Kagiso Lesego Molope Wins the Pius Adesanmi Memorial Award for Excellence in African Writing
Kagiso Lesego Molope, a celebrated novelist and English graduate student at Carleton University, has won the inaugural Pius Adesanmi Memorial Award for Excellence in African Writing, presented by the African Studies Association of Africa (ASAA) for her work Such a Lonely, Lovely Road.
“This is meaningful on so many levels – but mainly because Prof. Adesanmi inspired excellence in all of us,” says Molope. “I’m truly honoured.”
The award celebrates an outstanding book focused on Africa or the global African world by a single author. Judges evaluated submissions that were innovative and demonstrated excellence in African writing.
Eligible books could cover any historical period or discipline and be published in English, French, Portuguese or an African language.
By encouraging the creation and dissemination of African knowledge, research, creativity and excellence, the award honours the memory and monumental scholarly contribution of the late Pius Adesanmi of Carleton’s Institute of African Studies.
The ASAA notes the award was created as a reminder of Adesanmi’s commitment to teaching, research and writing excellence, courage, outspokenness and rigour.
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