The AprilCentaur Network

Opportunity for African Science Journalists Are you passionate about science journalism? Here’s an exciting opportunity to elevate your career on a global stage! The Fellowship for Advancing Science Journalism in Africa and the Middle East is offering journalism professionals the chance to train at the prestigious Michigan Institute of Technology (MIT) during the Fall 2025 semester (August–December). Fellows will develop a personalized course of study, including at least one science-focused course, while immersing themselves in the vibrant Cambridge/Boston academic community. What You’ll Gain: A $40,000 stipend for the semester. Access to seminars, training workshops, and field trips. Connections to a thriving network of science journalists. MIT health insurance. Travel and housing support. Eligibility: Open to reporters, editors, writers, producers, illustrators, filmmakers, or photojournalists. Must have 3+ years of experience reporting on science, health, or environmental issues in Africa or the Middle East. What You Need to Apply: A statement of purpose (max 500 words). CV or resume. Three work samples. Letter(s) of recommendation. Key Dates: Application Deadline: 15 January 2025. Decisions Announced: April 2025. Ready to take the next big step in your journalism career? Visit https://lnkd.in/eSheTpvr for more details. Tag someone who should apply!

5 Exciting Paying Opportunities for Writers and Filmmakers to Showcase Your Talent and Get Paid! If you're a writer or filmmaker looking for the perfect platform to share your work, these five opportunities could be just what you need to take your craft to the next level. From screenwriting contests to essay competitions, there's something here for everyone. Check them out: 1. Shepton Snowdrops: ‘Treasures of Nature’ What to submit: Poetry of up to 30 lines on the above theme.  Who can submit: Poets worldwide of any age. When to submit: Till 6 January  Pay: £50 - £300 Submission fee: £4 for poets aged 18 & more. Visit https://lnkd.in/dbMahmPY for more info 2. Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2025  What to submit: Plays that are at least 1 hour long. Who can submit: Writers (16+) based in the UK and Republic of Ireland or who have been invited to submit by partner organisations in Canada, US and Australia.  When to submit: Till 9 January  Pay: £10,000 - £20,000 Submission fee: unspecified Visit https://lnkd.in/dvZSHpkG for more info 3. The Stacy Doris Poetry Memorial Award 2025 What to submit: Original, previously unpublished poetry of 3-10 pages. Who can submit: Poets worldwide. When to submit: Till 15 January  Pay: $500 and publication for winner.  Submission fee: none. Visit https://lnkd.in/dMhSHUXf for more info 4. Ploughshares at Emerson College Journal What to submit: Fiction and nonfiction of up to 6,500 words, poetry of 1-5 pages. Who can submit: Writers worldwide. When to submit: 15 January  Pay: $90-$450. Submission fee: $3.75 Visit https://lnkd.in/dfPpXFaN for more info 5. Frivolous Comma 2025 Themed Anthology What to submit: Speculative short fiction (4k words max) on the theme Shadows and Signals: Speculative Mysteries. Who can submit: Writers worldwide. When to submit: 30 January  Pay: $0.1/word Submission fee: none Visit https://lnkd.in/dNtQkBFW for more info Take advantage of these great opportunities to have your work noticed, earn cash, and connect with like-minded creatives. Whether you are a writer or filmmaker, these platforms offer a fantastic way to gain exposure, build your portfolio, and get rewarded for your creativity. And remember, the question is not ‘why me?’ but ‘why not me?” The AprilCentaur Network.

Top Stories This Week in Film and Culture: Nollywood Stars Shine, Big Releases, and Global News - Nollywood Shines at AMCOD 2024 Legends like Prince Jide Kosoko, Femi Adebayo, and Adebayo Salami came together for AMCOD's 2024 Business Conference. The focus? Exploring sustainability in movie production and distribution in today’s digital era. - Behind the Fashion of Christmas in Lagos Award-winning filmmaker Jade Osiberu and top stylist Dahmola took us behind the scenes, revealing the creative process and inspiration behind the iconic looks in Christmas in Lagos. - Box Office Success Toyin Abraham's Alakada: Bad and Boujee is making waves, grossing an impressive N134 million within just seven days of release! - Stephanie Okereke Linus Launches Health Initiative The talented actress partners with George Washington University to launch the Maternal Health and Nutrition Initiative Africa, aiming to address maternal health challenges in marginalized communities. - Historic Move in Literature Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses returns to bookshelves in India after 36 years, following a landmark ruling from the Delhi High Court questioning the ban’s validity. What a week for art, culture, and advocacy! Which story inspires you most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Word of the Day: Aesthete In a world brimming with creativity and innovation, being attuned to beauty is an admirable quality, and there’s a word for it: aesthete. Aesthete (pronounced es-theet) is a noun used to describe someone who deeply appreciates and is sensitive to beauty, especially in art. Think of those individuals who can walk into a room, analyze its design, and effortlessly identify what elevates its elegance. Synonyms: Connoisseur, Dilettante (though the latter often implies a more casual interest). Example in Context: Ever the aesthete, Uche has painstakingly curated the decor in his home to reflect his refined taste. This word reminds us how important it is to bring aesthetic value into not only art and design but also professional and personal spaces. A refined eye for beauty can elevate our surroundings, build meaningful connections, and even drive innovation. How would you use "aesthete" in a professional context? Share your examples in the comments below!

Dreaming of Writing Historical Fiction? Here’s Your Chance! Are you passionate about bringing history to life through storytelling but unsure where to start? Lolwe has the perfect opportunity for you! Join the Historical Fiction Masterclass on February 22, 2025, led by Booker-shortlisted author Maaza Mengiste, known for her critically acclaimed novels Beneath the Lion’s Gaze and The Shadow King. In this virtual session, Maaza will guide 20 participants through: Essential research techniques for historical novels. Mastering the art of historical world-building. Date: February 22, 2025 Venue: Online Fee: £30 (Scholarship available for 1 participant) Don’t miss the chance to learn from a literary master! Secure your spot today: https://lnkd.in/dkSrTCdD Tag a writer who needs this!

5 Exciting Paying Opportunities for Writers and Filmmakers to Showcase Your Talent and Get Paid! If you're a writer or filmmaker looking for the perfect platform to share your work, these five opportunities could be just what you need to take your craft to the next level. From screenwriting contests to essay competitions, there's something here for everyone. Check them out: 1. The Welkin Mini What to submit: Microfiction of up to 100 words. Who can submit: Writers worldwide. When to submit: Till 2 December Pay: £10-50 in cash prizes Submission fee: none Visit https://lnkd.in/dQbMjk4N for more info 2. Newberry Library x The Jan and Frank Cicero (Short-term) Fellowship What to submit: A project abstract, description, CV, letters of recommendation, etc. Who can apply: Artists and performers including creative writers, dramatists who wish to advance their artistic practice using the Newberry collection. When to submit: Till 3 January Pay: $3,000/month for 1 month. Application fee: unspecified Visit `https://lnkd.in/eVC5NMG2 for more info 3. Driftwood Press Poem Contest 2025 What to submit: Original, previously unpublished poetry of up to 60 lines Who can submit: Poets worldwide. When to submit: Till 15 January Pay: $300 and 5 copies of anthology for winner, $50 and 1 copy for 5 finalists Submission fee: $25, covering a copy of a Driftwood Press title of your choosing. Visit https://lnkd.in/dRZn5Q65 for more info 4. Rooted in Rights Blog What to submit: Short stories, personal essays, creative nonfiction, investigative articles and op-eds of up to 500 words with a focus on disability rights and justice. Who can submit: Writers who identify as disabled. When to submit: Anytime (rolling) Pay: At least $400 Submission fee: none Visit https://lnkd.in/d8ceE9kg for more info 5.HerStories Project: Midstory Magazine What to submit: Previously unpublished personal essays (750-2k words) about life, love, loss and friendship at midlife. Who can submit: Gen-X women writers. When to submit: Anytime (rolling) Pay: $75 Submission fee: none Visit https://lnkd.in/dwWnyGdq for more info Take advantage of these great opportunities to have your work noticed, earn cash, and connect with like-minded creatives. Whether you are a writer or filmmaker, these platforms offer a fantastic way to gain exposure, build your portfolio, and get rewarded for your creativity. And remember, the question is not ‘why me?’ but ‘why not me?” The AprilCentaur Network.

Top Stories This Week in African Literature & Entertainment 1. A Literary Triumph for Desmond Chidera Udeh April Centaur Writer, Desmond Chidera Udeh, has earned a coveted spot in Afrocritik’s prestigious list of 35 Remarkable Stories of 2024 with his exceptional work, The Big Canoe. Congratulations to this rising literary star! 2. Othuke Ominiabohs Crowned 'Literary Person of the Year' Acclaimed author and Masobe Books founder, Othuke Ominiabohs, wins big with the 2024 Brittle Paper Literary Person of the Year award. A well-deserved recognition for his immense contributions to African literature. 3. Anthony Ikechukwu Chielo Shines as 'Social Media Influencer of the Year' Brittle Paper has named Anthony Ikechukwu Chielo the 2024 Social Media Influencer of the Year for his innovative content creation, spotlighting African literature like never before. 4. Glitz and Glamour at Nollywood’s 'Alakada: Bad and Boujee' Premiere Nollywood stars stole the show at the premiere of Alakada: Bad and Boujee! Toyin Abraham captivated all in a stunning pastel ensemble, making waves on and off the screen. 5. Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha Masters Yoruba for Netflix’s Seven Doors Award-winning actress Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha takes on a new challenge for her role as an Igbo queen in Seven Doors. Her dedication included learning fluent Yoruba—a testament to her unmatched professionalism. 6. Seven Doors Tops Netflix Charts Globally Femi Adebayo’s groundbreaking Netflix series, Seven Doors, has taken the world by storm. In a recent interview, Adebayo revealed the inspiration behind the story—a culturally rich narrative with universal appeal. Stay tuned for more updates on Africa’s incredible talent and storytelling! What stories stood out for you this week? Share your thoughts in the comments

Nnedi Okorafor – A Pioneer in Africanfuturism and Resilience In the ever-evolving landscape of storytelling, few voices have been as transformative as Nnedi Okorafor, a Nigerian-American author, professor, and screenwriter redefining science fiction. Her groundbreaking approach, merging African folklore with futuristic themes, has given rise to Africanfuturism, a genre that champions the continent’s rich heritage. Milestones in Excellence Winner of the Hugo Award for Best Novella (Binti trilogy), the first Nigerian to claim this honor. Contributor to Marvel’s Black Panther comics, including Shuri and Wakanda Forever. Inductee into the Museum of Pop Culture’s Science Fiction Hall of Fame. Creator of HBO’s upcoming series adaptation of Who Fears Death. Okorafor’s journey to literary prominence started from a place of adversity. A budding track star with Olympic aspirations, she faced a life-changing battle with scoliosis at 19. Left partially paralyzed, she pivoted her focus to writing—a decision that turned her loss into a legacy. Her accolades include a Ph.D. in English and countless literary honors, including the Nebula and World Fantasy awards. She’s not just a storyteller but a changemaker, influencing fields from literature to TV and graphic novels. Okorafor’s career underscores the importance of adaptability, cultural authenticity, and innovation—principles that resonate across industries. Whether writing stories or solving workplace challenges, the ability to see opportunity in adversity is invaluable. Interested in her works? Start with: Zahrah the Windseeker Binti Trilogy Akata Witch Okorafor’s legacy is a reminder that our greatest challenges often lead to our most impactful contributions. How do you bring innovation and resilience into your professional life? Let’s discuss in the comments!

Word of the Day Here’s one for your growing vocabulary! Extemporaneous (adj.) Pronounced: ex-tem-po-ray-ni-uhs This describes something spoken, performed, or created on the spot, without prior preparation. It’s a skill highly valued in professional settings, especially during spontaneous presentations or impromptu brainstorming sessions. Synonyms: Ad-lib, Impromptu, Off-the-cuff Antonyms: Premeditated, Planned, Rehearsed Example: “Nnenna has a gift for delivering extemporaneous speeches. Her ability to connect with the audience on the fly is truly remarkable.” Challenge: How would you use “extemporaneous” in a sentence, especially related to your industry? Share your examples in the comments! The ability to think and act extemporaneously can be a powerful tool for professionals. It demonstrates confidence, agility, and creativity, a valuable traits in today’s dynamic work environments.

5 Exciting Paying Opportunities for Writers and Filmmakers to Showcase Your Talent and Get Paid! If you're a writer or filmmaker looking for the perfect platform to share your work, these five opportunities could be just what you need to take your craft to the next level. From screenwriting contests to essay competitions, there's something here for everyone. Check them out: 1. Midnight & Indigo - Music Issue  What to submit: Short stories and personal essays (1,200-7k words) inspired by music Who can submit: Black women writers When to submit: Till 30 December  Pay: $150 for personal essays, $0.07/word for short stories Submission fee: none Visit https://lnkd.in/dgiJ2uxs for more info 2. Driftwood Press Short Story Contest 2025 What to submit: Original, previously unpublished fiction of 1k-5k words Who can submit: Filmmakers who are female or gender nonconforming but identify with womanhood. When to submit: Till 15 January  Pay: $300 and 5 copies of anthology for winner, $50 and 1 copy for 5 finalists   Submission fee: $25, covering a copy of a Driftwood Press title of your choosing. Visit https://lnkd.in/dRZn5Q65 for more info 3. Midnight & Indigo - Music Issue  What to submit: Short stories and personal essays (1,200-7k words) inspired by music Who can submit: Black women writers When to submit: Till 30 December  Pay: $150 for personal essays, $0.07/word for short stories Submission fee: none Visit https://lnkd.in/dgiJ2uxs for more info 4. The Polis Project   What to submit: Pitches for interviews with cultural figures, book/film reviews, cultural criticism and feature stories (including profiles). Who can submit: Writers worldwide, especially from the global south. When to submit: Anytime (rolling)  Pay: $100- $400, depending on category and length Submission fee: none Visit https://lnkd.in/dSRh-XsY for more info 5. Newberry Library x The Arthur and Lila Weinberg(Short-term) Fellowship for Independent Researchers What to submit: A project abstract, description, CV, letters of recommendation, etc.  Who can apply: Filmmakers, journalists, writers and artists who wish to advance their creative work using the Newberry collection. When to submit: Till 3 January Pay: $3,000/month for 1 month. Application fee: unspecified Visit `https://lnkd.in/eVC5NMG2 for more info Take advantage of these great opportunities to have your work noticed, earn cash, and connect with like-minded creatives. Whether you are a writer or filmmaker, these platforms offer a fantastic way to gain exposure, build your portfolio, and get rewarded for your creativity. And remember, the question is not ‘why me?’ but ‘why not me?” The AprilCentaur Network.