Kekere Storytellers Fund Champions 2023/2024

Sadiya Taheer is an artist and content creator on a mission to dismantle stereotypes about Africa one story at a time.

Nangamso "Mkutaji" Gumbe is a writer, movement artist and creative researcher whose creative practice is an intersection between space as it is understood through ecology and sacred architecture, embodiment somatics, audio-visual experimentations and literature.

Hlanganani Linton Nkambule is a 3D artist on a mission to use animation to tell better stories about Africa.

Arinze Obiezue is a researcher whose work across design, culture, and technology seeks to accelerate the creative development and entrepreneurial capabilities of young Africans. Through his work in the venture, he also supports other founders and startups building innovative solutions in media, gaming, climate, and education.

Certified Chartered Accountant Angkush Poonye has always been passionate about poetry. His first poetry book, The Aapravasi's Legacy, was published in 2020.

Valerie Houndonougbo is a novelist, screenwriter, blogger, composer and fact-checker from Benin.

Richmond Setrana is an experienced communicator and podcaster. He founded Tales Of Africa in 2018 to provide a platform for telling authentic African stories, addressing unique societal issues and showcasing Africa’s vibrant culture and powerful history.

Richard Ali A Mutu Kahambo is a Congolese writer living in Kinshasa. In 2014, he was selected as one of 39 young African writers under the age of 40 considered to be the most promising in Africa.

David Odiase is a writer whose work examines identity and belonging and considers the intersection of time and memory. He won the 2022 Black Warrior Review Fiction Contest, was shortlisted for Isele Magazine’s inaugural Short Story Prize and was longlisted for the 2021 Afritondo Short Story Prize. His

J.C Muyonjo is a multifaceted artist bridging visual art and music. Born in Uganda, and currently residing in Finland, he embodies a blend of artistry, intertwining his talents as a singer-songwriter, visual artist, guitarist, and music producer.

Weyra is an online magazine and publishing platform showcasing the best creative writing from East Africa, particularly Ethiopia. Ethiopian literature is often underrepresented within the African literary space.

Fatoumata Kouyaté is a Guinean visual artist and portrait painter and the author and founder of Lettres Vagabondes Fatou Mata. She works with mediums such as acrylic, dry pastel and charcoal.

Wendy Watta is a travel writer and digital content creator who's passionate about highlighting destinations across Africa to highlight music, food and wildlife conservancies.

Qedamawi Comics is a collective of creatives and individuals who desire to tell African stories authentically and promote a positive representation of Africa in the world.

Ekari Chirombo is a speculative fiction writer of over 15 short stories, published in both print and online magazines.

Edem Torkornoo is the Founder and Reader-in-Chief at Booksie, a pan-African online children’s bookshop and literacy centre for 3-12-year-olds.

Omose Ighodaro is a journalist and founder of AfroVibes.com. A graduate of Columbia University’s Journalism School, she has reported business and trending news stories for companies like Bloomberg News, and the BBC.