Mgunda is among 10 authors who have been shortlisted for Africa’s top short story award.

The competition has given an opportunity to the writers in which they are going to compete in three categories namely flash fiction, poetry and children’s literature.

According to Mgunda, being shortlisted for the annual continental awards organised by the African Writers Development Trust is a big motivation for him to revive his writing because he was an active a short story writer but lacked passion later on.

“This recognition has ignited my passion and provide me a platform where I can share my longer short stories,” he said.

Mgunda added that he came up with the story because he wanted to expose how some cultural practices in Malawi are disadvantaging young girls ,in the process making them prone to unwanted pregnancies and contracting HIV.

“I grew up in a society where this was being practised. I drew my inspiration from observing such experiences,” he reminisced.

He further said the story bodes well with the 2018’s theme of the competition which is looking for new voices and narratives in fighting for the girl child.

Mgunda is competing against other works from countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

A Dance In The Dark short story talks about a girl who falls pregnant after sleeping with a man during some night dance and the man responsible cannot be traced.

The winners will be announced during the 2018 African Writers Dinner/Awards which will be held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, Nigeria.