Mozambique: Francisco Panguana Júnior wins Carlos Morgado Literary Prize

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Mozambique: Francisco Panguana Júnior wins Carlos Morgado Literary Prize

6:41 CAT | 17 Jul 2023

Photo: Catalogus

The first edition of the Carlos Morgado Literary Prize for short stories has selected ‘A Ilegítima Defesa de Adão’ [‘The Illegitimate Defence of Adáo’] by Francisco Panguana Júnior, as winner.

The jury unanimously recommended the short story, highlighting “its literary quality, textual cohesion and coherence, and creativity in portraying the story and the characters”.

“The text crosses moments of magical realism and modern times, it is a journey through time and the dilemma of contemporaneity that challenges change,” said writer Suleiman Cassamo on behalf of the jury.

The winner was chosen from among ten finalist candidates to receive the prize, valued at 50,000 meticais in cash and books.

The remaining nine finalists won prizes in books valued at 5,000 meticais.

Because the main objective of the Carlos Morgado Literary Prize is the discovery and promotion of new voices in Mozambican literature, the chief reward for finalists is the publication of the top ten short stories in book form.

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Instituted by the Carlos Morgado Foundation and organised by Catalogus, the Carlos Morgado Literary Prize had as jury members the renowned writer Suleiman Cassamo, the editor and translator Sandra Tamele and the doctor Marina Morgado.

This first edition, whose applications were open between March 15 and May 15, 2023, saw a total of 143 submissions by Mozambicans aged up to 35, of which 91 were validated and evaluated by the jury. From these were selected the ten texts to be published in a book later this year.

In a speech at the award ceremony, Marco Morgado, representing the Carlos Morgado Foundation, said that the initiative fulfilled the wishes of Carlos Morgado, who, in addition to being a prolific reader, had a passion for writing, as evidenced by his book, ‘Poemetria’.

“The Carlos Morgado Literary Prize is here to stay, and really gives young people the opportunity to show their talent and tell new stories about Mozambique,” Morgado said.

Carlos Alberto Sampaio Morgado was born on July 9, 1946, in the city of Tete, and qualified as an electronic engineer. He was a manager at LAM and Minister of Industry and Commerce, among his roles in the state and private sectors.

He actively participated in the struggle for national independence, especially within the student movements and his beloved Frelimo.

The principles that guided his life, namely honesty, honour, devotion to noble causes, love of neighbour and an indomitable will to see Mozambique prosper, are the foundations of the Carlos Morgado Foundation, which intends to cultivate and perpetuate these values.

Source: Catalogus