Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
BULAWAYO continues to showcase its literary talent, with local author Philani Amadeus Nyoni earning international recognition after his short story, Sunday, was shortlisted for the prestigious Varnish Prize for Fiction.
The accolade highlights Nyoni’s unique voice and imaginative storytelling, which has captivated both readers and judges alike.
Announced earlier this month, the Varnish Prize celebrates emerging and early-career writers from across the globe. The competition invited unpublished short fiction that is formally inventive and vital, drawing entries from a highly competitive international field.
Nyoni’s Sunday stood out among the submissions, marking a significant milestone in his literary journey.
In an exclusive interview, Nyoni reflected on the inspiration behind the story. He described its theme as one of contentment and a celebration of everyday life.
“The story is about air coming through the window,” he said.
The richness of Nyoni’s prose is evident in his vivid imagery. One poignant passage reads: “The curtain is swinging, twirling around itself like a sundress in a breeze. I would if I could, stitch this fabric…into a rolling meadow where violets and buttercups bow and nod.” The lyrical detail invites readers into a world imbued with sensory experience and the quiet beauty of his community.
Being shortlisted for the Varnish Prize holds deep significance for Nyoni.
“Recognition is fine,” he said, acknowledging the joy of being acknowledged for his craft. A previous winner of the Asian Prize for African Short Story, Nyoni remains humble, viewing accolades as stepping stones rather than endpoints.
“I look at my awards for about a week, then wrap them up and stick them in the wardrobe,” he said.
Nyoni hopes that readers of Sunday will find the same wonder and inspiration he experienced while writing it.
This year’s Varnish Prize winners were recently announced, with The Light Declines by Oscar Revelins taking first place and earning AUD350. Gayelene Carbis and Ruby Klammer secured second and third places, earning AUD100 and AUD50, respectively.
Alongside Nyoni’s Sunday, the shortlist features outstanding works from authors worldwide, showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of contemporary literature. All shortlisted stories, including Nyoni’s, will be published in January 2026, providing a global platform for these emerging voices. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
