Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie honoured with two European literary awards
Kenyan author Auma Obama, half-sister of former US President Barack Obama, delivered the speech celebrating Adichie’s achievements.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has been recognised once again for her remarkable contribution to contemporary literature, receiving two distinguished European awards in quick succession.
The Nigerian author was awarded the Felix Jud Prize at the Harbour Front Literature Festival in Hamburg, receiving €20,000 (Sh3 million).
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The prize, presented by the association of the same name, honours individuals in literature, art, and culture who have actively encouraged “resistant thinking” through their work.
Kenyan author Auma Obama, half-sister of former US President Barack Obama, delivered the speech celebrating Adichie’s achievements.
Shortly after, Adichie was presented with the Sjöjungfrun (Mermaid Award) at the Gothenburg Book Fair, performing before a packed audience of 1,500 in K-hall.
Established in 2024 during the Book Fair’s 40th anniversary, the award annually recognises a fiction writer whose work has left a lasting impression on Swedish readers.
Joyce Carol Oates received the inaugural award in 2024, with Adichie becoming the second recipient.
“I am grateful for this award, which recognises my calling - because that is precisely what writing fiction has always been for me: a calling, the central and defining part of my life. I am equally moved by the rich literary symbolism of the Mermaid as by the knowledge that my work has resonated so deeply with Swedish readers,” Adichie said, reflecting on the recognition.
Born in 1977 in Nigeria, Adichie is widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading literary voices. Her novels, including Americanah and Purple Hibiscus, have sold millions of copies and been translated into more than 50 languages.
Her latest book, Dream Count, continues to explore topics such as migration, identity, and race, while her essay We Should All Be Feminists (2014) has influenced global discussions across politics and culture.
She rose to prominence with Purple Hibiscus (2003), followed by Half of a Yellow Sun (2006), which earned the Orange Prize for Fiction.
Oskar Ekström, speaking at the Gothenburg Book Fair, lauded Adichie’s impact: “Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is one of the most influential voices of our time and a dream guest for the Book Fair. Awarding her the Mermaid today is a true honour. Her literature sparks vital conversations and inspires readers across the globe.”
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