Biyi Bándélé Award for Emerging Writers of the African Diaspora Opens for Applications!

Emerging writers of African diaspora heritage living in the United Kingdom now have an exciting new opportunity to advance their creative careers through the Biyi Bándélé Bursary for Emerging Writers of the African Diaspora.

Established by the family of the late Nigerian writer and filmmaker Biyi Bándélé in partnership with Brixton House and Curtis Brown, the annual award seeks to celebrate Bándélé’s remarkable legacy while supporting the next generation of storytellers working across literature, theatre, film, and other creative forms.

Honouring a Literary and Cultural Legacy

Biyi Bándélé was one of Africa’s most versatile and influential storytellers, working across novels, theatre, film, radio, and television. From his acclaimed novels to film adaptations such as Half of a Yellow Sun and Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman, his work consistently explored African experiences with depth, nuance, and artistic integrity.

The new bursary reflects his belief in the transformative power of storytelling and aims to help emerging writers develop sustainable creative careers.

For readers interested in the broader traditions and thematic concerns that have shaped African literature, this literary treatise on contemporary African writers and their choices of themes offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of African storytelling.

What the Award Offers

Three selected writers will receive comprehensive support designed to nurture their creative development, including:

• A cash bursary to support their writing practice
• A tailored mentorship programme
• Access to creative development support and rehearsal space at Brixton House
• Creative clinics and professional workshops
• Curated networking opportunities
• A table read or scratch performance
• Agent consultation sessions
• Script development and editorial feedback

The programme will begin in Spring 2027, while an event at Brixton House in October 2026 will formally award the bursaries.

Eligibility Criteria for the Biyi Bándélé Award

Applicants must:

• You need to be at least 18 years old.
• Identify as being of African diaspora heritage
• Be based in the United Kingdom
• Be actively engaged in writing across fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, playwriting, spoken word, or hybrid forms
• Have had at least one previous work published and/or publicly produced
• Submit original work created through substantial human authorship

The organisers note that self-identification is sufficient and applicants are not required to provide genealogical documentation.

Important Dates

• Applications Open: 1 June 2026
• Application Deadline: 28 August 2026
• Shortlisted Interviews: Week commencing 5 October 2026
• Successful Applicants Notified: 9 October 2026
• Award Event at Brixton House: 19 October 2026

Why Opportunities Like This Matter

The Biyi Bándélé Bursary arrives at a crucial time for emerging writers navigating an increasingly competitive creative industry. Beyond financial support, the programme provides mentorship, industry access, and professional development opportunities that can help writers build sustainable careers.

Writers looking to strengthen their understanding of the publishing landscape may also benefit from exploring five good reasons to take a publishing course, particularly when preparing to move from manuscript development to publication and professional representation.

How to Apply

Eligible writers can submit their applications through the official application form provided by Brixton House. The application process also requires applicants to complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.

By investing in emerging voices from the African diaspora, the Biyi Bándélé Bursary continues the late writer’s commitment to bold storytelling, creative freedom, and the development of future generations of artists whose work can shape culture and inspire change.