Mame Bougouma Diene and Woppa Diallo, a married couple from Senegal, have made history by becoming the first pair to win the prestigious Caine Prize for African writing. Their story, titled A Soul of Small Places, draws inspiration from Diallo’s personal experience of gender-based violence in Senegal. This powerful narrative delves into themes of violence, revenge, love, and loss, resonating with readers worldwide.
The couple’s work was commended for its profound storytelling and its ability to shed light on pressing global issues while also celebrating love. In an interview with BBC’s Newsday programme, they described the process of creating this story as almost “possessed,” completing it within six days. This collaboration between Diene and Diallo was made possible through their shared experiences and the transformative effect of Woppa’s advocacy against gender-based violence.
Their victory as a family holds significant meaning for the couple. While they acknowledge the honor of winning the award, they emphasize the value of remaining grounded and continuing to fulfill their everyday responsibilities as parents. Changing diapers and preparing baby bottles serve as a poignant reminder that parenthood and passion can coexist, offering a valuable lesson to their daughter.
Diene and Diallo hope to instill in their daughter the understanding that the pursuit of passion and engagement in important issues is what truly matters in life. They aspire for her to grow up as strong-willed, committed, and passionate as her mother.
In addition to the recognition they received, the couple was awarded a cash prize of £10,000 ($12,000) and the opportunity to have their work featured in the 2023 Caine Prize anthology. This annual award honors short stories written by African authors in English. The competition saw an unprecedented number of submissions this year, with 297 entries from 28 different countries.
The Caine Prize has a rich history of honoring exceptional African writers. Past recipients include NoViolet Bulawayo from Zimbabwe and Binyavanga Wainaina from Kenya. The recognition of Diene and Diallo’s work not only establishes them as trailblazers in African literature but also inspires future generations of writers across the continent.
