Luanda — The Angolan writer Ondjaki was recently distinguished in Ethiopia, with "Grinzane for Africa" literary award, in category of young writer, according to a note from Angolan embassy to the east African country, that reached ANGOP Wednesday.

According to the document, in first edition of "Grinzane Cavour Literary Prize for Africa" were also awarded the Kenyan Ngugi wa Thiong'o and the Nigerian Ben Oki.

The prize was delivered on 24 October, by the Ethiopian minister of Culture and Tourism Mohamoud Dirir, in Addis Ababa. The ceremony gathered representatives of Ethiopian and international Cultural institutes and African writers.

Created in 1982, the "Grizane" awards are aimed at stimulating youths interest in literature. With the initiative, duplicated in regional versions, the prizes are also delivered in France, Spain, Cuba, Russia, Uruguay and US.

The African edition of this literary prize will be held in different country each year.

Born in Luanda in 1977, Ondjaki is interested in theatre and painting interpretations (two individual exhibitions, in Angola and Brazil).

Participated in production of documentary on Luanda city (Oxalá cresçam Pitangas, 2006), Ondjki is member of the Union of Angolan Writers and he is graduated in sociology. In 2000 he was distinguished with António Jacinto prize (Angola) due to his poetry book entitled Actu Sanguíneu. In 2005 got Sagrada Esperança and António Paulouro awards, respectively Angola and Portugal.

Ondjaki works were translated in Spain, Italy, Switzerland (French and German) and Uruguay.

The works include "O Assobiador", 2002, "Ynari. A Menina das Cinco Tranças", 2004, "Há Prendisajens com o Xão", 2002, "Quantas Madrugadas Tem a Noite, 2004, among others.

His most recently written novel entitled "AvóDezanove e o Segredo do Soviético" was published this year.