Irenosen Okojie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Irenosen Okojie
MBE FRSL
|
|
|---|---|
Okojie leads a discussion for the British Library in 2022
|
|
| Born |
Irenosen Iseghohi Okojie
Nigeria
|
| Nationality |
|
| Alma mater | London Metropolitan University |
|
Notable work
|
|
| Awards |
|
Irenosen Okojie is a talented writer. She was born in Nigeria and now lives in London, England. She writes novels and short stories. Her stories often include exciting fantasy elements. They also share parts of her West African background. Her first novel, Butterfly Fish, won an award in 2016. Her short story "Grace Jones" won a big prize in 2020. Irenosen Okojie is also a special member of the Royal Society of Literature. This is a group for important writers.
Biography
Early Life and Education
Irenosen Okojie was born in Nigeria, West Africa. When she was eight, her family moved to the United Kingdom. She went to several schools there. These included Gresham's and Stamford Boarding School. Later, she studied at London Metropolitan University. There, she learned about Communications and Visual Culture.
Career as a Writer
Irenosen Okojie works as an arts project manager. She also helps organize art shows in London. Her first novel, Butterfly Fish, won a Betty Trask Award in 2016. This award is for young writers.
Her stories have appeared in many famous places. These include The New York Times and The Guardian. She also wrote for the BBC and the Huffington Post. In 2019, her work was part of an important book. It was called New Daughters of Africa. This book was put together by Margaret Busby.
Okojie has been nominated for many awards. She has also helped judge other writing contests. Her short story collection, Speak Gigantular, was nominated for two awards in 2016 and 2017. Her story "Animal Parts" was nominated for a Shirley Jackson Award in 2016. Another story, "Synsepalum", was read on BBC Radio 4. This was to celebrate the BBC National Short Story Award in 2018.
In 2018, Okojie became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. This means she is recognized as a very important writer. In 2020, her story "Grace Jones" was chosen for the Caine Prize for African Writing. She was announced as the winner on July 27, 2020. This is a major award for African writers.
Irenosen Okojie received a special honor in 2021. She was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This was for her great contributions to literature. In 2023, she was a judge for the Women's Prize for Fiction. This is a big award for women writers.
She also started a festival called Black to the Future. It celebrates Black artists from different fields.
Honours and Awards
- 2016: Betty Trask Award for her novel Butterfly Fish
- 2018: Became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature
- 2020: Won the AKO Caine Prize for African Writing for her story "Grace Jones"
