Nigerian storyteller Rachel Ajisafe has been named the overall winner of the inaugural Witsprouts Storytelling Prize 2025 for her oral performance “Haunting Song of Promises.”

Themed “Rebooting Legends and Memories,” “Haunting Song of Promises” focuses on the cultural heritage of Sango, bringing ancient oral tradition to life with energetic delivery and passion. Writer/filmmaker Jude Idada and playwright Akanbi Taofeek described Ajisafe as “a natural storyteller with a poetic flair,” noting that she moved beyond mere recitation to create a performance that truly embodied the spirit of African storytelling.

Ajisafe was selected from three finalists after a rigorous two-stage process. She will receive ₦500,000 as part of her prize. The prize, launched by The Witsprouts Project, aimed to identify and celebrate exceptional Nigerian storytellers capable of bringing ancient oral tradition to modern digital platforms.

Tope Akintayo, Director of The Witsprouts Project, celebrated the significance of Ajisafe’s achievement: “Rachel Ajisafe’s victory is a testament to the enduring power and relevance of African oral storytelling in the modern age. She embodies our mission to connect the wisdom of our ancestors with the creativity of the next generation. We are incredibly proud to celebrate her truly exceptional talent.”

Ajisafe’s performance was selected from three finalists: Debbie Ajom, Keesh Rowland, and Rachel Ajisafe. After an initial public call for video submissions, the three finalists were invited to submit a second story privately for final judging. The Witsprouts Project will host a virtual awards ceremony later this year to formally celebrate the winner and all finalists.

The Witsprouts Storytelling Prize will return in 2026. The Witsprouts Project is a cultural organisation dedicated to reviving African performance arts and fostering deeper engagement with African arts and culture. Through initiatives like the Witsprouts Storytelling Prize, the organisation aims to promote and reward artistic excellence while ensuring the continuity of vital cultural traditions.