Spoken word artist and writer Abaka Debrah has been announced as the winner of #Merky Books’ New Writers’ Prize for his “super sharp, powerful” debut novel, Where Geezers Call Home.

The winner was selected by a judging panel comprising British musician and #Merky Books founder Stormzy, theatre critic Arifa Akbar, authors Nicola Dinan and Yomi Sode, and bookseller Zakiya Sultana. The announcement was made at a ceremony held at Waterstones Gower Street in London on 22nd March.

“Where Geezers Call Home is super sharp, powerful and for me it was genuinely impossible to put down,” Stormzy said. “Abaka’s more than just a writer – he’s an incredible storyteller through and through and what an honour it is for us to have the opportunity to publish his work.”

The winning submission is set in a world where race riots have resulted in a “divided and lawless” society. The synopsis says: “The United Nations steps in to bail out the UK and the protagonist, Xavier, is relocated to Essex where strict ‘Unity Laws’ are in place and rebellion is on the rise. Xavier must navigate life as one of the few Black members at his workplace, community, and even in his cul-de-sac. Amid growing anti-UN sentiment, the cracks in racial harmony can no longer be ignored. Who can Xavier trust, and where will he turn?”

“This is for all young Black boys who grew up wanting to be writers instead of footballers,” Debrah said. “I am excited for the opportunity to develop this quirky story, to grow as a writer and share what’s been rattling about in my head.”