On the literary landscape on the continent at present, there are many opportunities for fiction and poetry writers, but it appears non-fiction as a genre does not enjoy that spotlight and development. I want to see African women undressing every shameful thing we have been told to bury. Brandishing our truth on the page, telling this world that it does not have the power to keep our mouths shut.