*Fatshimétrie, September 15, 2024 – Talented writer Hananie Nsanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo was crowned winner of the 6th edition of the prestigious Zamenga literary prize at the closing of the Grande Rentrée Littéraire in Kinshasa.*
Hananie Nsanda stood out among more than 200 candidates who participated in the launch of the prize in November 2023. Her work, entitled “Béatrice et Clara, la psychothérapie d’un cœur brisé”, captivated the jury with its literary subjectivity and the profound objectivity of her writing. This was emphasized by Richard Ali, director of the Bibliothèque Wallonie Bruxelles, who chaired the selection process.
Hananie Nsanda’s victory follows that of the writer Bonheur Mutumba, and her success speaks volumes about her talent and her ability to offer a new perspective on contemporary Congolese literature. The Zamenga Literary Prize, initiated by Wallonia-Brussels, is a commendable initiative aimed at promoting the diversity and excellence of literary works in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
During this 6th edition, Hananie Nsanda received a diploma of merit, a check and a trophy from the hands of Ms. Cécile Djunga, director of the Wallonia-Brussels Center. The winner, moved and grateful, expressed her gratitude to the organizers of the competition, revealing the workings of her inspiration: “To write this short story, I was inspired by the woman I am, by what I could be and by what I can be in the future.”
The impartial conduct of the selection process was highlighted by Richard Ali, who reaffirmed the jury’s commitment to being fair to all candidates. This competition, which is aimed at young authors under 40, aims to be a springboard for emerging talents in Congolese literature.
The consecration of Hananie Nsanda to the Zamenga literary prize is a strong signal of the vitality and richness of the literary landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her success inspires and encourages a new generation of writers to explore new horizons and express their creativity with passion and rigor.
*By Claire L., Fatshimétrie correspondent in Kinshasa.*