Mozambican Literary Gem Shines Bright: Daúde Amade Wins Coveted Prize

January 3, 2025

In a celebration of Mozambican literary prowess, Daúde Amade, under the evocative pseudonym Jorge Nyembete, has clinched the 8th National Press/Eugénio Lisboa Prize with his novel Rogilda, ou Breviário de Agonia. This accolade, which includes a €5,000 award and the promise of publication, marks a significant moment in the tapestry of African literature.

At the heart of Maputo, where culture and creativity pulse through the city's veins, the jury—led by Lucílio Manjate and including literary luminaries Sara Jona and Paula Mendes—lauded Amade's work for its poignant reflection on the Covid-19 era. Rogilda is described as a "predominantly psychological and immersive novel," setting its narrative within the intimate confines of a house, yet expanding outwards to address the global human experience during the pandemic.

The novel's narrative style, a masterclass in fluidity and introspection, uses flashbacks and shifts between narrative voices to delve deep into the psyche of its characters. "It's an exploration of the inner world that resonates with the existential questions of our time," the jury noted, praising the novel's poetic language and intertextual richness, drawing from both Mozambican and universal cultural references.

Born in 1993 in Maputo, Amade is not just a writer but a philosopher and educator, with academic accolades from Universidade Pedagógica and Eduardo Mondlane University. His works have graced the pages of various anthologies and magazines, showcasing his versatility and depth in exploring human conditions through literature.

The jury also recognized the novel Na Boca do Hipopótamo by Jeremias Macaringue, writing as Changamire Dombo, with an honorable mention for pushing the boundaries of detective fiction within Mozambique's literary landscape.

Since its inception in 2017, the National Press/Eugénio Lisboa Prize, a joint venture by the National Press-Casa da Moeda and Camões – Portuguese Cultural Centre in Maputo, has been a beacon for unpublished prose, fostering the Portuguese language and the creative spirit of Mozambique.

This award not only celebrates Amade's literary achievement but also underscores the vibrant, evolving narrative of Mozambican literature on the world stage.