emirates7 - Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), officially inaugurated the inaugural Sharjah Festival of African Literature (SFAL) under the theme "The Tale of Africa."
During the opening ceremony, Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka received the prestigious Sharjah Lifetime Achievement in Literature Award from Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi and Ahmed Al Ameri, CEO of SBA. This recognition celebrated Soyinka’s transformative contributions to global literature and his steadfast advocacy for social justice. As the first African recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, Soyinka’s work masterfully blends African mythology with universal themes of freedom and equality, underscoring the power of literature to transcend boundaries and drive change.
The four-day festival brings together an array of literary luminaries, including Tanzanian author Abdulrazak Gurnah and 29 prominent figures from the UAE and 10 African countries. Its diverse programme includes eight-panel discussions, three seminars, and 12 children’s workshops. These activities celebrate African heritage through pottery, jewellery design, and storytelling through illustration.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi highlighted the festival's significance, stating, “The Sharjah Festival of African Literature is a pivotal moment in fostering human connections through cultural exchange. The deep-rooted ties between the Arab and African worlds, built over centuries, reflect a legacy of shared values and mutual influence. SFAL underscores our dedication to preserving and celebrating these connections while exploring the rich diversity of global civilizations.”
Sheikha Bodour also praised Africa’s cultural legacy as a testament to resilience and creativity, shaped by generations of contributions to humanity’s shared narrative. She emphasized the importance of embracing this heritage to unlock boundless artistic and intellectual inspiration.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, described SFAL as a platform for global cultural convergence. “The festival reflects the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi, who deeply values the role of writers in building bridges between cultures and nations. By celebrating African literature, we advance Sheikha Bodour’s initiative to spotlight global literary traditions, promoting dialogue between the Arab and African worlds.”
Co-curator Lola Shoneyin highlighted the festival's transformative potential, remarking, “SFAL provides a rare platform to uncover stories that shape our histories and unite us. Sheikha Bodour has been a true friend of Africa, and her vision for this festival bridges gaps in Arab-African collaboration. When creative minds unite, literature works its magic in ways few things can.”
Sheikha Bodour toured the festival venue, engaging with artistic displays that showcased Africa's rich cultural heritage. She participated in interactive workshops, offering hands-on experiences in traditional crafts and storytelling, particularly for children.
The festival opened with a captivating performance by the Al Multaqa Orchestra, blending Arabic musical traditions with African-inspired rhythms. An African dance troupe complemented the event with dynamic choreography and vibrant costumes, celebrating the spirit of Africa’s diverse cultures. These performances symbolized the harmony and mutual respect between the Arab and African worlds.
SFAL features an impressive line-up of literary icons, including Nigerian authors Chika Unigwe and Nnedi Okorafor, Kenyan storyteller Mara Menzies, and Zimbabwean novelist Jennifer Makumbi. The programme also includes culinary sessions led by renowned chefs such as Wana Udobang and Ozoz Sokoh, offering attendees a taste of Africa’s vibrant cuisine.
The festival showcases musical performances blending African and Arabic traditions, including a concert by South African vocalist Ann Masina. Roaming performances add a lively energy to the event, creating an atmosphere of celebration, discovery, and connection.
SFAL stands as both a celebration of literature and a testament to the transformative power of cultural exchange, inspiring unity and deepening global understanding.
During the opening ceremony, Nigerian Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka received the prestigious Sharjah Lifetime Achievement in Literature Award from Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi and Ahmed Al Ameri, CEO of SBA. This recognition celebrated Soyinka’s transformative contributions to global literature and his steadfast advocacy for social justice. As the first African recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, Soyinka’s work masterfully blends African mythology with universal themes of freedom and equality, underscoring the power of literature to transcend boundaries and drive change.
The four-day festival brings together an array of literary luminaries, including Tanzanian author Abdulrazak Gurnah and 29 prominent figures from the UAE and 10 African countries. Its diverse programme includes eight-panel discussions, three seminars, and 12 children’s workshops. These activities celebrate African heritage through pottery, jewellery design, and storytelling through illustration.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi highlighted the festival's significance, stating, “The Sharjah Festival of African Literature is a pivotal moment in fostering human connections through cultural exchange. The deep-rooted ties between the Arab and African worlds, built over centuries, reflect a legacy of shared values and mutual influence. SFAL underscores our dedication to preserving and celebrating these connections while exploring the rich diversity of global civilizations.”
Sheikha Bodour also praised Africa’s cultural legacy as a testament to resilience and creativity, shaped by generations of contributions to humanity’s shared narrative. She emphasized the importance of embracing this heritage to unlock boundless artistic and intellectual inspiration.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, described SFAL as a platform for global cultural convergence. “The festival reflects the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi, who deeply values the role of writers in building bridges between cultures and nations. By celebrating African literature, we advance Sheikha Bodour’s initiative to spotlight global literary traditions, promoting dialogue between the Arab and African worlds.”
Co-curator Lola Shoneyin highlighted the festival's transformative potential, remarking, “SFAL provides a rare platform to uncover stories that shape our histories and unite us. Sheikha Bodour has been a true friend of Africa, and her vision for this festival bridges gaps in Arab-African collaboration. When creative minds unite, literature works its magic in ways few things can.”
Sheikha Bodour toured the festival venue, engaging with artistic displays that showcased Africa's rich cultural heritage. She participated in interactive workshops, offering hands-on experiences in traditional crafts and storytelling, particularly for children.
The festival opened with a captivating performance by the Al Multaqa Orchestra, blending Arabic musical traditions with African-inspired rhythms. An African dance troupe complemented the event with dynamic choreography and vibrant costumes, celebrating the spirit of Africa’s diverse cultures. These performances symbolized the harmony and mutual respect between the Arab and African worlds.
SFAL features an impressive line-up of literary icons, including Nigerian authors Chika Unigwe and Nnedi Okorafor, Kenyan storyteller Mara Menzies, and Zimbabwean novelist Jennifer Makumbi. The programme also includes culinary sessions led by renowned chefs such as Wana Udobang and Ozoz Sokoh, offering attendees a taste of Africa’s vibrant cuisine.
The festival showcases musical performances blending African and Arabic traditions, including a concert by South African vocalist Ann Masina. Roaming performances add a lively energy to the event, creating an atmosphere of celebration, discovery, and connection.
SFAL stands as both a celebration of literature and a testament to the transformative power of cultural exchange, inspiring unity and deepening global understanding.