We are delighted to present the category shortlists for the Isele Prizes 2025.

Our in-house judges carefully read the longlisted works and considered each against predetermined criteria relating to our vision. The sixteen works (six stories, five essays, and five sets of poems) that appear on these shortlists are brilliant, defiant, and emotionally resonant; they capture our mission: to provide a platform for writers who hold a mirror to our society. Publishing was an honor. 

The winners will be revealed on June 20, 2025. They will receive $150 each. Also, the shortlisted works will be featured in the print issue of Best of Isele, slated for publication in spring 2026.

On that note, here are the shortlists according to their categories and in no particular order:

The Isele Short Story Prize

“Koala, Koala, Koala” by Chantelle Chiwetalu

“Matrimony” by Adams Adeosun

“Gone Case” by Duboree Das

“Flowers in Bloom” by Lucia Edafioka

“Not Like Other Boys” by Josiah Ikpe

“In Her Head” by Sarah Durham 

The Isele Nonfiction Prize

“Notes of a Nonresident Alien” by Tolu Daniel

“Basturma Chronicles” by Maria Baha

“Some Seasons I Have Known” by Kemi Falodun

“A Study in Red” by Kharys Ateh Laue 

“Womb and Period Hu(r)ts” by Muti’ah Badruddeen

Isele Poetry Prize

“Five Poems” by Jennifer E Hudgens

“Three Poems” by Fatima Abdullahi

“Two Poems” by Shauna AV Gunnell

“Three Poems” by Jonathan Langdon

“Three Poems” by Elly Katz

Important Date

  • Winners Announcement: June 20, 2025.

See here for more about Isele Magazine.

*Feature images by Andre Benz, Liana S, and Daniel Gregoire on Unsplash