Submit Your Work
“Sounding the Gong of the Black Lyric”
We invite poets of African descent worldwide to submit original, unpublished work for the inaugural Alhaji Arole Agarawu African Poetry Prize.
Submission Guideline
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Open to poets of African descent — however that may be defined — regardless of nationality or residence. This includes, but is not limited to, poets from the African continent, the African diaspora, Black Americans, Black British, Caribbean, Afro-Latin, and all communities rooted in the African heritage.
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There is no submission fee.
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Entrants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of submission.
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Poets who have published up to two full-length poetry collections are eligible. Poets who have published three or more full-length collections are not eligible.
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Submit a packet of ten (10) original, unpublished poems.
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We are committed to human-created works. Poems found to have been generated by artificial intelligence, in whole or in part, will be disqualified.
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Previously published poems, whether in part or whole, including on personal blogs, Substack, or social media, are not eligible.
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Poems must be written in English. Poems written in other languages are eligible if accompanied by an English translation.
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While there is no line limit per poem, the full submission should not exceed 15 pages.
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Only one entry per entrant. Multiple submissions will result in disqualification.
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Simultaneous submissions are accepted. Please notify us at info@aroleagarawufoundation.com immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere.
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Submissions must be completed via the submission manager on the submission page. Attach your work as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or PDF. Please do not email submissions.
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Your name and contact information must not appear anywhere on the manuscript.
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All entries are final. No changes may be made once the submission window closes.
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Both emerging and established poets are welcome to submit.
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Submissions open on February 28, 2026, and close on May 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. Late submissions will not be accepted.
The Prize
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A shortlist of 10 poets will be selected.
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A prize of $1,000 will be awarded to the poet selected by the guest judge for The Arole Agarawu African Poetry Prize. This prize may be awarded to any eligible poet living anywhere in the world.
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A prize of $1,000 will be awarded to a poet living on the African continent for the Arole Grayling Wraith Prize. In addition to the cash award, Grayling and Wraith, the foundation's media partner, will produce a production-grade video of a selected poem by the winning poet.
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A single poet may be eligible for both prizes. If the guest judge's selection is a poet living on the African continent, the board may, at its discretion, award the Arole Grayling Wraith Prize to a second poet from the shortlist.
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The board and the judges reserve the right not to award either or both prizes if no submission meets the standard.
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The judges' decisions are final and not subject to appeal. Judges will not enter into correspondence regarding their decisions.
Reading Period & Key Dates
Submissions OpenFebruary 28, 2026
Submissions CloseMay 31, 2026, 11:59 PM EST
Shortlist AnnouncedTo Be Announced
Winner AnnouncedTo Be Announced
This is an annual prize. Reading periods and submission windows will be announced at the start of each cycle.
Shortlist and Winner Obligations
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All shortlisted poets agree to allow the foundation to publish at least three poems from their submission packet on the foundation website and in promotional materials.
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Shortlisted poets must provide a bio (250 words) and a high-resolution photograph.
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Winners agree to be available for media interviews, to provide W-9 or appropriate tax documentation for prize disbursement, and to participate in foundation promotional activities for 12 months following the announcement.
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Copyright of all poems remains with the poet. The foundation retains the right of first publication for all shortlisted poems. Following the first publication by the foundation, the poet may republish freely with acknowledgment of the Arole Agarawu Prize. The foundation also receives ongoing non-exclusive rights to publish poems on its website and in promotional materials.
Ready to Submit?
Submit Your Poems
Create an account and submit your poems through our submission portal.
Submit Your Work →Submissions close May 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a submission fee?
No. The Alhaji Arole Agarawu African Poetry Prize is free to enter.
Who is eligible to submit?
The prize is open to poets of African descent — however that may be defined — regardless of nationality or residence, who are 18 years of age or older at the time of submission. This includes poets from the African continent, the African diaspora, Black Americans, Black British, Caribbean, Afro-Latin, and all communities rooted in the African heritage. Poets who have published chapbooks, pamphlets, or up to two full-length poetry collections are eligible. Poets who have published three or more full-length collections are not eligible.
How many poems do I submit?
Submit a packet of ten (10) original, unpublished poems as a single Word document (.doc or .docx) or PDF, not exceeding 15 pages.
Can I submit work in languages other than English?
Poems must be written in English. However, poems written in other languages are eligible if accompanied by an English translation.
Can I submit previously published work?
No. All submissions must be original, unpublished works. This includes work published on personal blogs, Substack, social media, or other platforms.
Can I submit my work elsewhere at the same time?
Yes. Simultaneous submissions are accepted. Please notify us immediately at info@aroleagarawufoundation.com if your work is accepted elsewhere.
Can I make changes to my submission after submitting?
No. All entries are final once submitted. Please review your work carefully before submitting.
I've published a chapbook. Am I still eligible?
Yes. Poets who have published chapbooks, pamphlets, or up to two full-length poetry collections are eligible. Poets who have published three or more full-length collections are not eligible.
Can previous winners enter?
Previous winners of the Arole Agarawu African Poetry Prize must wait three years before resubmitting.
When is the submission window?
Submissions open on February 28, 2026, and close on May 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. Late submissions will not be accepted.
How will I know if my submission was received?
You will receive an automatic confirmation email upon successful submission.
When will the shortlist and winner be announced?
The shortlist and winner announcement dates will be shared on our website and social media channels. Please follow us for updates.
What happens to my poems if I'm shortlisted?
The foundation retains the right of first publication for all shortlisted poems. Following first publication by the foundation, the poet may republish freely with acknowledgment of the prize. Copyright remains with the poet at all times.
What is the Arole Grayling Wraith Prize?
In addition to the main prize, a separate $1,000 award is given to a poet living on the African continent. This prize is made possible through the generous support of Grayling and Wraith, a growth marketing and media agency whose commitment to storytelling and creative vision has been instrumental to the foundation's mission. In addition to funding the prize, Grayling and Wraith will produce a production-grade video of a selected poem by the winning poet — bringing the work to life beyond the page.
Who is judging the prize?
Our guest judge for the inaugural 2026 prize will be announced on our website. The judge changes annually.
Who was Alhaji Arole Agarawu?
Chief Alhaji Arole Agarawu (1930s–1995) was a prolific West African songwriter and composer who worked closely with legendary musician Alhaji Haruna Ishola, contributing original lyrics to the rich tradition of Yoruba music — including Sakara, Apala, Waka, and other enduring forms. Despite his contributions, he was never formally credited for his work. This prize honors his legacy and the foundation's commitment to ensuring that poets and creators receive the recognition they deserve.
Have more questions?
Please visit our contact page or email us at info@aroleagarawufoundation.com.