THE CAINE PRIZE
The Caine Prize for African Writing is named in memory of the late Sir Michael Caine, former Chairman of Booker plc. He was Chairman of Africa 95, and Chairman of the Booker Prize management committee for almost 25 years.
The first prize was awarded in 2000, at the Zimbabwe International Book Fair 2000 in Harare, and the 2001 Prize at the Nairobi Book Fair in September 2001 The winner is announced at a dinner in Oxford in July, to which the shortlisted candidates are all invited. This is part of a week of activities for the candidates, including bookreadings, booksignings and press opportunities.
LATEST NEWS: 2012 Caine Prize judging panel announced
The judges of this year's Caine Prize for African Writing were announced today. The panel will be chaired by author and Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature Bernardine Evaristo. Joining her are award-winning cultural journalist Maya Jaggi, Zimbabwean poet, songwriter and writer Chirikure Chirikure, Associate Professor at Georgetown University Samantha Pinto, and the award-winning CNN television correspondent Nima Elbagir.
This year 122 qualifying stories have been submitted to the judges from 14 African countries. The judges will meet in early May to decide on the shortlisted stories, which will be announced shortly thereafter. The winning story will be announced at a dinner at the Bodleian Library in Oxford on Monday 2 July.
Last year the Caine Prize, described as Africa's leading literary award, was won by Zimbabwean writer NoViolet Bulawayo. Chair of judges Hisham Matar said at the time "The language of 'Hitting Budapest' crackles. This is a story with moral power and weight; it has the artistry to refrain from moral commentary. NoViolet Bulawayo is a writer who takes delight in language."
View this press release as a PDF here...
ENTER THE 2012 PRIZE
The award is made in July each year and deadline for submissions is 31st January.
Would you like to enter this year’s prize?
Learn how here....
OTHER NEWS
- NoViolet Bulawayo wins 12th Caine Prize
- Change at the top for the Caine Prize
- 2011 Caine Prize judges announced
Read more Caine Prize news....
BUY THE BOOK OF THE 2011 CAINE PRIZE
'To See the Mountain and other stories' features all five stories shortlisted in 2011.
Buy it here...
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