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The Africa Institute is pleased to unveil the writers selected for the second cohort of the Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship in 2023. This fellowship program, honoring the late Nigerian Professor Tejumola Olaniyan and his contributions to African literature and critical theory, continues to attract exceptional talent from the creative writing community. With a generous grant of 45,000 AED, this fellowship provides a unique opportunity for writers connected to Africa and the African diaspora to nurture their craft.
Following a rigorous evaluation process, The Africa Institute’s committee of writers and peers reviewed numerous applications, considering the quality and feasibility of proposed projects within the three-month residency period. The selection process was challenging due to the exceptionally high caliber of submissions.
The awardees for the 2023 Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship are:
Mamdouh Hebeshy, an Egyptian writer, filmmaker, and critic, brings a wealth of experience in literature and folk culture. With published works including a collection of short stories and a book on independent Egyptian cinema, Hebeshy’s expertise extends to directing award-winning films and producing feature-length documentaries.
Mubanga Kalimamukwento, a Zambian storyteller and lawyer, is an award-winning author known for her work “The Mourning Bird.” Her remarkable writing has garnered prestigious recognition and has been published in esteemed literary outlets. Kalimamukwento also contributes to the literary community as a fiction editor and mentor.
Jamal Mahjoub, a distinguished Sudanese-English novelist who also writes as Parker Bilal, is celebrated for his significant exploration of cultural identity and human connections in his literary work. Raised in both London and Khartoum, he has since lived in Denmark, Cairo, Spain, and The Netherlands. His diverse heritage profoundly shapes his storytelling. Under the name Parker Bilal, he skillfully crafts gripping crime fiction set in Cairo, Egypt, featuring the enigmatic detective Makana, expanding his literary repertoire. Mahjoub’s accolades include the Guardian African Short Story Prize in 1991 for “The Cartographer’s Angel” , The Premio Mario Vargas Llosa for “Carrer Princesa” in 2006, and the esteemed French Prix de L’Astrolabe in 2004 for “Traveling With Djinns.” His impact spans borders, with several of his English novels translated into a number of languages, including Arabic. His 2018 travel memoir, “A Line in the River: Khartoum, City of Memory,” meticulously documents his return to Sudan, framing the country’s fervent quest for identity with the changing face of the capital where the author grew up. Mahjoub’s latest novel, “The Fugitives” (Canongate Books, 2021), adds to his legacy, furthering his exploration of cultural intricacies and the human experience, captivating a global audience, and leaving an enduring and significant mark on the world of literature.
The selected writers will be in residence in Sharjah, UAE, where they will have the opportunity to work on their proposed projects in a supportive and inspiring environment. The Africa Institute is dedicated to providing them with the necessary resources, guidance, and mentorship to nurture their artistic growth and realize their creative vision.
Furthermore, the fellowship offers the recipients the potential for publication through The Africa Institute’s publications program, enabling them to share their unique perspectives and contribute to the vibrant literary landscape of Africa.
The Africa Institute extends its sincere appreciation to all the applicants for their remarkable display of immense talent and creativity during the fellowship application process. The Institute remains committed to fostering a thriving literary ecosystem that values and celebrates diverse voices and perspectives.
To learn more about the Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship and the application process, visit here.
The Africa Institute is pleased to unveil the writers selected for the second cohort of the Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship in 2023. This fellowship program, honoring the late Nigerian Professor Tejumola Olaniyan and his contributions to African literature and critical theory, continues to attract exceptional talent from the creative writing community. With a generous grant of 45,000 AED, this fellowship provides a unique opportunity for writers connected to Africa and the African diaspora to nurture their craft.
The Africa Institute is pleased to unveil the writers selected for the second cohort of the Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship in 2023. This fellowship program, honoring the late Nigerian Professor Tejumola Olaniyan and his contributions to African literature and critical theory, continues to attract exceptional talent from the creative writing community. With a generous grant of 45,000 AED, this fellowship provides a unique opportunity for writers connected to Africa and the African diaspora to nurture their craft.
Following a rigorous evaluation process, The Africa Institute’s committee of writers and peers reviewed numerous applications, considering the quality and feasibility of proposed projects within the three-month residency period. The selection process was challenging due to the exceptionally high caliber of submissions.
The awardees for the 2023 Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship are:
Mamdouh Hebeshy, an Egyptian writer, filmmaker, and critic, brings a wealth of experience in literature and folk culture. With published works including a collection of short stories and a book on independent Egyptian cinema, Hebeshy’s expertise extends to directing award-winning films and producing feature-length documentaries.
Mubanga Kalimamukwento, a Zambian storyteller and lawyer, is an award-winning author known for her work “The Mourning Bird.” Her remarkable writing has garnered prestigious recognition and has been published in esteemed literary outlets. Kalimamukwento also contributes to the literary community as a fiction editor and mentor.
Jamal Mahjoub, a distinguished Sudanese-English novelist who also writes as Parker Bilal, is celebrated for his significant exploration of cultural identity and human connections in his literary work. Raised in both London and Khartoum, he has since lived in Denmark, Cairo, Spain, and The Netherlands. His diverse heritage profoundly shapes his storytelling. Under the name Parker Bilal, he skillfully crafts gripping crime fiction set in Cairo, Egypt, featuring the enigmatic detective Makana, expanding his literary repertoire. Mahjoub’s accolades include the Guardian African Short Story Prize in 1991 for “The Cartographer’s Angel” , The Premio Mario Vargas Llosa for “Carrer Princesa” in 2006, and the esteemed French Prix de L’Astrolabe in 2004 for “Traveling With Djinns.” His impact spans borders, with several of his English novels translated into a number of languages, including Arabic. His 2018 travel memoir, “A Line in the River: Khartoum, City of Memory,” meticulously documents his return to Sudan, framing the country’s fervent quest for identity with the changing face of the capital where the author grew up. Mahjoub’s latest novel, “The Fugitives” (Canongate Books, 2021), adds to his legacy, furthering his exploration of cultural intricacies and the human experience, captivating a global audience, and leaving an enduring and significant mark on the world of literature.
The selected writers will be in residence in Sharjah, UAE, where they will have the opportunity to work on their proposed projects in a supportive and inspiring environment. The Africa Institute is dedicated to providing them with the necessary resources, guidance, and mentorship to nurture their artistic growth and realize their creative vision.
Furthermore, the fellowship offers the recipients the potential for publication through The Africa Institute’s publications program, enabling them to share their unique perspectives and contribute to the vibrant literary landscape of Africa.
The Africa Institute extends its sincere appreciation to all the applicants for their remarkable display of immense talent and creativity during the fellowship application process. The Institute remains committed to fostering a thriving literary ecosystem that values and celebrates diverse voices and perspectives.
To learn more about the Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship and the application process, visit here.
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