Tanella Boni wins 13th Tchicaya U Tam'si Prize for African Poetry

ASSILAH - Within the framework of the 46th session of the International Cultural Moussem of Assilah (Autumn 2025 Edition), and three years after the 12th edition of the Tchicaya U Tam'si Prize for African Poetry, the jury recently convened for its 13th edition to celebrate major poetic careers and honor African figures whose work fully exemplifies the excellence and spirit of the Prize.

After examining nominations from various nationalities and languages, engaging in thorough critical dialogue, and conducting lengthy deliberations, the jury unanimously awarded the Tchicaya U Tam’si Prize (13th edition) to Ivorian poet Tanella Boni. This recognition is for her intellectual journey, the richness and value of her poetic work, and the human depth that characterizes her art—all fundamental values of the prize.

Chaired by Senegalese poet Amadou Lamine Sall—President of the International Poetry Biennale in Dakar and winner of the Tchikaya U Tam'si Prize for African Poetry in Assilah in 2018—this year's jury is composed of: writer and journalist Bios Diallo (Mauritania), poet and university professor Nabil Mansar (Morocco), professor of literature and former director of books and reading, Abou Mbow (Senegal), writer and President of the Groupe africain émergence et communication, Mohamed Nda (Côte d’Ivoire), the director of the Crystal Théâtre in Paris, Catherine Savart (France), as well as the Secretary General of the Assilah Forum Foundation, Hatim Betioui.

A major figure in contemporary African literature and an emblematic female voice, Tanella Boni explores themes such as identity, the condition of women, and the transformations of African society in her poetic work. Born in Abidjan in 1954, her writings are distinguished by the intertwining of social and cultural engagement with a pronounced aesthetic demand.

A poet, novelist, and philosopher, Tanella Boni is an associate member of the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco. She was also President of the Union of Writers of Côte d'Ivoire (1991-1997) and has contributed to numerous literary and cultural projects, including the organization of the Abidjan International Poetry Festival.

Her writing, sober and dense, blends aesthetic rigor and social commitment, giving a voice to those who often remain unheard. Her poetic vocation, revealed during her secondary school years, has been consistently affirmed throughout her career, including when she turned to philosophy, the novel, and the essay.

Tanella Boni is recognized far beyond the African continent. She was honored at the Abidjan International Book Fair in 2023, a vibrant tribute to an exceptional creative trajectory, and is also the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including:
– The Ahmadou Kourouma Prize (2005);
– The Antonio Viccaro Prize (2009);
– The Théophile Gautier Prize from the Académie française (2018);
– The International Francophone Poetry Festival Prize (2023).

The award ceremony for the laureate will take place on Thursday, October 9, 2025, during the official ceremony organized in the presence of all jury members, presided over by Mr. Amadou Lamine Sall.

Tanella Boni becomes the second Ivorian poet to receive this prize, which has already been awarded to several renowned poets: Édward J. Maunick (Mauritius) in 1989, René Depestre (Haiti) in 1991, Mazisi Kunene (South Africa) in 1993, Ahmed Abdel Mo’ti Higazi (Egypt) in 1996, Jean-Baptiste Tati Loutard (Congo-Brazzaville) in 1998, Vera Duarte (Cape Verde) in 2001, Abdelkrim El Tabbal (Morocco) in 2004, Niyi Osundare (Nigeria) in 2008, Fama Diagne Sene (Senegal) jointly with Mehdi Akhrif (Morocco) in 2011, Josué Guébo (Côte d’Ivoire) in 2014, Amadou Lamine Sall (Senegal) in 2018, and Paul Dakeyo (Cameroon) in 2022.

It is worth recalling that in 1988, during the 11th edition of the Moussem, the late Mohamed Benaïssa, then Secretary General of the Foundation, announced the creation of a prize dedicated to African poetry, to be awarded every three years to a renowned African poet. This prize, named the "Tchicaya U Tam’si Prize for African Poetry," pays homage to the late Congolese poet Tchicaya U Tam’si, who had participated regularly in the Assilah Moussems since 1981.