Masaka Kids Africana take Sharjah litfest by storm

Bright smiles, rhythmic steps, and electrifying energy filled the air as the Masaka Kids Africana took centre stage at the Sharjah Festival of African Literature.

This talented group of Ugandan children captivated the audience with their signature vibrant dances and heartwarming performances, setting the celebration stage alight. Harmonising the beats of African drums with their typical joyful and fluid movement, the ensemble drew applause and cheers from a crowd of all ages.

Performing hits like One Day and Habibi, Masaka Kids Africana brought the people in the audience together, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries. Children in the audience joined their dances, while adults were equally moved by the energy of the troupe.

Founded in 2014, the Masaka Kids Africana ensemble emerged as a non-profit platform transforming the lives of children impacted by wars, famine, and disease.

Many members have lost one or both parents and found solace in music and dance.

With their motto, “Dance, Rise, and Shine,” they combine artistry with social impact, supporting children’s education and welfare while spreading joy worldwide through their performances.

VIBRANT RHYTHMS

The opening evening of the inaugural Sharjah Festival of African Literature pulsated with the vibrant rhythms of Africa as drumbeats echoed through the air, transporting attendees' imagination to the heart of the continent's lush jungles and sprawling savannas.

A troupe of performers, adorned in nature-inspired attire, roamed through the festival grounds, their movements perfectly synchronised with the pounding drums as the high-energy choreography demonstrated the pulse of African culture.

The festival's entertainment had the audience elated with a mesmerising fusion of acrobatics and juggling as bowling pins effortlessly passed between troupe members in a breathtaking dance of coordination. The show reached new heights, literally, as acrobats launched into gravity-defying leaps, showcasing feats of strength and agility that had the crowd erupting in enthusiastic applause.

This captivating spectacle, while highly entertaining, served as a celebration of African artistry and physical prowess, adding to the visual dimension of the festival's exploration of African culture and literature.

The festival, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), will continue until January 27, 2025, and is being held at University City Hall in Sharjah, running daily from 4:00pm to 10:00pm.

Performative storyteller Mara Menzies

Mara Menzies, a multi-award-winning storyteller, writer, and narrative artist, left a lasting impression at the inaugural Sharjah Festival of African Literature 2025 with her brilliant live performance.

Drawing on her unique Kenyan-Scottish heritage, Menzies has earned international acclaim for her ability to blend traditional folklore with personal perspectives, creating narratives that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.

Before beginning her performance, Menzies shared her opinion on the incredible power of storytelling. She noted that while stories in books are “captured in stone,” live storytelling is an ever-evolving art that allows for adaptability, where performers can infuse their own “spices and flavours,” making each telling of a story unique.

The tale of 'Washu and the forbidden meat'

The centrepiece of Menzies’ performance was her tale, “Washu and the Forbidden Meat,” inspired by Kenyan folklore. The story delved into the life of Washu, a courageous and curious woman living in a community bound by the age-old taboo that forbids women from eating meat.

While the origins of this custom remain shrouded in mystery, Washu, driven by curiosity and defiance, secretly tastes the forbidden food, leading to a dramatic confrontation with her community and her husband, Kamau, a respected elder.

Through the story of Washu, Menzies highlighted themes of traditions and the ripple effects of societal challenges. The tale resulted in a vivid and thought-provoking exploration of culture and tradition, blending humour and emotion through her talent of storytelling.

Interactive storytelling at its finest

What made Menzies’ performance truly unforgettable was her innovative and interactive storytelling approach. From the start, she involved the audience by teaching them a call-and-response phrase in Swahili: “Hadithi! Hadithi!” (Story! Story!), to which they enthusiastically replied, “Hadithi Njoo!” (Story come!).

Menzies spontaneously invited members of the audience onto the stage to play key characters in her story. This unexpected participation added a layer of humour and excitement, turning the performance into a shared experience. Among the participants was Nobel Prize-winning author Abdulrazak Gurnah, who delighted the audience with his impromptu role in the unfolding narrative.