An anthology of The Caine Prize for African Writing 2024: Midnight in the Morgue and Other Stories, which includes stories from Malawian writers, has been released. It has been published by Cassava Republic in London, the United Kingdom.
Four Malawian authors, namely Ndongolera Mwangupili, Foster Benjamin, Beaulah Likambale Ng’ombe and Yanjanani Banda, are part of the anthology, having participated in the Caine Prize for African Writing Workshop in Salima District last year. The workshop attracted 10 African writers.
The anthology also includes five stories shortlisted for the 2024 Caine Prize, including the winning story Bridling by Nadia Davids. Mwangupili said he was happy to have his story in the anthology, titled The Black Dog.
“This story was inspired by the local symbolism Galu Wakuda, which represents famine. I am very much inspired by the reality around me and famine in the impoverished locations such as Geisha in Mzuzu, where I live, was the source of inspiration as I pass through the location almost daily from my house,” he said.
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Mwangupili said social realism was central to most of his writings and that this story is a reflection of his conviction as a writer. Benjamin said he was happy to see his short story Midnight in the Morque as the title of the Caine Prize anthology.
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“This no mean achievement considering that the prize is one of the greatest and iconic. I am also humbled to be featured in a collection which has seen award-winning writers sharing literary spoils; in a book which has been edited by renowned writers such as Karen Jennings, The Man Booker longlisted writer, and Femi Kayode, another iconic writer,” he said.
Last year, Caine Prize for African Writing interim director Vimbai Shire called upon writers in the country to keep writing and participating in competitions. Caine Prize for African Writing is an annual award for African creative writing founded in 2000. It is one of Africa’s oldest short story prizes awarded to the best short story by an African writer.
