Call for entries: 2018 Ebrahim Hussein Poetry Prize Tanzania

EHPP project coordinator Sarafini Seushi told Music In Africa that the prize was created in 2014 to celebrate Swahili language and poetry and to honour Tanzanian writer Prof Ebrahim Hussein's contribution to Swahili literature. Hussein’s poetry has been read widely in East Africa and used as part of the syllabuses at secondary schools and universities in Tanzania and neighbouring countries.

“Participants are given the opportunity to share their beloved poems and song lyrics to a wider audience and get recognised not only for the cash prize but also stand a chance to be published in the EHPP Poems anthologies," Seushi said.

"So far the EHPP has published two anthologies, the proceeds of which will support in sustaining the prize."

The first 20 winners will receive certificates of recognition, while the top three will be rewarded cash prizes. The winner will take home 2 million Tanzanian shillings ($900), the first runner-up 1.3 million Tanzanian shillings ($571) and the second runner-up 1 million Tanzanian shillings.

Participants are free to choose their own theme. Last year, a total of 143 poetry entries of song lyrics and poem compositions were received.

The submission deadline is 31 July 2018. 

Eligibility

1. Entries are open to Tanzanian citizens.
2. Submissions should be in Swahili and promote African norms and values.
3. Submissions should be in written form.
4. Entrants should submit works that have either never been published or performed to the public.
5. The poetry submissions should have a maximum of eight and a minimum of seven paragraphs.
6. Submissions should be typed up in font size 12 with double spacing.
7. Entrants can only make one submission. 

Requirements

Applicants should include the following information on a separate page:

• Personal profile/bio
• Physical address
• Mobile number

Application can be sent to tunzoushairi@gmail.com

For more information about the EHPP, click here or call +255652002757.