Divine Inyang Titus has been announced as the 2024 Toyin Falola Prize winner with his entry “Fibers from the Deep”
A statement by the organisers said, “Divine becomes the second Nigerian to win this prestigious prize, after Abdulrahim Hussani (2022). His narrative introduces us to Ikem, a deeply conflicted protagonist navigating existential dilemmas, family turmoil, trauma, detachment, loss, and spiritual crises—particularly following the death of his brother and the breakdown of his family.
“When we called for submissions under the theme of the sacred, we sought not just broad and bold interpretations, but also an aesthetic finesse that could elevate those interpretations. Divine’s profound and introspective journey with Ikem achieves exactly this. Like Ikem, readers are left pondering the powerful question, “What else is sacred in this world if not this love, this life?”
According to the judges, Divine’s story is “a compelling exploration of the tension between cultural heritage and modern identity. Its narrative skillfully balances humour, spiritual conflict, tragedy, and existential questioning. The power of the story lies in its raw authenticity, its ability to evoke both empathy and introspection, making it a deserving winner in this contest.”
The organisers while congratulating Divine for winning the award also thanked all those who sent their entries of over 300 submissions across Africa and the diaspora. They also thanked the judges, Professor Gilbert Ndi-Shang and Chinua Ezenwa-Ohaeto, for their unwavering effort and support.
The Toyin Falola Prize is in its fourth year. It is endowed by Professor Toyin Falola and distinguished professor of Humanities at the University of Texas at Austin to celebrate African writers who challenge, inspire, and push the boundaries of storytelling.
