Tag: 2023 ARIBP

Press Release | 70-year-old Kenyan writer Engineer Peter Nduati Wins the 2023 Afrika Redefined Indie Book Prize

The Afrika Redefined Indie Book Prize is delighted to announce that the 2023 winner is 70-year-old Engineer Peter Nduati, for his semi-biographical and social commentary book, Gooka from the Village to the City, published in 2022.   The 2023 prize was open to Kenyan authors only, and seven (female – 2 [28.57%], male – 5 [71.43%]) submitted eight books (fiction – 6, non-fiction – 1, children’s – 1), but seven were shortlisted. Chaired by Lexa Lubanga, founder of Kenyan Readathon and ardent supporter of Kenyan writers/literature, the Judging Panel recommended to the Advisory Board Engineer Peter Nduati as the 2023 winner of the Afrika Redefined Indie Book Prize, who was approved and announced during the Prize award ceremony held at the multimedia library of the Alliance Française de Nairobi. Regarding the judging criteria, Lexa said: “Different books scored differently. Some would be strong in writing style but fail in professionalism and theme; others were strong in professionalism but failed in theme; while others were good in theme but failed in writing style and professionalism. As a general rule, the winning book MUST score more than 90 per cent (Judge’s Score) on professional rating; if none, no winner shall be announced, and the prize shall not be awarded. For a book to address Afro-currency/Afrofuturism well, it MUST score over 80 per cent. The Runners-up MUST score over 80 per cent and less than 90 per cent, i.e. be within the 80 to 89.99 percentile (Judge’s Score in professionalism).” The evaluation criteria entailed public voting (introducing the works to the public and allowing the readers to vote for the book with the most compelling story), which is 10% of the overall rating, and evaluation by a judging panel, which is 90% of the overall rating. The winning book is the first non-fiction book moulded in historical, scientific, and mathematical satire. The judges said it was the best professionally (self-)published, scoring 91.34 per cent on professionalism and 88 per cent on addressing the theme of Afro-currency and Afrofuturism. Engineer Peter Nduati joins the previous winner, Jerusha Kananu Marete, as the pioneers of this noble prize envisioned to be the premiere prestigious book prize for African independent writers. The judging panel comprised reader and passionate supporter of African literature, Lexa Lubanga (Kenya) as the chairperson; Dr Michael Dickel (Israel) as the vice-chairperson; and members writer and columnist Empress Ciku Kimani-Mwaniki (Kenya), writer Lesalon Kasaine (Kenya), avid Xavier Omweri (Kenya), and Ugandan journalist and writer, Philip Matogo. The Prize secretariat is guided by an advisory board comprising multi-artist expert Dr Gameli Tordzro (Ghana); veteran Kenyan journalist and broadcaster John Sibi-Okumu (Kenya); Dr Amakove Wala (Kenya); activist Mbizo Chirasha (Zimbabwe); media practitioner and founder Qazini, Damaris Agweyu; and literature enthusiast Dr Robert Aron (USA). Engineer Peter Nduati received a cash prize of Ksh.30,000, an increase from 2022 when the winner received Ksh.20,000. His winning book captures his daily experiences mirrored in his village days toggled and enmeshed with the past, making the narrative both semi-biographical and a social commentary. The Afrika Redefined Indie Book Prize aims to recognise quality, professionally self-published books that address AfroCurrency or Afrofuturism themes, help improve reading culture in Africa, and create opportunities for authors. The first runner-up was The Leaves of May (novel) by Muthoni Maina, and the second runner-up was Back-Fence Talk and Other Stories (short stories) by Caroline Kinya Mbaya. They were both presented with a certificate. Other shortlisted authors were: Davis Njoroge; Beyond (novel, Sci-fi) – 2022 Peter Muchai; The Alternative (novel, crime) – 2022 Bonface Nyamweya; Peeling the Cobweb (novel – 2022 Hamisi Wawire; Hot Chalice (novel) – 2022

Arthur Anthony Moody Awori is the Highest Bidder in “Have a Cup of Coffee With Your Shortlisted Author” Auction! for Muthoni Maina

The “Have a Cup of Coffee With Your Shortlisted Author” Auction! for the 2022 and 2023 shortlisted authors has ended, raising a total of Ksh.4,900 toward the 2023 Afrika Redefined Indie Book Prize by Mystery Publishers, bringing the total amount raised through different platforms to Ksh.51,743. Reader and lover of literature, Arthur Anthony Moody Awori, is the highest bidder for a coffee session with the 2023 Afrika Redefined Indie Book Prize shortlisted author, Muthoni Maina. The two will have engaging conversations about the author’s books, writing process, and more.  It is also a chance to ask burning questions and gain insight into the world of literature. Other bidders for Muthoni Maina were Paul Nguyo and Laura Ogana. To all the bidders, your bids mean a lot to us; they will help us get one step closer to changing the lives of aspiring independent writers and improving the reading culture in Africa. We hope you feel our gratitude and can’t wait to share the upcoming fundraising campaigns we’ve planned to continue making progress toward our goal. You are a part of this essential community, and we couldn’t make this positive impact on our community without you. Muthoni Maina is an accomplished writer with a journalism background and a passionate advocate for women’s development. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Development Communication from the University of Nairobi before embarking on a career that has taken her from Supporting Empowering Women (SEW) Tanzania to Toto Care Box Africa Trust. Muthoni is the author of The Leaves of May, a captivating exploration of the unique points of view of three women from different points of African history. Arthur and Muthoni will have a coffee session on Friday 15 December 2023 at a time and place that shall be communicated to them later, before the 2023 Afrika Redefined Indie Book Prize Award Ceremony, which shall be held at Alliance Française de Nairobi from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. On behalf of the entire Afrika Redefined Indie Book Prize team and Mystery Publishers, we appreciate you and want to tell you just how much your donation towards the Afrika Redefined Indie Book Prize means to us. Thank you so much for supporting our initiative in the African Ubuntu spirit. ARIBP Team Mystery Publishers

Introducing our “Have a Cup of Coffee with Your Shortlisted Author” Auction!

An intimate coffee meetup with one of our talented 2022 and 2023 shortlisted authors. Engaging conversations about their books, writing process, and more. The chance to ask burning questions and gain insight into the world of literature. The Afrika Redefined Indie Book Prize aims to recognize and celebrate outstanding independent authors in Africa. To support this initiative and raise funds, we propose organizing an Author Meet-Up Auction where the 2023 shortlisted authors and 2022 winner and runner-up will participate. Starting Bid: As low as 100 KES (1.00 USD)! Use M-Pesa Paybill or PayPal (online) to place your bids and support the Afrika Redefined Indie Book Prize. Bid generously to secure your coffee date with a literary luminary! MPESA CAMPAIGN Starting Bid: As low as 100 KES! MPESA PAY BILL: 909534 ACCOUNT NAME: NAME OF THE AUTHOR YOU ARE BIDDING ON! Use M-Pesa Paybill to place bids and support the Afrika Redefined Indie Book Prize. Go to the bidding Homepage and select the author with whom you would like to have coffee. Save the Date Join us for an unforgettable meet-up filled with literary magic and caffeinated inspiration on 15 December 2023 from 2:00 pm before the 2023 award ceremony, which will be held at Alliance Française de Nairobi from 4:00 pm. NOTE: The winning bidder will pay for the coffee.  Stay tuned for the auction launch and author pairings! Your support fuels African literature. Let’s raise funds for the next generation of writers and storytellers! #CoffeeWithAuthors #SupportAfricanLiterature #AfrikaRedefined #BookLoversUnite