Poetry Journal 2024 Longlist

We are excited to share the longlisted writers of the first Poetry Journal prize and issue. Additionally, we are happy to announce that we will be giving out more prizes to the runners-up for this contest – ₦100,000 to the Prize Winner, ₦50,000 to the First Runner-Up, ₦25,000 to the Second Runner-Up.

Reading through the 1,203 submissions from writers across 12 countries and 5 continents has been an incredibly demanding, yet satisfying journey. We are very grateful to all the writers and followers of the Poetry Journal for their support of this inaugural issue that will be released on July 30!

The shortlist for the prize will be announced on June 25 2024, and the winner on July 1. We look forward to celebrating the voices of our incredible writers with you. To stay updated about the shortlist and winner announcement, visit Poetryjournal.org and sign up for our newsletter!

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Abu Ibrahim (IB) is a published Nigerian poet. He has also performed at the Pa Gya Literary Festival in Ghana, Lagos International Poetry Festival, Say It Out, Lagos and more.

He is the recipient of the Lagos State University (LASU) Debate Society Impact Maker Award for Storytelling and Outstanding Impact, and the 2023 winner of the Port Harcourt Poetry Festival Poetry/Spoken Word Poetry Album of the Year – for his debut poetry album; ‘Music Has Failed Us’.

Connect with him on X or Instagram using the handle @_therealib

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Nosakhare Peter Osarenren was born in Edo State Nigeria, and holds a Bachelor’s in Law from the University of Benin.

His book, ‘For Him,’ a chapbook of Christian poetry, explores themes of trust and submission. Some of his live performances include ‘Dear African,’ performed at the Rehab Lounge in Benin City, and ‘ Pots and Kettles’ performed at Nosana Studios, Edo Global Art Foundation, etc.

Nosakhare is also a co-founder of DeCreAce Art Club, a fast-growing creative hub in Nigeria where he facilitates creative writing workshops.

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Oghenerobo Joy Esieboma is a content writer and editor with a keen eye for language and a passion for storytelling. She crafts engaging content for a variety of publications and has a passion for literary art. She draws inspiration from her daily encounters, weaving the stories of the people and moments she meets into evocative poems and short stories. She spends her free time immersed in the world of words, either curled up with a good book or exploring her creative side through writing.

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Chukwuma Henry Onyekachi is a Nigerian pharmacist and poet. His works have been published by/coming up in Brittle Paper, ReadWrite Strategies’ Workplace Anthology, SHIFT, Providus Bank Writing Café Anthology, PIN, Rice and elsewhere.

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Quwam Ishola studied Cell Biology and Genetics at the University of Lagos and currently works as a freelance writer. He is a 2022 Sprinng Fellowship alumnus.

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Shiloh Okparanma is a writer and poet resident in Rivers State. He is a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt and founder of a literary community during his university days. He enjoys reading fictional novels with poetic profoundness (with his favourite being ‘The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born’). When he is not reading or writing, he is picking up arbitrary and curious knowledge.

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Adamu Yahuza Abdullahi is a poet from Kwara state, Nigeria. He is a pioneer resident of the Muktar Aliyu Art Residency, Minna, Niger state. He is a ‘Best of the Net’ nominee and a second place winner of the first edition of Hassan Sulaiman Gimba Esq Poetry Prize and the Bill Ward Poetry Prize for Emerging Writers 2023. He is on X / Twitter: @yahuza_theplob and Instagram as @Official_yahuzeey.

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Olawunmi Shobola is a Nigerian lawyer based in Toronto, Canada. She finds self-expression through poetry, short stories and drawing. She is currently working on a collection of literary works for publication. You can find her corner of the internet via Instagram @wunmeee.

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Chinemerem Oparaugo is a poet and storyteller. Her work explores themes around nature, everyday life, love, the girl child and her country, amongst others. When she is not writing, she is dreaming or travelling.

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Emmanuel G G Yamba writes from Monrovia, Liberia. He’s a graduate of the University of Liberia and SprinNG Advancement Fellowship. His work has been featured and forthcoming in The Shallow Tales Review, The MUSE, SprinNG, Inkspired, Funminiyi Anthologies, Libretto Magazine, Salamander Ink, African Writer, Kalahari Review, Odd Mag., Rigorous, TVO Tribe, Ibadan Arts, An anthology for Abunic and elsewhere.

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