Events
Dancing with Angelique Kidjo, Theatrical Performances & Celebration as the Etisalat Prize for Literature Winner is Announced!
Sarah Ladipo Manyika (Chair of Judges, Etisalat Prize for Literature), Songeziwe Mahlangu (Winner, 2014 Etisalat Prize for Literature) & Matthew Willsher (Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria)
It was a night of glitz, glam, great performances and rewarding excellence as Etisalat held the 2nd edition of its Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Literature at the InterContinental Hotel, Lagos.
The event was attended by celebrities and veteran writers including Nobel Prize laureate Wole Soyinka, who witnessed South African writer Songeziwe Mahlangu emerge the winner of the 2014 Etisalat Prize with his book – “Penumbra“.
Songeziwe took home the coveted title including a cash prize of £15,000, an engraved Montblanc Meisterstück pen and a high-end device. In addition, he will also have book tours to 3 African cities and attend the Etisalat Fellowship at the University of East Anglia.
Neema Komba was also announced as the winner in the flash fiction category for her entry “Setting Babu on Fire“, taking home the cash prize of £1000 and a high end device.
Enitan Denloye (Director, Brands & Experience, Etisalat) commented saying – “Etisalat Nigeria is indeed pleased to celebrate all authors in the African literary spectrum from the greats such as Wole Soyinka, Ngugi Wa Thiong’o, Ama Ata Aidoo, Ben Okri, and the winner of the 2013 Etisalat Prize for Literature, NoViolet Bulawayo.“
Matthew Willsher
Patron of the Etisalat Prize for Literature, Dele Olojede presenting the prize to the winner of the 2014 Etisalat Prize for Literature Flash Fiction Category, Neema Komba
Hosts of the 2014 Etisalat Prize for Literature – Jimi Sonuga & Sope Martins; and the Judges – Sarah Ladipo Manyika & Jamal Mahjoub
Opral Benson; Jamal Mahjoub, Sarah Ladipo Manyika, Songeziwe Mahlangu & Matthew Willsher
Prize presentation to the shortlisted Flash Fiction writers
Wole Soyinka
The night also featured a great performance by Grammy Award-winning musician, Angelique Kidjo joined on stage by Evelle – the winner of the Etisalat-sponsored Nigerian Idol season 4.
Other highlights of the night included three thrilling stage plays that brought to life the shortlisted books. The plays featured Nollywood acts such as OC Ukeje, Bimbo Manuel, Bimbo Akintola, Tope Tedela and was directed by Ifeoma Fafunwa, of the V-monologues fame.
Kunle Afolayan & Angelique Kidjo
Bimbo Akintola & OC Ukeje in the Re-enactment of shortlisted book by winner of the 2014 Etisalat Prize for Literature – Songeziwe Mahlangu, “Penumbra”
Odenike, Bimbo Akintola, & Bimbo Manuel re-enacting Chinelo’s Okparanta;s “Happiness Like Water”
Omono Somolu renacting Nadia Davids “An Imperfect Blessing”
A Stylish guest with NdiNdi Okpaluba (Director, Project Management Office)
Ade Bantu
Godson Ukeagbu & Kelechi Amadi-Obi
Ebuka Obi Uchendu & Aderonke Adebayo
Red Carpet
Ugoma Adegoke
Sarah Ladipo Manyika (Chair of Judges, Etisalat Prize for Literature)
Winner of the 2014 Etisalat Pan African Prize for Literature, Songeziwe Mahlangu
Ella Allfrey (Patron of the Prize)
Matthew Willsher (Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria) & Wife, Deborah Willsher
Darey Art Alade & Modupe Thani (Head, Events and Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria)
Shortlisted finalists for the 2014 Etisalat Pan African Prize for Literature – Nadia Davids, Chinelo Okparanta & Songeziwe Mahlangu
Idiareno Atimomo (Manager, Youth Segment); Evelyn Zibili (Evelle) & Mai Atafo (Fashion Designer)
Matthew Willsher & Wife, Deborah Willsher with the shortlisted finalists for the 2014 Etisalat Pan African Prize for Literature – Nadia Davids, Chinelo Okparanta & Songeziwe Mahlangu
Wole Rawa (Director, Consumer Segment, Etisalat Nigeria); Elvis Daniel ( Head, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria); Idiareno Atimomo (Manager, Youth Segment) & Mai Atafo (Fashion Designer)
Modupe Thani (Head, Events and Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria); Noble Laureate, Wole Soyinka & Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher
Matthew Willsher & 2013 Flash Fiction Category for the Etisalat Prize for Innovation Winner, Uche Okonkwo
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Sponsored Content
