Ken Saro-Wiwa Review Prize 2025: Culture Journalists Collective picks Philip Zimbando’s entry for ‘Special Award’

By Editor

THE Culture Journalists Collective has unanimously picked Philip Zimbando’s entry titled ‘Reclaiming identity: Gender politics and the trasure of self in Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s Devil on the Cross’ ‘Special Award’ in the 2025 Ken Saro-Wiwa Prize for Book Review. This is after the 4-man jury comprising writer and lawyer, Deji Toye, writer and culture journalist, Anote Ajeluorou, writer, academic, Dr. Mulika Lawal and Kenyan literary journalist, James Murua, had chosen Kehinde Folorunsho as winner (‘Post-independence dilemma in Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s Devil on the Cross’) of the contest that received 18 entries.

The Collective based their decision on the depth and range of Zimbando’s review that captures the socio-political and culture breath of Ngugi’s creative vision. The Collective’s verdict compliments the jury’s decision in broadening the scope of the review that, for the first time in its nearly a decade and a half, extended its reach to include reviewers from across Africa.

Announcing the winner of the award on Friday, November 14 (Day 5 of the 7-day) LABAF 2025, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, Manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs of NLNG, sponsor of the prize, commended Folorunsho for his work which he read to the audience, saying, “Reviewers are architects of (culture) excellence.” Already, some online culture platforms like thelagosreview.ng, thisislagos.ng, thearthubng, and BookArtVille.com have indicated interest to publish the five shortlisted reviews out of the 18 that were submitted for adjudication, as part of their longstanding partnership with LABAF.

Culture Journalists Collective comprise journalists who regularly attend and cover literary events in Lagos, and other parts of the country.