Arise Africa Writing Contest
Top Entries
Congratulations to all the writers who submitted entries. The theme of the contest was “the Africa of my dreams”. We received very interesting submissions and do believe most of these writers are on to something great.
Let’s introduce the top entries.
Read. Share. Comment. Support.
Fiction
1st place: Shinka Black for the story On the Wave to Africa
Shinka Black is a writer with a bias towards telling the African story. He loves telling stories driven by strong relatable characters. He is in his elements when the genres of concern tilt towards drama and mystery.
Growing up in the southern African country of Zimbabwe, Black feels he’s seen enough suffering and triumph to have an authentic voice in his storytelling.
Black is a graduate of mechanical and computer engineering. He loves people, pets, a good book, and the woods.
Connect with Shinka_Black on Biopage and Shinka Black on Facebook.
2nd place: Veronique N. Mbaya for the story The Cure
Veronique N. Mbaye is a political commentator and creative writing adept. She won the 2019 Loose Conversations Writing Competition. She is currently living in Kigali, Rwanda, where she juggles communications work, digital marketing, and journalistic contributions.
You can follow Veronique’s thoughts on Twitter @mongi_writes and mongiwrites.blogspot.com
3rd place: Melody Kasamba for the story Not Lame Afterall
Melody Kasamba, a passionate poet/writer, recently made a drastic career change from laboratory bench worker to creative in her advocacy for passion-driven living. She loves to write about life in Uganda but often accepts the challenge of telling stories outside her comfort zone (love stories). Her passions extend to ballet and contemporary dance forms. She has a knack for intentionally singing off-key but is actually more principled than she shows.
To glimpse one of her ‘out of comfort zone’ creations, visit here or here for the typical ‘Melody-style’.
Do message her @melodykasamba on Instagram.
Poetry
1st place: Etinyeneobong Udofia for the poem Lamentations and the Prophets
Etinyeneobong Udofia is a Nigerian poet and content writer. She is currently a law student at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria where she was born and bred. She can be reached on Instagram via https://www.instagram.com/_tea_said/.
2nd place: Melody Kasamba for the poem Go to School They Said
See author profile above
3rd place: Ngala Lavynne for the poem Flower Crown
Besides running her own blog, Stormy Weather, which focuses on discussions about teenage experiences in a comical yet tell-it-how-it-is tone, Lavynne enjoys writing thought-provoking essays almost as much as she loves to read. This being her first of many works to come in poetry, she has a keen focus on using her voice to emphasize the importance of shedding light on “taboo” topics involving the youth, especially in these changing times.
Read all shortlisted entries in the Arise Africa Writing Contest anthology here.
