Discover the authors participating in the Royal Book Prize 2026.
This page presents writers from different countries and literary traditions whose works have been submitted for this international literary award.
Kopano Matlwa
🇿🇦 South Africa
Writer & Medical Doctor
Biograph
Kopano Matlwa (born in 1985) is a South African writer and medical doctor.
She is recognised for her novels that explore themes of identity, race, class, culture, belonging, and social transformation in contemporary South Africa.Her debut novel, Coconut, was published in 2007 and received the European Union Literary Award in 2006/2007.
The book later won the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa in 2010.
She is also the author of Spilled Milk, a novel that focuses on the experiences of the “Born Free” generation of South Africa.
Through her writing and medical profession, Kopano Matlwa contributes to important discussions about society, history, and human experiences.
Submitted Work
Coconut
Category: Novel
Saddiq Dzukogi
🇳🇬 Nigeria
Poet & Assistant
Biography
Saddiq Dzukogi is a Nigerian poet and assistant professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, United States.
Born in Minna, Nigeria, he is recognised for his contemporary poetry that explores themes of grief, memory, identity, love, migration, and human experiences.
His poetry collection Your Crib, My Qibla received international recognition for its powerful exploration of loss, family, faith, and personal transformation.
Through his writing, Saddiq Dzukogi brings together Nigerian experiences and universal emotions, contributing to contemporary African poetry and global literature.
He continues to inspire readers through his poetry, academic work, and commitment to literary expression.
Submitted Work
Your Crib, My Qibla
Category: Poetry
Upile Chisala
🇲🇼 Malawi
Poet & Writer
Biography
Upile Chisala (born in 1994) is a Malawian poet and writer recognised as one of the most inspiring contemporary African literary voices.
She gained international recognition through her poetry collections soft magic, nectar, and a fire like you, which explore themes of identity, love, healing, womanhood, belonging, and the African experience.
A graduate of the University of Oxford, Upile Chisala has built a global audience through her powerful short-form poetry and prose, using literature to express emotions, personal journeys, and reflections on society.
She was included in Forbes Africa’s prestigious 30 Under 30 list, recognising young African creatives making an impact through their work.
Through her writing, she continues to inspire readers around the world with messages of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment.
Submitted Work
soft magic
Category: Poetry
Amir Fehri
🇹🇳 Tunisia
Writer & Young Literary Author
Biography
Amir Fehri is a Tunisian writer recognised for beginning his literary journey at a very young age and becoming one of the notable young voices in contemporary Tunisian literature.
He gained international attention as a young author through his writings, which explore themes of youth, dreams, hope, education, and the challenges faced by a new generation.
His book, Au bord du départ en cœur de l’espoir, reflects on the aspirations of young people, the search for opportunities, and the hopes of a generation looking towards the future.
Beyond literature, Amir Fehri is also known for his commitment to education and youth empowerment, using his voice to promote learning, creativity, and social awareness.
Through his writing and initiatives, he represents a new generation of authors who use literature as a tool for inspiration and positive change.
Submitted Work
Au bord du départ en cœur de l’espoir
Category: Fiction / Novel
Madeline Cash
🇺🇸 United States
Writer & Co-founder of Forever Magazine
Biography
Madeline Cash is an American writer and co-founder of Forever Magazine.
She is known for her contemporary fiction and literary work exploring modern life, relationships, identity, culture, and the experiences of a new generation.Her debut novel, Lost Lambs, was published in 2026 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, introducing her distinctive voice in contemporary American fiction.
Before her debut novel, Cash published Earth Angel, a short-story collection released in 2023, which further established her presence in the literary world.
Through her writing and editorial work, Madeline Cash contributes to contemporary literature by exploring human experiences with originality, creativity, and a unique perspective.
Submitted Work
Lost Lambs
Category: Fiction / Novel
Maggie Su
🇺🇸 United States
Writer & Novelist
Biography
Maggie Su is an American writer known for her imaginative and unconventional approach to contemporary fiction.Her debut novel, Blob:
A Love Story, explores themes of loneliness, human connection, identity, and modern relationships through a unique blend of absurd humor and emotional reflection.
The novel follows an unusual journey that challenges traditional ideas of love, companionship, and the search for meaningful connections in contemporary life.
Through an original narrative style, Maggie Su creates a story that combines creativity, humor, and deeper reflections on the human experience.
Her writing represents a new generation of literary voices that explore modern emotions and relationships from fresh and unexpected perspectives.
Submitted Work
Blob: A Love Story
Category: Fiction / Novel
Nituecheni Africano
🇦🇴 Angola
Writer & Novelist
Biography
Nituecheni Africano is an Angolan writer recognised for his contribution to contemporary African literature.
Through his literary work, he explores human experiences, social realities, identity, relationships, and the challenges of life in modern society.
His writing reflects the richness of Angolan storytelling, combining creativity, cultural perspectives, and reflections on the experiences of individuals and communities.As a contemporary African literary voice, Nituecheni Africano continues to contribute to the development and visibility of Angolan literature on an international stage.
Submitted Work
O Homem que Não Sabe Morrer
Category: Fiction / Novel
R. F. Kuang
🇺🇸 United States
Biography
R. F. Kuang (born in 1996) is an American writer and one of the most recognised voices of the new generation of contemporary literature.
She is known for her critically acclaimed novels that combine historical fiction, fantasy, and social commentary, exploring themes such as power, identity, language, colonialism, ambition, and the complexities of human relationships.
Her debut novel, The Poppy War, introduced her internationally as a major literary talent and became the first book in a successful fantasy trilogy.
She later achieved global recognition with novels such as Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence and Yellowface, works that received significant attention from readers and critics worldwide.
A scholar with a strong academic background, R. F. Kuang brings intellectual depth and cultural perspectives into her storytelling, creating works that connect literature with important discussions about history, society, and identity.
Through her writing, she has become one of the most influential young American authors, inspiring a new generation of readers around the world.
Submitted Work
Yellow face
Category: Fiction / Novel
Anika Jade Levy
🇺🇸 United States
Writer & Novelist
Biography
Anika Jade Levy is an American writer from Colorado and one of the emerging voices in contemporary American fiction.She is the author of Flat Earth, her debut novel, which explores themes of coming of age, friendship, identity, ambition, social media culture, and the challenges faced by a new generation.
Her writing combines sharp social observation, humour, and emotional depth, creating a unique perspective on modern life and the experiences of young people in contemporary America.
In addition to her fiction, Anika Jade Levy is a founding editor of Forever Magazine and teaches in the writing program at Pratt Institute, contributing to the development of new literary voices.
Her debut novel, Flat Earth, was recognised by the National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35, highlighting her as one of the promising young talents in American fiction.
Submitted Work
Flat Earth
Category: Fiction / Novel
Megan Kamalei Kakimoto
🇺🇸 United States
Writer & Fiction Author
Biography
Megan Kamalei Kakimoto is an American writer known for her distinctive voice in contemporary fiction and her exploration of identity, culture, family, and human relationships.
Her writing is deeply connected to the experiences of place, heritage, and belonging, reflecting the complexities of modern life and the emotional landscapes of individuals and communities.
She is the author of Every Drop Is a Man’s Nightmare, a collection of stories that explores themes of memory, identity, family connections, and the experiences of people navigating personal and cultural transformations.
Her work has received recognition as part of the new generation of American literary voices, including selection by the National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35, which highlights promising young fiction writers.
National Book FoundationThrough her storytelling, Megan Kamalei Kakimoto contributes to contemporary literature by bringing fresh perspectives and intimate narratives to a global audience.
Submitted Work
Every Drop Is a Man’s Nightmare
Category: Fiction / Short Stories
Stephanie Wambugu
Writer & Novelist
🇺🇸 United States
Biography
Stephanie Wambugu is an American writer and an emerging voice in contemporary fiction.
Her writing explores themes of identity, belonging, relationships, and the complexities of modern life, offering fresh perspectives on the experiences of a new generation.
She is the author of Lonely Crowds, a debut novel that examines human connections, emotional landscapes, and the ways individuals navigate life in an increasingly complex world.
Through her storytelling, Stephanie Wambugu brings a distinctive literary voice that combines emotional depth, social observation, and creative imagination.
Her work represents the new generation of American writers who are expanding the possibilities of contemporary fiction.
Submitted Work
Lonely Crowds
Category: Fiction / Novel
Gina Chung
🇺🇸 United States
Writer & Novelist
Biography
Gina Chung is an American writer known for her imaginative and emotionally powerful contemporary fiction.
Her writing explores themes of identity, relationships, belonging, environmental concerns, and the complex connections between humans and the world around them.
Her debut novel, Sea Change, tells a deeply personal and imaginative story that combines elements of contemporary fiction with reflections on loneliness, transformation, and human connection.
Gina Chung has been recognised as an emerging literary voice, bringing fresh perspectives and creative storytelling to contemporary American literature.
Through her novels and short stories, she continues to explore the emotional experiences of individuals navigating a rapidly changing world.
Submitted Work
Sea Change
Category: Fiction / Novel
Alexander Sammartino
🇺🇸 United States
Writer & Novelist
Biography
Alexander Sammartino is an American novelist and one of the emerging voices in contemporary American fiction.Born in 1991, he gained recognition with his debut novel, Last Acts, a work that combines dark humour, emotional depth, and social observation to explore human relationships, family, and personal transformation.
His writing is known for examining ordinary lives through an original perspective, creating stories that reflect the complexities, struggles, and unexpected moments of modern society.
Last Acts received attention as a remarkable debut in contemporary fiction and was recognised by the National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35, highlighting promising young writers whose work contributes to the future of literature.
Through his storytelling, Alexander Sammartino represents a new generation of American authors bringing fresh voices and innovative approaches to fiction.
Submitted Work
Last Acts
Category: Fiction / Novel
Carrie R. Moore
🇺🇸 United States
Writer & Short Story Author
Biography
Carrie R. Moore is an American writer and an emerging voice in contemporary fiction.
Her writing explores themes of family, memory, history, identity, and the lasting impact of personal and collective experiences.
She is the author of Make Your Way Home, a collection of short stories that examines the connections between people, places, and the histories that shape their lives.
Through powerful and emotionally rich storytelling, Moore explores questions of belonging, inheritance, and the complicated relationships people have with the places they call home.
Her work has received recognition as part of the National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35, highlighting her as one of the promising new voices in American fiction.
Submitted Work
Make Your Way Home
Category: Fiction / Short Stories
Dantiel W. Moniz
🇺🇸 United States
Writer & Short Story Author
Biography
Dantiel W. Moniz is an American writer known for her powerful and emotionally rich fiction.
Her writing explores themes of family, identity, relationships, race, womanhood, and the complex experiences that shape human lives.
She is the author of Milk Blood Heat, a collection of short stories that examines moments of transformation, connection, and vulnerability within contemporary life.
Through vivid storytelling and deep emotional insight, Moniz creates narratives that explore the beauty, struggles, and contradictions of everyday experiences.
Her work has received recognition as part of the National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35, highlighting her as one of the promising new voices in American fiction.
Dantiel W. Moniz represents a new generation of writers bringing fresh perspectives and powerful stories to contemporary literature.
Submitted Work
Milk Blood Heat
Category: Fiction / Short Stories
Gugu Sapengo
🇦🇴 Angola
Writer, Poet, Lawyer & Cultural Activist
Biography
Augusto Salassi Roque Sapengo, widely known as Gugu Sapengo or Gugu Roque Sapengo, is an Angolan writer, poet, lawyer, and cultural activist.
Born in Huambo, Angola, on 25 April 1985, he has become an important figure in the promotion of literature, culture, and social dialogue among young people in Angola.
His literary work includes poetry and fiction, with notable publications such as O Coração de uma Mulher, a poetry collection, and A Mulher de Três Maridos, a novel published by O Cão Que Lê.
Beyond literature, Gugu Sapengo has played an active role in cultural initiatives and youth engagement.
He served as Deputy Coordinator of Jango Cultural, a project focused on promoting citizenship, arts, cultural expression, and socio-economic discussions among young Angolans.
With a background in Law and a strong commitment to culture and literature, Gugu Sapengo represents a generation of Angolan writers who use creativity and knowledge to reflect on society, human experiences, and contemporary challenges.
Submitted Work
A Mulher de Três Maridos
Category: Fiction / Novel
Caleb Azumah Nelson
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Writer & Novelist
Biography
Caleb Azumah Nelson is a British-Ghanaian writer known for his poetic and emotionally powerful approach to contemporary fiction.
Born in London in 1990 to Ghanaian parents, he has become one of the most distinctive voices of the new generation of British writers.
His debut novel, Open Water, explores themes of love, identity, race, art, vulnerability, and the experiences of young people navigating relationships and belonging in modern society.
Written with a unique lyrical style, the novel presents an intimate reflection on human connection and the complexities of seeing and being seen in the world.
Open Water received international recognition, winning the Costa Book Award for First Novel and other literary honours, establishing Caleb Azumah Nelson as an important emerging voice in contemporary literature.
Through his writing, he continues to explore the intersections between culture, identity, creativity, and human relationships.
Submitted Work
Open Water
Category: Fiction / Novel
John Patrick McHugh
🇮🇪 Ireland
Writer & Novelist
Biography
John Patrick McHugh is an Irish writer and one of the emerging voices in contemporary Irish fiction.
His writing explores themes of youth, identity, friendship, family, community, and the challenges of navigating modern life.
His debut novel, Fun and Games, presents a thoughtful exploration of adolescence, personal experiences, and the emotional complexities of growing up in contemporary Ireland.
Through a distinctive literary style, McHugh combines humour, sensitivity, and social observation to create stories that reflect the experiences of a new generation.
As a young Irish author, he represents the future of European literature, bringing fresh perspectives and authentic voices to contemporary fiction.
Submitted Work
Fun and Games
Category: Fiction / Novel
Moses McKenzie
Writer & Novelist
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Biography
Moses McKenzie is a British writer and one of the emerging voices of contemporary European literature.Born in 1998, he grew up in Bristol, England, and has become recognised for his powerful storytelling, distinctive voice, and exploration of identity, community, culture, and belonging.
His debut novel, An Olive Grove in Ends, explores the experiences of young people living in a diverse urban community, addressing themes of family, faith, friendship, identity, and the complexities of modern society.
Through his writing, McKenzie brings attention to voices and experiences that are often underrepresented in contemporary fiction, combining emotional depth with a strong sense of place and cultural identity.
His debut work received major literary recognition, winning the Hawthornden Prize and the Somerset Maugham Prize, establishing him as one of the promising young writers in British literature.
With his unique perspective and commitment to authentic storytelling, Moses McKenzie represents a new generation of writers shaping the future of contemporary fiction.
Submitted Work
An Olive Grove in Ends
Category: Fiction / Novel
Dana Vowinckel
🇩🇪 Germany
Writer & Novelist
Biography
Dana Vowinckel is a German writer and one of the emerging voices in contemporary European literature.
Born in Berlin in 1996 into a German-American family, she grew up between Berlin and Chicago, experiencing different cultures and languages that influenced her literary perspective.
Her writing explores themes of identity, family, belonging, memory, culture, and the complexities of human relationships in a changing world.
Her debut novel, Misophonia, tells the story of a young girl navigating questions of family, identity, and belonging across different countries and cultural backgrounds.
The novel received literary recognition, including the Mara Cassens Prize, establishing Dana Vowinckel as an important new voice in German literature.
Through her work, Dana Vowinckel brings a fresh perspective to contemporary fiction, connecting personal experiences with broader questions about society, history, and human connection.
Submitted Work
Misophonia
Category: Fiction / Novel
Claire Deya
🇫🇷 France
Writer & Novelist
Biography
Claire Deya is a French writer and screenwriter, and one of the emerging voices in contemporary French literature.
With a background in storytelling and creative writing, she brings together historical research and human emotions to create narratives that explore memory, resilience, love, and the complexity of human experiences.
Her debut novel, Un monde à refaire, published in 2024, takes readers to France in the aftermath of the Second World War, following characters who must rebuild their lives in a world marked by loss, uncertainty, and the hope of renewal.
Through a deeply human and carefully researched narrative, Claire Deya explores themes of reconstruction, identity, justice, and the strength of individuals facing the challenges of a changing society.
Her work has been recognised in French literary circles, establishing her as a promising new voice in contemporary fiction.
Submitted Work
Un monde à refaire
Category: Fiction / Novel
João Kaveto
🇦🇴 Angola
Writer, Entrepreneur & Strategic Consultant
Biography
João Kaveto is an Angolan writer, entrepreneur, and strategic planning consultant, recognised for his contribution to the development of agriculture, agro-industry, and economic transformation in Angola.
Born in Caconda, Huíla Province, Angola, he has built a professional career combining corporate management, investment consulting, and strategic planning, with a strong commitment to national development.
Throughout his career, João Kaveto has held leadership positions in important agricultural and economic development projects, including the Matala Irrigated Perimeter and the Capanda Agro-Industrial Hub, where he contributed to the management of strategic initiatives focused on agricultural production, land management, and economic diversification.
Beyond his professional achievements, João Kaveto has expanded his work into literature, using writing as a way to reflect on society, development, justice, and the human experiences behind economic realities.
His debut novel, No Banco: Os Valores de Ngunji à Mesa dos Drongos, published by Editora Viseu in 2024, presents a fictional narrative inspired by Angolan realities, combining social reflections, cultural perspectives, and questions about justice and society.
His second book, O Pólo Agro-industrial de Capanda: Análise Estratégica do Papel do Estado, explores the role of the State in promoting agro-industrial development and economic diversification in Angola.
Through his work in business, development, and literature, João Kaveto represents a new generation of Angolan authors who connect knowledge, experience, and storytelling.
Submitted Work
No Banco: Os Valores de Ngunji à Mesa dos Drongos
Category: Fiction / Novel
Fredilson Semedo
🇨🇻 Cabo Verde
Writer & Poet
Biography
Fredilson Semedo is a Cape Verdean writer and poet representing a new generation of literary voices from Cabo Verde.
Born in Cabo Verde, he developed a passion for literature and poetry from a young age, beginning his writing journey during his teenage years.
His work is deeply connected to themes of identity, memory, belonging, childhood, migration, and the emotional experiences of the Cape Verdean people.
His poetry collection, Versos do Atlântico Insular, reflects the relationship between the islands, the diaspora, and the memories that shape Cape Verdean identity.Alongside his literary career, Fredilson Semedo has a background in Law, combining his professional experience with his passion for culture and artistic expression.
Through his poetry, he contributes to the renewal of Cape Verdean literature, bringing the voice of a new generation to contemporary African and Portuguese-language literature.
Submitted Work
Versos do Atlântico Insular
Category: Poetry
Maria Francisca Gama
🇵🇹 Portugal
Writer & Novelist
Biography
Maria Francisca Gama is a Portuguese writer and one of the emerging voices of contemporary Portuguese literature.
Born in 1997, she represents a new generation of authors bringing fresh perspectives and emotional depth to Portuguese fiction.
Her writing explores themes such as identity, human relationships, memory, vulnerability, and the complex experiences that shape individual lives.Her novel A Cicatriz presents an intimate exploration of the marks left by life experiences, personal choices, and the emotional consequences of human connections.
Through a sensitive and contemporary literary style, Maria Francisca Gama creates stories that reflect the inner worlds of her characters and the challenges of modern society.
As a young Portuguese author, she represents the renewal of Portuguese literature and the emergence of new voices in the European literary landscape.
Submitted Work
A Cicatriz
Category: Fiction / Novel
Marcelo Henrique Silva
🇧🇷 Brazil
Writer & Novelist
Biography
Marcelo Henrique Silva is a Brazilian writer and an emerging voice in contemporary Brazilian literature.
His debut novel, Sangue Neon, introduces a powerful literary perspective that explores identity, memory, social realities, and the experiences of individuals often placed at the margins of society.
Through a distinctive narrative style, Silva combines historical elements, human emotions, and social reflection to create a story that examines transformation, resilience, and the complexity of Brazilian life.
His work has gained recognition in Brazil, including recognition in the category of debut romance at the Prêmio Jabuti, one of the country’s most important literary awards.
As part of a new generation of Brazilian writers, Marcelo Henrique Silva represents voices that are expanding the themes and perspectives of contemporary literature.
Submitted Work
Sangue Neon
Category: Fiction / Novel
Adedayo Agarau
🇳🇬 Nigeria
Writer & Poet
Biography
Adedayo Agarau is a Nigerian poet and writer, recognised as one of the emerging voices in contemporary African poetry.
His work explores themes of memory, identity, history, culture, loss, and the experiences that shape individuals and communities.
Through his poetry, Agarau draws from Nigerian traditions, Yoruba cultural influences, and contemporary realities to create deeply reflective and emotionally powerful works.
He is the author of The Years of Blood, a poetry collection that examines difficult aspects of Nigerian society, including violence, memory, and the stories carried through generations.
Before his debut full-length collection, he published several poetry chapbooks that established his reputation as a promising young literary voice.Beyond writing, Adedayo Agarau is also involved in supporting emerging African poets and promoting literary communities, contributing to the growth of contemporary African literature.
Submitted Work
The Years of Blood
Category: Poetry
Khadija Abdalla Bajaber
🇰🇪 Kenya
Writer & Novelist
Biography
Khadija Abdalla Bajaber is a Kenyan writer and poet from Mombasa, representing a new generation of African literary voices.Her writing is deeply influenced by the cultural heritage of the Kenyan coast, exploring themes of identity, memory, belonging, family, and the relationship between people and their environments.
Her debut novel, The House of Rust, is a powerful work of fiction that blends elements of fantasy, mythology, and coastal traditions to tell a story of adventure, resilience, and self-discovery.Through a unique literary style, Bajaber brings together imagination and cultural memory, creating narratives that reflect the richness of East African experiences.
The House of Rust received international recognition, including the Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction, establishing Khadija Abdalla Bajaber as one of the promising voices in contemporary African literature.
Through her work, she contributes to the global visibility of young African writers and the diversity of modern storytelling.
Submitted Work
The House of Rust
Category: Fiction / Novel
Moraa Gitaa
🇰🇪 Kenya
Writer & Novelist
Biography
Moraa Gitaa is a Kenyan writer, novelist, and cultural advocate representing a new generation of African literary voices.
Her writing explores themes of identity, social realities, human relationships, gender, and the experiences of individuals navigating complex personal and cultural challenges.
She is the author of Crucible for Silver and Furnace for Gold, a novel that examines questions of love, identity, health, and social transformation through the lives of its characters.
Through her fiction, Gitaa brings attention to experiences often overlooked in contemporary narratives, creating stories that reflect the diversity and complexity of African societies.
Beyond writing, she is also involved in cultural initiatives and literary development, contributing to the growth of contemporary African literature.
Her work represents a new generation of Kenyan authors using storytelling to explore society, memory, and human resilience.
Submitted Work
Crucible for Silver and Furnace for Gold
Category: Fiction / Novel
Álvaro Taruma
🇲🇿 Mozambique
Writer & Poet
Biography
Álvaro Taruma is a Mozambican writer and poet, recognised as one of the important voices of the new generation of African literature.
Born in Maputo, Mozambique, in 1988, he began his literary journey through poetry, developing a unique voice marked by reflections on identity, memory, society, and human experiences.
His poetry explores themes such as belonging, silence, history, emotions, and the complexities of life in contemporary Mozambique.
His acclaimed poetry collection, Matéria para um Grito, received the BCI Literature Prize, one of the most important literary recognitions in Mozambique, establishing him as a significant emerging voice in Lusophone African literature.
Through his writing, Álvaro Taruma combines personal reflection with social awareness, creating poetry that connects individual experiences with broader questions about humanity and society.
He represents a new generation of Mozambican writers who continue to expand the presence of African literature in the Portuguese-speaking world.
Submitted Work
Matéria para um Grito
Category: Poetry
Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond
🇬🇭 Ghana
Writer & Novelist
Biography
Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond is a Ghanaian-American writer known for her contributions to contemporary African and diaspora literature.
Her writing explores themes of identity, culture, belonging, heritage, and the experiences of people navigating multiple worlds.
She is the author of Powder Necklace, a novel that reflects on questions of family, migration, identity, and the complexities of growing up between different cultural environments.
Through her storytelling, Brew-Hammond brings attention to African experiences and the voices of communities often represented through the lens of history, memory, and personal transformation.
Her literary work has received international recognition, and she was selected as one of the promising African writers featured in the Africa39 project, highlighting emerging literary voices from Sub-Saharan Africa.
With her unique perspective and commitment to storytelling, Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond represents a generation of writers expanding the reach of African literature worldwide.
Submitted Work
Powder Necklace
Category: Fiction / Novel
Fred Mfuranzima
🇷🇼 Rwanda
Writer, Poet & Peace Activist
Biography
Fred Mfuranzima is a Rwandan writer, poet, artist, and peace activist representing a new generation of African literary voices.
Born in Huye, Rwanda, in 1997, he developed his passion for writing through poetry and storytelling, using literature as a way to explore human experiences, memory, identity, and social transformation.
His work reflects the realities of a young generation growing up in post-genocide Rwanda, addressing themes of healing, hope, resilience, reconciliation, and the search for a better future.
He is the author of The Lonely Soul, a literary work that explores personal struggles, emotions, and the inner journeys of individuals facing the complexities of life.
Beyond writing, Fred Mfuranzima founded Imfura Heritage Rwanda, an initiative focused on promoting arts, literature, and peace-building among young people.
Through his creativity and social engagement, he represents a new generation of Rwandan writers using literature as a tool for reflection, connection, and positive change.
Submitted Work
The Lonely Soul
Category: Fiction / Novel
Mohamed Mbougar Sarr
🇸🇳 Senegal
Writer & Novelist
Biography
Mohamed Mbougar Sarr is a Senegalese writer and one of the most influential voices of the new generation of African literature.
Born in Senegal in 1990, he developed his literary career through novels that explore identity, history, memory, politics, and the complex relationship between African societies and the wider world.
His novel La plus secrète mémoire des hommes is a powerful literary work that reflects on the journey of African writers, the search for identity, and the challenges faced by authors seeking recognition beyond cultural and geographical boundaries.
The novel received major international recognition, including the Prix Goncourt in 2021, establishing Mohamed Mbougar Sarr as one of the leading contemporary voices in Francophone literature.
Through his writing, Sarr combines intellectual reflection, historical awareness, and creative storytelling to examine humanity, literature, and the complexities of modern society.
He represents a new generation of African writers bringing fresh perspectives and expanding the global presence of African literature.
Submitted Work
La plus secrète mémoire des hommes
Category: Fiction / Novel
Novuyo Rosa Tshuma
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe
Writer & Novelist
Biography
Novuyo Rosa Tshuma is a Zimbabwean writer known for her powerful storytelling and exploration of history, identity, memory, and social transformation.
Her writing reflects the experiences of Zimbabwe and its people, examining how personal stories connect with broader historical and cultural realities.
Her novel House of Stone presents a complex narrative that explores family, politics, national memory, and the impact of historical events on individual lives.
Through her distinctive literary style, Tshuma combines creativity, historical reflection, and deep human insight, creating stories that challenge readers to think about identity, belonging, and the legacies of the past.
Her work represents contemporary Zimbabwean literature and contributes to the wider recognition of African voices in global fiction.
Submitted Work
House of Stone
Category: Fiction / Novel
Aixa de la Cruz
🇪🇸 Spain
Writer & Novelist
Biography
Aixa de la Cruz is a Spanish writer and one of the notable voices of the new generation of contemporary Spanish literature.
Born in Bilbao, Spain, in 1988, she began her literary career at a young age and has developed a distinctive style that combines psychological depth, social observation, and emotional intensity.
Her writing explores themes such as identity, memory, family relationships, personal transformation, and the complexities of contemporary life.
Her novel Las herederas presents a powerful reflection on inheritance, relationships, and the hidden aspects of family history, combining intimate storytelling with broader questions about society and human experience.
Through her literary work, Aixa de la Cruz represents a generation of Spanish authors who are renewing contemporary fiction with new perspectives and innovative narratives.
Submitted Work
Las herederas
Category: Fiction / Novel
Martino Giordano
🇮🇹 Italy
Writer & Novelist
Biography
Martino Giordano is an Italian writer and one of the emerging voices of contemporary Italian literature.
He represents a new generation of authors exploring the complexities of identity, relationships, personal transformation, and the search for belonging in modern society.
His debut novel, Variazioni sul tema, presents an intimate and deeply human narrative that follows different life experiences connected by themes of identity, freedom, desire, and self-discovery.
Through a sensitive and original writing style, Giordano explores the emotional journeys of his characters, creating a reflection on the challenges and possibilities of contemporary life.
His debut work received literary recognition in Italy, establishing him as a promising new voice in Italian fiction.
Through his storytelling, Martino Giordano contributes to the renewal of Italian literature by bringing fresh perspectives and contemporary themes to the novel.
Submitted Work
Variazioni sul tema
Category: Fiction / Novel
The selected authors will be evaluated by the Royal Book Prize 2026 jury, and 15 writers will advance to the Semi-Final Stage.