Sharjah Festival of African Literature begins with gusto

The Sharjah Festival of African Literature (SFAL) kicked off today (Friday) to the rhythms of African drumbeats echoing in the open space at University City Hall in Sharjah, setting the stage for a weekend celebration that’s as much about culture as it is about community.

The event has transformed into an immersive, open-air experience. Live music flows seamlessly alongside over 15 food trucks offering everything from African to global cuisine. Family seating areas are spread across the grounds, turning the festival ground into a vibrant carnival of flavours, sounds, and entertainment for all visitors.

Visitors are treated to a wide range of activities, from traditional African dance performances steeped in cultural heritage to workshops where children learn the art of traditional pottery. They can enjoy interactive dance, art exhibitions laced with African folklore, and cooking workshops offering a glimpse into Africa’s culinary secrets.

African arts in Sharjah

One of the festival's standout performances will be by Ann Masina on Sunday, January 26, from 9 - 10pm. The renowned artist, known for blending opera with South African rhythms, will captivate the Sharjah audience with a fusion of classical and contemporary sounds, drawing them into a musical narrative that bridges tradition and innovation. In addition, the festival lineup is brimming with vibrant performances, including a unique blend of Sudanese melodies, Arabic tunes, and infectious African beats, all of which promise to leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Roaming performances and African flavours

The festival's lively atmosphere is further enhanced by roaming performances, taking place twice daily from 5:15pm to 5:30pm and from 9:45pm to 10:00pm, in addition to a special performance on the main stage on Sunday, January 26, at 8:30 - 9pm.

One of the most anticipated acts is the "Masaka Kids Africana," a group of gifted Ugandan children who bring their dynamic energy to the stage, performing high-energy African dances to the beats of traditional drumming.

For those with a taste for adventure, the festival also offers four live cooking shows led by celebrated chefs such as Chef Lillian Elidah, who will take attendees on a culinary journey alongside Nigerian chefs Wana Udobang and Ozoz Sokoh, showcasing the diversity and richness of African cuisine.

Children narrate African tales through art

The experience is equally engaging for younger festival-goers. Children can participate in 12 workshops to create colourful African tales on stones, shape pottery using traditional techniques, or craft jewellery based on African designs. In addition, storytelling sessions will introduce young minds to captivating folk tales filled with legendary heroes and wise figures, sparking curiosity and opening a gateway to learning through play.

These vibrant activities are part of a broader program that includes panel discussions and literary sessions featuring 29 Emirati and African authors, including Nobel laureates, who will engage in eight book discussions and three seminars. The sessions will delve into the profound contributions of African literature and art to global culture, fostering a meaningful dialogue among writers, intellectuals, artists, and the audience alike.

Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the festival brings together 29 Emirati and African authors, including Nobel laureates Abdulrazak Gurnah and Wole Soyinka, across eight book discussions and three seminars.

The sessions will highlight the invaluable contributions of African literature and art to the global cultural landscape and facilitate networking between writers, intellectuals, artists, and audiences.

The festival’s programme features 12 creative workshops designed for children, including African storytelling stones, African Pottery, and African jewellery making.

The workshops introduce young participants to the continent’s rich traditional and artisanal arts. Additionally, reading sessions of African Folk Tales will bring Africa’s popular and folkloric heritage to life in an engaging and inspiring manner.

A recent report says the 21st Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival, scheduled to run from 6th to 12th January, featuresg over 70 poets, literary critics, and media personalities from across the Arab world and several African nations.

Beyond the poetry readings, the festival will feature book signings for collections by various poets and unveil 12 new names celebrated for their contributions to the “Golden Qawafi Award” in its third edition. These poets have been contributors to “Qawafi” magazine over its 12 editions for 2024.