Jekwu Anyaegbuna, a distinguished fiction writer and poet, has secured the coveted 2023 “Poetry London” Prize, a prestigious accolade in the United Kingdom.
Anyaegbuna’s winning piece, titled “Unusual Inmates,” emerged victorious from a pool of approximately 4000 entries, its potency lying in its exploration of the aftermath of Nigeria’s 2023 general election. Described by the organizers as “a poem for our times,” it skillfully captures the complexities and nuances of the political landscape in a post-election scenario.
The elation in Anyaegbuna’s acceptance speech was palpable as he humorously acknowledged, “Sometimes, I write some rubbish. And then someone tells me, ‘Oh, that your rubbish is actually some creative excellence.’ I thank Poetry London for validating my work, for honouring my creative weirdness.”
Taking the stage at the Southbank Centre in London during the award night, Anyaegbuna also expressed gratitude to the University of East Anglia, where he is a scholar. He credited the institution for providing him with an environment conducive to creativity, stating, “I would also like to thank the University of East Anglia for creating for me the most beautiful atmosphere that made it possible for me to write this poem.”
Anyaegbuna’s literary journey extends beyond this recent accolade. A Commonwealth Short Story Prize winner in 2012, he holds an MA in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia. His multifaceted contributions to literature include being a fully-funded researcher and an Associate Tutor in the School of Literature, Drama, and Creative Writing at the University.
Beyond academia, Anyaegbuna serves as a fiction fellow at the Elizabeth Kostova Foundation for Creative Writing in Bulgaria. His prowess has also been recognized by being shortlisted for the 2022 White Review Short Story Prize. His published works, featured in respected literary platforms such as Granta, The Massachusetts Review, Transition, and Prairie Schooner, showcase the depth and breadth of his literary talent.
The “Poetry London” Prize, awarded by Poetry London, a well-regarded poetry journal supported by the Arts Council England, is rooted in a commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Poetry London actively champions marginalized voices, a commitment in line with their artistic vision that recognizes the transformative power of poetry in catalyzing societal change.
- Tags: jekwu, poetry, poetry london prize, UK
