The third edition of the Writers Space Africa (WSA) Flash Poetry Contest took place on January 19th, marking the biggest event in the series so far. This highly anticipated contest featured 42 poets from diverse countries, including Togo, Cameroon, Lesotho, Nigeria, Malawi, and Uganda. Sponsored by Anthony ‘PenBoss’ Onugba, the poets were paired into 21 teams to compete for the top prize.
Read – Uniting Africa’s Finest Poetic Minds in WSA’s 2nd Annual Flash Poetry Contest
The judging panel comprised the following literary figures:
- Funminiyi Akinrinade (Nigeria), Chief Editor of PoeticAfrica Trilingual Magazine.
- Nicole Gandaho (Benin Republic), Poetry Editor of PoeticAfrica and WSA Magazine.
- Benny Wanjohi (Kenya), former Chief Editor and Poetry Editor of PoeticAfrica and WSA Magazine.
- Omadang Yowasi (Uganda), Poetry Editor of PoeticAfrica and WSA Magazine.
At precisely 5 PM CAT, participants received their theme: to craft a poem of no more than 24 lines inspired by the recently concluded African Writers Conference (AWC) 2024 in Rwanda. Poets were free to employ any form of poetry, and submissions were required within 30 minutes.
The judges evaluated the entries using four key criteria:
- Creativity – Demonstration of thoughtfulness.
- Thematic Relevance – Capturing the essence of the AWC.
- Originality – Ability of poets to bring out their voice
- Evocation – Poems that stirred emotions.
Following an influx of submissions, two teams emerged victorious:
- First Prize ($30): Echoes from the Land of Imigongo by Mark Senungi (Màrc) and Kobusinge Shanitah (Uganda).
- Second Prize ($20): From Stories to Leaders by Blessing Emmanuel and Adawonpo Sunday Emmanuel (Nigeria).
This event showcased the immense talent across Africa and highlighted the power of collaborative poetry. Its success has now set a strong precedent for future editions of the contest, further cementing WSA’s role in empowering African writers and ensuring creativity and cultural expression.
Read – A Night of Inspiring Poetry: Writers Space Africa 2023 Flash Poetry Contest
Meet the Winners
Mark Senungi (Màrç) is a young and passionate Ugandan poet whose journey into writing began as a way to heal from depression. Over time, he realised that poetry is more than just an outlet; it is a gift that heals both the writer and the audience. Writing for the past two years has grounded him, helping him discover his true self and see the world with a deeper appreciation. He specialises in short poems, often exploring themes of self-love, healing, and challenging societal stereotypes. His writing is deeply authentic, emotionally evocative, and fuelled by an unwavering desire to grow and inspire others.
In 2025, Màrç decided to give competitive writing a try, and The Flash Poetry Contest was his first-ever competition, where he was grateful to have won. This victory marks a defining moment in his journey, heralding the beginning of his presence in the literary world. Looking ahead, he envisions making a significant impact—encouraging young minds to embrace literature and reminding the world that art is all around us; we just need to appreciate it.
For Màrç, writing is more than just words on a page; it is a part of life, a movement that everyone should be part of.
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Kobusinge Shanitah is a Form 3 student from St Andrea Kaahwa’s College and a proud Ugandan. She is a passionate debater, public speaker, and poet. Shanitah loves poetry because it provides an easy way for her to express her emotions, helping her relax from whatever may be bothering her. Although she has never participated in any poetry competitions before, she has always written poems in her free time.
Inspired to showcase her poetry skills to the world, she decided to enter an online poetry competition for the first time. She is delighted to have emerged as a winner and feels truly happy about this achievement.
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Blessing Amatemeso is a versatile writer who crafts engaging fiction, thought-provoking creative nonfiction, and heartwarming children’s literature. Occasionally, she ventures into the world of poetry. Blessing has honed her skills as both a storyteller and editor, boasting two years of experience in creative nonfiction.
Beyond writing, Blessing is an avid reader with a particular love for historical narratives. When not immersed in books, she enjoys watching movies, playing volleyball and tennis, and exploring new skills like skating and swimming. As an aspiring emergency physician, Blessing balances her literary pursuits with her passion for medicine. Her writing reflects her curiosity, creativity, and love for storytelling.
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Adawonpo Sunday Emmanuel is currently studying political science at Federal University Oye Ekiti. He is both a reader and a writer, viewing writing as a hobby. His love for literature began during his secondary school days when he read the works of authors like George Orwell and Maya Angelou. After much hesitation and self-doubt, he penned his first poem three years ago and loved the feeling it gave him. Since then, he has continued to write poems and short stories, dreaming of getting published one day.
