The winners of the 2019 Nommo Awards were announced at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Ake Arts and Book Festival, which commenced on the 24th of October, 2019, in Lagos.
The Nommo Awards, is the brainchild of the African Speculative Fiction Society. Founded in 2016, by the African Speculative Fiction Society, it promotes African science fiction, fantasy, horror, magical realism and all other outlandish genres.
The ASFS is a body of African writers, editors, publishers and graphic artists who nominate shortlisted works and vote for the winners.
It is a relatively new dimension to African literature. Previous winners of this award are; Nnedi Okorafor (Best Novella 2017), Lesley Nneka Arimah (Best Short Story 2017 – Joint winner), Ntone Edjabe and Chimurenga Chronic (Graphic Novel 2017 winner), Tendai Huchu (Best Short Story 2017 – Joint winner), and Tade Thompson (Ilube Award for Best Novel). Tochi Onyebuchi (Best Novel 2018 winner), Tade Thompson (Best Novella 2018 winner), Wole Talabi (Best Short Story 2018 winner), and Kobe Afei and Setor Fiadzigbey (Graphic Novel 2018 winner).
A long list was announced in May, 2019, followed shortly by a shortlist in the different categories. The winners in the four categories as announced are;
- The Ilube Nommo Awards for Best Speculative Novel: Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi.
- The Nommo Award for Best Speculative Novella: The Firebird by Nerine Dorman
- The Nommo Award for Best Speculative Short Story: The Witching Hour by Ekpeki Oghenechovwe Donald.
- The Nommo Award for Best Comic/Graphic Novel – Shuri by Nnedi Okorafor, Leonardo Romero.
The winners of the Ilube Nommo Award and the Comic/Graphic Novel award receives US$ 1000 each, while the novella and short story award winners get US$500.