Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the directives of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the Sharjah Festival of African Literature (SFAL) is set to debut tomorrow (Friday) at University City in Sharjah. Running from 24 to 27 January under the theme “The Tale of Africa,” the event seeks to promote cultural exchange between Africa and the Arab world, serve as a platform for fostering dialogue between diverse cultures worldwide, bolstering Sharjah’s status as a global cultural hub.

 

Diverse agenda

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.

 

12 children’s workshops exploring African folklore

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.

 

Showcasing African cuisine

For food lovers and culinary enthusiasts, the festival offers four live cooking sessions led by bestselling cookbook authors and celebrated chefs. Chef Lillian Elidah and Nigerian culinary stars Wana Udobang and Ozoz Sokoh will headline the activities, showcasing the richness and techniques of African cuisine to festival attendees.

 

Musical performances

The festival’s music programme features concerts celebrating traditional African rhythms, giving visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the soul of the continent’s music. Highlights include a musical dialogue blending Sudanese melodies, African beats, and Arabic tunes, as well as a standout performance on the third day by Ann Masina, renowned for her fusion of opera and South African rhythms.

 

Daily interactive performances

Roaming performances will set a lively tone at the start and end of each day, adding to the festival’s festive atmosphere. Visitors can also explore an art exhibition, engage with interactive art platforms, and enjoy offerings from food trucks, creating a vibrant cultural and entertainment experience that fosters dialogue between the Arab world and Africa.