The Senegalese married couple based in Pretoria, Mame Bougouma Diene and Woppa Diallo, have made history by winning the 2023 Caine Prize for African Writing with their exceptional short story, “A Soul of Small Places.”
The story, published in TorDotCom in 2022, explores the urgent issues of gender-based violence, women's rights, and the resilience of survivors in remote Senegalese communities.
This year's competition saw a record-breaking number of submissions, with 297 entries from 28 African countries. It also marked a significant milestone for the Caine Prize, as it was the first time an entirely female judging panel was involved in the selection process.
“A Soul of Small Places” stands out for its skillful incorporation of supernatural elements against the backdrop of African cosmology. The narrative delves into the coexistence of spirits and humans, adding depth and cultural richness to the story. Despite its dark and brutal theme, the collaboration between Diene and Diallo beautifully explores the timeless theme of love, making it a compelling and thought-provoking work that demands attention.
The winners were announced by Fareda Banda, the Chair of The Caine Prize Judging Panel and Professor of Law at SOAS, University of London, during an awards ceremony held at One Birdcage Walk in London on October 2, 2023. Banda praised “A Soul of Small Places” for its groundbreaking nature, as it became the first jointly conceived narrative to win the prestigious Caine Prize since its establishment in 2000. It also marks the first win for Senegal in the history of the prize.
The judges unanimously agreed that the story was beautifully written, tender, and poetic. It captivated them with its powerful storytelling and its ability to shed light on important social issues. The recognition of Diene and Diallo's work not only celebrates their talent as writers but also highlights the importance of diverse voices in African literature.
As winners of the Caine Prize for African Writing, Diene and Diallo have cemented their place in the literary world. Their achievement will undoubtedly inspire other aspiring writers and contribute to the ongoing development of African literature.
This year's competition saw a record-breaking number of submissions, with 297 entries from 28 African countries. It also marked a significant milestone for the Caine Prize, as it was the first time an entirely female judging panel was involved in the selection process.
“A Soul of Small Places” stands out for its skillful incorporation of supernatural elements against the backdrop of African cosmology. The narrative delves into the coexistence of spirits and humans, adding depth and cultural richness to the story. Despite its dark and brutal theme, the collaboration between Diene and Diallo beautifully explores the timeless theme of love, making it a compelling and thought-provoking work that demands attention.
The winners were announced by Fareda Banda, the Chair of The Caine Prize Judging Panel and Professor of Law at SOAS, University of London, during an awards ceremony held at One Birdcage Walk in London on October 2, 2023. Banda praised “A Soul of Small Places” for its groundbreaking nature, as it became the first jointly conceived narrative to win the prestigious Caine Prize since its establishment in 2000. It also marks the first win for Senegal in the history of the prize.
The judges unanimously agreed that the story was beautifully written, tender, and poetic. It captivated them with its powerful storytelling and its ability to shed light on important social issues. The recognition of Diene and Diallo's work not only celebrates their talent as writers but also highlights the importance of diverse voices in African literature.
As winners of the Caine Prize for African Writing, Diene and Diallo have cemented their place in the literary world. Their achievement will undoubtedly inspire other aspiring writers and contribute to the ongoing development of African literature.
The Caine Prize for African Writing celebrates the richness and diversity of African literature and recognizes outstanding achievements in African storytelling. It has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of African writers, offering unmatched global visibility and opportunities, including publishing deals and writing fellowships.
