The AprilCentaur Network

The AprilCentaur Network poses as an online literary magazine aiming to build a network of creatives in multiple fields. Our goal is to be involved with writers, filmmakers, animators, actors, comic book artists, illustrators, etc. The Network was founded in April 2023 by Nigerian Writer and Filmmaker Abuah Martins Chukwubuikem. It has since provided income for over 40 individuals, with 6 of them on regular and recurring income. Our sole vocation is forged from the belief that stories can build nations, so we’re seeking a storm of creatives highly dedicated to the ideals of rebuilding, and manifesting such countenance through subtle means in their works. We organise contests for the sake of amassing talents, and seek to provide selected participants with regular and recurring income. Our general submissions are always open, and we pay between N15,000 to N30,000. Guidelines: 1. We accept flash fiction, short stories, non-fiction/essays, poetry, performed spoken word poems, and monologues. 2. All themes and genres are welcome, but you stand a better chance if your work envelopes and chronicles the realities of Africans and the African worldview. 3. Please send an email to [email protected] with the subject line tagged as General Submissions. Add a picture of yourself and a biography not more than 100 words. (Your biography should include your social media handles (X, I.G., etc.) 4. By submitting your work, you give our Editors permission to slightly edit your work and suggest a change of title. If any of these is done, you will be duly informed. 5. If your work is accepted, you will be informed via mail. 6. If we’ve recently published your prose or poetry, please wait three months before submitting again. However, you can send an essay, monologue, or spoken word poem during this waiting period. 7. We seek pieces that surprise us, ambitious pieces seeking to awe with precision, effort, and careful skill. Please be considerate in your approach and share work you’re immensely proud of. For extra information, visit https://lnkd.in/dRAAEH3M

TODAY IN 2007: A Milestone in African Cinema March 10, 2007, A night to remember in African film history! The 3rd Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) lit up the Gloryland Cultural Centre in Bayelsa, Nigeria, celebrating the best of African storytelling on screen. Founded in 2005 by the late visionary Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, AMAA was created to honor excellence in African cinema, a goal it continues to achieve year after year. Often called "The African Oscars," the event has become a powerful force for unity, culture, and artistic recognition across the continent. A Star-Studded Night The 2007 ceremony made headlines globally, featuring Hollywood icons Cuba Gooding Jr. and Mo'Nique as special guests. But the spotlight truly belonged to Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze, the legendary Nollywood duo, best known for their unforgettable performances in classic films like Akin and Pawpaw. They were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their impact on African cinema. From its early days to now, AMAA continues to celebrate the richness of African storytelling, proving that our films and filmmakers deserve a place on the world stage. Do you remember the first Nollywood movie that made you fall in love with African cinema? Let’s hear it in the comments!

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. AprilCentaur Network What to submit: Poetry(5 pages max), short stories and essays (800-3000 words). Who can submit: Writers of African origin worldwide. When to submit: All year (Limit of 2 publications on the website per week) Pay: N15,000 - N30,000 for Nigerian writers and dollar equivalent for African writers. Submission fee: None. Visit theaprilcentaur.com for more info 2. Kitchen Work - ‘Cities’ What to submit: Writing (3k words max) about markets, cafes, urban picnics, tiny kitchens and big dinner tables in your favourite city. Who can submit: Writers worldwide. When to submit: Till 15 March. Pay: $0.2 per word. Submission fee: None Visit https://lnkd.in/dC5m_4u6 for more info 3. The Alpine Fellowship Theatre Prize 2025 What to submit: A complete play (at least 30 mins.) on the theme of fear, statement, summary of experience. Who can submit: Playwrights of any nationality aged 18 & over. When to submit: Till 1 April. Pay: ￡1,000-￡3,000 in cash prizes for 3 winners. Submission fee: None Visit https://lnkd.in/dut4eN-n for more info 4. Midnight & Indigo What to submit: Character-driven short stories (1,500-7k words), speculative fiction (2k-7k words) and personal essays (1,200 minimum) Who can submit: Black women writers When to submit: Till 30 March Pay: $150 for personal essays, $0.07/word for short stories Submission fee: none Visit https://lnkd.in/dgiJ2uxs for more info 5. Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award What to submit: Unpublished short story or manuscript excerpt (2500-5,000 words) of crime fiction, resume, cover letter. Who can submit: Emerging writers.. When to submit: Till 31 March Reward: $2,000 for 1 winner. Submission fee: None Visit https://lnkd.in/ePVvvR4i 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.

5 Books That Honor Mabel Segun’s Remarkable Legacy Remembering Mabel Segun (February 13, 1930 – March 6, 2025) Poet ? Playwright ? Children’s Book Writer ? Educationist ? Broadcaster Mabel Segun’s impact on Nigerian literature is undeniable. From pioneering children’s literature to championing women’s voices, her work continues to inspire generations. Here are five books that capture her brilliance: 1. My Father’s Daughter (1965) A captivating memoir of Segun’s childhood in colonial Nigeria. Though widely read as a children’s book in Nigerian schools, this classic holds deep insights for readers of all ages. 2. My Mother’s Daughter (1986) A moving exploration of mother-daughter relationships and the challenges of womanhood in a patriarchal society. 3. The Surrender and Other Stories (1995) A powerful collection of short stories that weave love, tradition, and modernity into the fabric of Nigerian society. 4. Readers’ Theatre: Twelve Plays for Young People (2006) Winner of the 2007 LNG Prize for Literature, this book brings Nigerian folktales and historical figures like King Jaja of Opobo and Queen Moremi to life through engaging plays for young audiences. 5. Rhapsody: A Celebration of Nigerian Cooking and Food Culture (2007) A delightful blend of local recipes, proverbs, and cultural insights—perfect for food lovers who want to savor Nigeria’s rich culinary traditions. A Legacy Worth Celebrating Beyond her books, did you know? ? She founded the Children’s Literature Association of Nigeria in 1978. ? Her works have been translated into Swahili, Arabic, German, Greek, and more! ? She was classmates with Chinua Achebe and Grace Alele Williams at UI. ? She boldly expressed feminist views, emphasizing that a woman’s worth is not tied to a man. ? She was an award-winning broadcaster and a Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) laureate. Mabel Segun’s words continue to resonate, reminding us of the power of storytelling, culture, and resilience. Which of these books have you read? Let’s celebrate her legacy in the comments!

OPEN CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS We are glad to announce the launch of our weekly call for submissions. At the April Centaur Network, we’re offering an amazing (and paying) platform to showcase your amazing word-skills. We are currently seeking talent across Africa, and welcome Writers of all grades (just starting out or experienced) to send works our way, all year round! Have no doubt, all pieces sent to us will be reviewed, and your efforts properly compensated when your work is selected. Start prepping your submissions and share this opportunity with fellow Writers. More details and submission guidelines will be updated on our website soon. Keep an eye out for extra information to be sent in on our social media pages. Keep in mind that this does not replace our regular annual contest worth $2000, but only amplifies another means through which we can provide for our audiences as well as maintain community activity. We look forward to hearing from you soon.?

Word of the Day: Hoity-Toity! Ever met someone who acts like they're too important for the rest of us? That’s hoity-toity! This fun, old-school term describes someone who’s snobbish, pompous, or just plain stuck-up. But did you know hoity-toity didn’t always mean that? Back in the 1600s, it actually meant boisterous or giddy, nothing to do with being snobby! It comes from the Old English word hoit, which meant to play the fool. Somewhere along the way, the meaning flipped, and now it’s all about describing someone who thinks they’re above everyone else. Example? “Tony walks around all hoity-toity like he owns the place, as if we don’t know how many people he’s owing money.” ?? Now, let’s hear yours! Drop your best hoity-toity examples in the comments!

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. 2025 DRF Writers Award What to submit: Unfinished manuscripts of 15k-20k words in fiction or nonfiction Who can submit: Writers based within the British Commonwealth or Ireland. When to submit: Till 31 March. Reward: ￡10,000 for winner and ￡1,000 for each of two runners-up. Submission fee: None Visit https://lnkd.in/dhxBB7E9 for more info 2. 2025 Silvers Grants for Work in Progress What to submit: CV, filled questionnaire, writing samples, 1-page description of unfinished, longform (nonfiction) writing project. Who can submit: Anglophone writers of any nationality. When to submit: Till 31 March Reward: $10,000 grant shared with other winning writers. Submission fee: None Visit https://lnkd.in/d-7a9WHT for more info 3. Pulp Literature What to submit: Fiction of any form of up to 50 pages. Who can submit: BIPOC writers only till 28 Feb and then writers of any race in March. When to submit: 31 March. Pay: $150 upwards. Submission fee: None Visit https://lnkd.in/d4dZNqg8 for more info 4. Efiko Magazine What to submit: Poetry (10 pages max.), short stories and essays (1,200-5,000 words). Who can submit: Writers of African origin worldwide. When to submit: Till 20 March Pay: N20,000-N30,000 for Nigerian-based writers or a book worth up to $40. Submission fee: None Visit https://lnkd.in/dJdiQr3D for more info 5.Points North Fellowship What to submit: Feature-length documentary film projects in any stage of (post-)production Who can submit: Early and mid-career filmmakers worldwide. When to submit: 24 March (late deadline) Reward: All expense-paid trip to Maine, US to attend 6-day residency and Camden International Film Festival, project development. Submission fee: $45 Visit https://lnkd.in/eZf8Xvc 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.

Word of the Day: Potpourri – A Medley of Surprises! Ever heard of the word potpourri? No, it’s not just a bowl of dried petals sitting on your grandmother’s table! While it originally referred to a mixture of dried flowers, spices, and leaves meant to make a room smell delightful, the word has evolved beautifully. Today, potpourri is used to describe any collection of various things – a delightful mishmash that somehow works together. Imagine an album blending Afrobeats, jazz, and hip-hop. Sounds chaotic? Not necessarily! Just like Asake’s last album, which was a potpourri of sounds that came together beautifully. From music to life experiences, potpourri is everywhere – in our playlists, our meals, and even our memories. Got your own example of a potpourri moment? Drop it in the comments! Let's mix things up today!

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. COAL x Sevhage x University of Leicester: #Art4LifeCampaign What to submit: Poetry, prose (flash fiction) and photography addressing maternal mortality, snakebite, silicosis or drowning. Who can submit: Creatives (aged 18-35) in Sub-Saharan Africa. When to submit: Till 28 February Reward: $50 each for 10 finalists across genres Submission fee: 0 Visit https://lnkd.in/dgqYXV5z for more info 2. The Rumpus Prize What to submit: Poetry, fiction and nonfiction. Who can submit: Writers worldwide. When to submit: Till 2 March Reward: $1000 first-place winner and $200 honourable mention cash prizes in each category. Submission fee: $20 Visit https://lnkd.in/g7xGKr_i for more info 3. The Prairie Schooner Raz-Shumaker Book Prize Series What to submit: Fiction and poetry manuscripts written in English. Who can submit: Writers worldwide. When to submit: Till 15 March Reward: $3,000 cash prize for winners in each category. Submission fee: $25 Visit https://lnkd.in/dc_F2acx for more info 4. Isele Magazine: Ephemeral- The Beauty in Impermanence What to submit: Fiction and nonfiction of up to 5k words, poetry, photography & visual art on above theme. Who can submit: Artists worldwide. When to submit: Till 7 March. Pay: ‘Modest token’ Submission fee: None Visit https://lnkd.in/dvB_fqgJ for more info 5.Lolwe What to submit: Drama (one-act play), orature, translation, hybrid-genre and visual art.. Who can submit: Black artists from anywhere in the world. When to submit: Anytime (rolling). Pay: Unspecified but likely ￡50. Submission fee: none. Visit https://lnkd.in/dv4yKsEh 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 1. Showmax Unveils Yoruba Fantasy Series: Showmax is set to premiere "Between Worlds" on March 6, featuring an exciting lineup of stars, including Femi Branch and Ropo Ewenla. Fans are buzzing with anticipation for this Yoruba fantasy series that promises to be a visual masterpiece. 2. NANTAP Convention in Lagos: Lagos is gearing up to host the NANTAP Convention from February 18-22, with theater icons Joke Silva and Dede headlining the event. The convention will explore the powerful role of theater in national development, attracting the industry's best minds. 3. Timini Egbuson’s Big Move: Nollywood heartthrob Timini Egbuson is making waves with his debut as a producer in "Reel Love." The highly anticipated movie premieres at IMAX Cinemas, Lekki, promising a magical cinematic experience. 4. RMD Visits VP Shettima: Veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) recently paid a courtesy visit to Vice President Kashim Shettima, personally inviting him to the "Radio Voice" premiere in Lagos, scheduled for April 2025. Fans can't wait to see the political drama unfold on the big screen. 5. Upcoming Thriller Alert: Get ready for suspense and intrigue! "Red Circle," a gripping Nollywood thriller, is set for a global release on June 6, 2025. The movie promises to expose corruption through action-packed storytelling. 6. Box Office Smash: "Summer Rain" is dominating the box office, grossing a massive N18 million in just three days, outshining "Something About the Briggs" and "Everybody Loves Jenifa." The movie's success is a testament to Nollywood’s growing influence. 7. Nollywood’s Global Domination: Nigeria's film industry is booming, officially surpassing Hollywood in film production with over 2,500 releases annually. Nollywood continues to dominate African streaming platforms, solidifying its position as a billion-dollar industry. 8. Efa Iwara Gets Candid: In an exclusive interview, Efa Iwara, star of "Princess on a Hill," opens up about his dream roles and the challenges of being an actor in Nollywood. His candid revelations are a must-read for fans. 9. A Heartfelt Goodbye: Nollywood is in mourning following the shocking death of actress Pat Ugwu at 35. The tragic news has left colleagues and fans devastated, as they express deep grief and concern over the industry’s recent losses. From exciting premieres to heartbreaking farewells, Nollywood is buzzing with stories that captivate and inspire. Stay tuned for more updates on your favorite stars and the latest blockbusters.