The Northern Writers Forum Journal (NWF Journal) has announced the launch of the inaugural Ladi Kwali Poetry Prize, offering ₦150,000 in total prize money to celebrate African poetic excellence while honouring Nigeria’s legendary potter.
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The new literary award, developed in partnership with Bakandamiya, pays tribute to Ladi Kwali, the renowned Nigerian potter whose artistic legacy continues to inspire creative expression across the continent. The prize is open to African poets worldwide, reflecting the organisers’ commitment to showcasing the breadth of African literary talent.
The competition offers substantial financial rewards for winning entries, with the top prize carrying a ₦100,000 award. The first runner-up will receive ₦30,000, while the second runner-up takes home ₦20,000. All three winning poems will be published in the prestigious NWF Journal, providing additional recognition and exposure for the selected poets.
“This prize celebrates poetic brilliance inspired by the legacy of the legendary Nigerian potter, Ladi Kwali,” organisers stated in announcing the competition. The award represents a significant addition to Nigeria’s growing literary prize landscape, which has increasingly recognised poetry as a vital form of artistic expression.
The competition targets the global African diaspora, inviting submissions from poets of African heritage writing in English, regardless of their current location. This inclusive approach aligns with contemporary trends in African literary awards that seek to bridge continental and diaspora voices.
Ladi Kwali, after whom the prize is named, was a Nigerian potter from the Gwari tribe who gained international recognition for her distinctive pottery techniques. Born in the early 1900s, she became one of Nigeria’s most celebrated traditional artists and was featured on the country’s N20 note, cementing her status as a cultural icon.
Poets interested in participating have until November 30, 2025, to submit their entries. Complete submission guidelines and entry procedures are available on the Northern Writers Forum website.
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