Photo from Sharjah Book Authority’s Facebook page

The first-ever Sharjah Festival of African Literature (SFAL) took place from January 24 to 27, 2025! Organized by the Sharjah Book Authority, the festival brought together an incredible lineup of over 37 African and Emirati writers and cultural icons from across the globe. Festival co-curator Lola Shoneyin, Nigerian writer, publisher, and founder of Book Buzz Foundation, used her extensive experience and impeccable taste to put together the perfect line-up of African literary events.

Held at the University City Hall in Sharjah, this four-day festival was a celebration of African literary heritage and a unique opportunity to bridge cultures, with a focus on connecting the Arab world with Africa. The theme “The Tale of Africa” set the stage for rich discussions, immersive workshops, and electrifying performances that resonated with both locals and visitors.

The festival kicked off with Book Talk sessions featuring thought-provoking conversations with some of the biggest names in literature, including Nobel laureates Wole Soyinka and Abdulrazak Gurnah. These literary giants were joined by authors from across the African continent, like Tendai Huchu from Zimbabwe, Chika Unigwe from Nigeria, and Jennifer Makumbi from Uganda. Emirati authors such as Dr. Abdulaziz Almusallam and Salha Obaid also shared their insights, creating meaningful exchanges about the power of storytelling and the shared histories of African and Middle Eastern cultures.

The festival also featured 12 interactive workshops for kids, where young visitors could try their hands at African jewelry-making, pottery, and even experience African folklore storytelling. he festival also included culinary workshops, where chefs Lillian Elidah, Ozoz Sokoh, and Wana Udobang introduced attendees to the flavors of African cuisine.

Panel discussions tackled everything from African literary traditions to the art of creating timeless characters that resonate across cultures. The “Much More Than Wakanda” session delved deep into African identity and imagination, while the “Building Institutions that Promote Reading” discussion explored how communities can encourage literacy and love for books.

Musical performances added to the festival’s cultural richness, with South African opera singer Ann Masina delivering a memorable performance combining opera with African musical traditions. Roaming performances throughout the event showcased a range of African musical styles, from Sudanese melodies to African-Arab musical fusions.

The festival wrapped up with the powerful Voices Unbound Poetry Evening, where poets from the UAE and across Africa—including Wana Udobang and Ali Al Abdan—came together to share their poetic reflections on identity and cultural experiences.

The Sharjah Festival of African Literature marked an important moment for cultural exchange, fostering deeper connections between Africa and the Arab world. The event looked like it was a blast! Check out some photos below!

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