Year's Best African Speculative Fiction (2023)

Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki, a Nigerian speculative fiction writer, editor, and publisher, has garnered significant recognition in the literary world. He achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African-born Black author to win the prestigious Nebula Award for his novelette "O2 Arena." Ekpeki's work has also been acknowledged with a World Fantasy Award, a British Fantasy Award, an Otherwise Award, and two Nommo Awards. Additionally, he has been a multiple-time finalist for various other honors, including the Hugo Award.HIGHLIGHTSNebula Award Winner: Ekpeki made history as the first African to win the Nebula Award for his novelette "O2 Arena"​​​​.Multiple Award Wins and Nominations: He has won the Otherwise Award, the Nommo Award (twice), the British Fantasy Award, and the World Fantasy Award. Additionally, he has been a finalist for prestigious awards like the Hugo, Locus, British Science Fiction, and Sturgeon Awards​​​​.Innovative Editor: Ekpeki is renowned for editing the anthology series "The Year’s Best African Speculative Fiction," which has garnered critical acclaim and awards, highlighting his contribution to African speculative fiction​​.Trailblazing in Speculative Fiction: His work in speculative fiction is pioneering, especially in highlighting African narratives and themes, which has significantly influenced the genre​​.Guest of Honor at Major Conferences: He has been a guest of honor at notable events like the 2022 Cancon and the 2023 International Conference for the Fantastic in the Arts (ICFA), signifying his status in the literary community​​.First BIPOC Hugo Finalist in Multiple Categories: Ekpeki is the first person of color to be a Hugo Award finalist in both fiction and editing categories in the same year, marking a significant milestone in diversity and representation in science fiction and fantasy literature​​.Chinaza Eziaghighala is a Medical Doctor and Storyteller. She is a University of Iowa International Writing Program and Voodoonauts Alum. Her works are in British Science Fiction Association's (BSFA) Fission #2 Vol 1 Anthology, Mythaxis, Planet Scumm, Metastellar, BrittlePaper, Afritondo, Future Fiction, Hellboundbooks, and Please See Me. She won the 2022 Horror Writers Association Diversity Grant. CHIMERA, her debut novella, is forthcoming in April 2024 from Nosetouch Press. She also writes for Film and Television, currently working as a screenwriter for Africa Magic.