This autumn, the longlist for the BRICS Literary Award was announced in the Brazilian capital. It includes writers from all ten member countries of the association – from Russia and Brazil to Ethiopia and Egypt, three authors from each nation.
In an interview with “
Za rubezhom”, a partner of TV BRICS, President of the Ethiopian Writers’ Association Abere Adamu noted that such an initiative has become an important practical step towards strengthening international humanitarian cooperation among the member states.
In your view, what is the significance of the BRICS Literary Award? Why is it important for the BRICS countries?
The significance of the BRICS Literary Award lies in the strengthening of humanitarian and cultural ties. Its main goal is to enhance cultural exchange and humanitarian cooperation. […] The award recognises authors whose works reflect traditional values, cultural heritage, history and the lived experience of the peoples of the BRICS countries. This approach not only highlights but also contributes to the preservation of the vast cultural diversity within the group, while focusing on shared values such as mutual respect and solidarity.
As part of the development of this initiative, the BRICS Literature Network is being established, bringing together writers, publishers and literary scholars. It contributes to the formalisation of cultural dialogue and practical cooperation in the book market (book fairs, joint publishing projects).
What expectations do Ethiopian writers associate with this award – recognition, translations, new readers?
Ethiopia’s accession to BRICS was perceived as an important diplomatic and economic opportunity, and the literary award is seen as a key element of this expanding cooperation.
Ethiopian authors, especially those writing in local languages such as Amharic, Oromo or Tigrinya, often face difficulties in gaining international recognition. […] One of the greatest expectations concerns the promotion of translations. The lack of translations into major world languages, including the languages of other BRICS countries, has long been a major obstacle for Ethiopian literature.
Through translations, Ethiopian authors can reach vast new markets in Russia, India, China, and Brazil. This will not only expand their readership but also open up additional sources of income and opportunities for literary collaboration.
Which works of Ethiopian literature, in your opinion, could interest Russian- or Chinese-speaking readers?
Based on historical ties, shared geopolitical interests (as BRICS participants) and thematic intersections in literary traditions, certain works and themes in Ethiopian literature are likely to hold particular appeal for Russian- and Chinese-speaking readers. The connection between Ethiopia and Russia is especially strong due to the period of close Soviet–Ethiopian relations (1974–1991), during which active cultural exchange took place and Russian classics were purposefully translated into Amharic.
Philosophical and moral depth. Sebhat Gebre-Egziabher (“Sostegna Shengo” – “The Third Assembly”), Haddis Alemayehu. The deep exploration of morality, ethics and the spiritual struggle of the ordinary person is a hallmark of the great Russian writers (F. M. Dostoevsky, L. N. Tolstoy).
Migration from village to city and social criticism. Sebhat Gebre-Egziabher (works about life in Addis Ababa), modern Amharic prose. China has undergone the largest migration from rural to urban areas in the world. The depiction of the chaotic energy of the metropolis, the clash between rural traditions and urban modernity, and the resulting social tensions are all key themes in both literatures. The subtle use of satire and allegory to critique social issues, typical of modern Ethiopian prose, is also well developed in the Chinese tradition.
Diaspora and the search for identity. Dinaw Mengestu (“The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears”). Although the experience of emigration differs, the shared theme of a large, widely dispersed community striving to preserve its cultural identity abroad – the experience of the Ethiopian diaspora – will resonate with China, which also has numerous overseas communities.
Ethiopian literature devoted to the country’s drive for development, industrialisation and expansion of infrastructure (in line with the priorities of the New Development Bank within BRICS) directly corresponds with China’s experience of rapid modernisation and its focus on state-led economic transformation.
Ethiopian literature offers a perspective that is both globally relevant and culturally distinctive, providing a rich voice engaged in the political, social and spiritual challenges familiar to countries with rapidly developing economies.
How well are Ethiopian authors currently represented in the BRICS literary market?
At present, Ethiopian authors are at an early, developing stage of their presence in the BRICS literary market. Although historical ties with Russia (one of the key BRICS members) fostered cultural exchange several decades ago, […] the main pathway for Ethiopian writers into the BRICS market lies through new major cultural initiatives that have emerged since Ethiopia joined the group in January 2024.
It is reported that the debut longlist of the award includes a nominee from Ethiopia, marking the emergence of a direct institutional mechanism to promote Ethiopian authors among publishers in Russia, China, India, Brazil, and South Africa.
How do you see the development of African literature in the international context in the coming years?
In the coming years, the development of African literature in the international context promises to be significant and transformative, driven by several key trends:
-
Growth of global visibility and market presence. -
Integration of African voices. Major international publishers are actively seeking African authors, and literature from the continent is moving from a niche interest to an integral part of their global catalogues. -
Economic potential. Analytical reports (for example, those by UNESCO) note the vast untapped potential of the African book industry and forecast significant growth opportunities in the coming years. -
Technology will radically transform the creation, distribution and consumption of African literature on a global scale. -
Democratisation of the publishing process. Digital platforms, self-publishing tools and online literary journals continue to successfully bypass traditional barriers, enabling emerging and under-represented authors from Africa to achieve international recognition directly. -
Electronic and audio formats. -
The rise of Afrofuturism and speculative fiction. This genre, which combines African culture, cosmology and traditions with elements of science fiction and fantasy, is expected to gain substantial international popularity. Authors such as Nnedi Okorafor are pioneering new directions and offering fresh, unconventional alternatives. -
Linguistic diversity. […] Increasing attention from critics and researchers, as well as translation efforts, will be devoted to works originally written in various African languages. Initiatives supporting translation will be key to unlocking this cultural wealth for the world.
Photo: Pachai-Leknettip /
iStock
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