We are excited to announce that “Fibers from the Deep” by Divine Inyang Titus is the winner of the 2024 Toyin Falola Prize! Divine becomes the second Nigerian to win this prestigious prize, after Abdulrahim Hussani (2022). His narrative introduces us to Ikem, a deeply conflicted protagonist navigating existential dilemmas, family turmoil, trauma, detachment, loss, and spiritual crises—particularly following the death of his brother and the breakdown of his family.
When we called for submissions under the theme of the sacred, we sought not just broad and bold interpretations, but also an aesthetic finesse that could elevate those interpretations. Divine’s profound and introspective journey with Ikem achieves exactly this. Like Ikem, readers are left pondering the powerful question, “What else is sacred in this world if not this love, this life?”
Our judges describe it as “a compelling exploration of the tension between cultural heritage and modern identity. Its narrative skillfully balances humor, spiritual conflict, tragedy, and existential questioning. The power of the story lies in its raw authenticity, its ability to evoke both empathy and introspection, making it a deserving winner in this contest.”
“Fibers from the Deep” brilliantly resonates with broader societal issues, including the lingering impact of violence, poverty, and the tensions between tradition and modernity. The story invites us to confront the existential questions that shape our identities and challenge our beliefs, making it a truly exceptional piece of work.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Divine Inyang Titus for this remarkable achievement, and to all the participants for their creativity and enthusiasm. With over 300 submissions from across the continent and the diaspora, we are very grateful to our dedicated readers and esteemed judges, Professor Gilbert Ndi-Shang and Chinua Ezenwa-Ohaeto, for their unwavering effort and support.
Now in its 4th year, the Toyin Falola Prize continues to celebrate African writers who challenge, inspire, and push the boundaries of storytelling. We look forward to showcasing more exceptional stories from talented voices across the continent.
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