Unathi Slasha has won the 2025 Iskanchi Book Prize for his story, The Hollow Sound of Lightweight Bodies. He will receive $1000 and publication. The Iskanchi Book Prize aims to expand the definition of African literature and amplify perspectives that take risks with form, play with language, and defy expectations of African storytelling.

The other stories that made the shortlist were:

Xabanisa by Aryan Kaganof (South Africa)
On Rainy Days I Think of Flowers by Ezioma Kalu (Nigeria)
Souls of Independence by Peter Ngĩla Nzeli (Kenya)
Mono: Tales of the Tapa Kingdom by Valerie Chatindo (Zimbabwe)
A Season for Mending – Magaret Muthee (Kenya)
Nandi Bear by Abenea Ndago (Kenya)
Mourning by Karen Williams (South Africa)
The Black Hand – Dafe Great (Nigeria)
Enchanted Village by Lauwo wa Lauwo (Tanzania)

The Hollow Sound of Lightweight Bodies will be published by Iskanchi Press.