Sharjah: The second edition of the Sharjah Festival of African Literature (SFAL), organized by the Sharjah Book Authority, commences tomorrow under the theme 'The African Way'.
According to Emirates News Agency, the festival, running from January 14th to 18th at Sharjah University City, will gather 20 African writers and 9 Emirati authors. The event aims to celebrate African literature, explore its narrative transformations and contemporary trends, and foster cultural and knowledge exchange between Africa and the Arab world.
The festival features a comprehensive programme with 20 panel discussions, five poetry evenings, 20 workshops for children, and 10 live cookery sessions. These activities offer audiences an opportunity to engage with African culture across various dimensions. Following the success of its inaugural edition, which attracted over 10,000 visitors and hosted eminent African and Emirati writers, the festival continues to enhance its role as a platform for African literature within the Arab cultural landscape.
This year's edition highlights literary experiences from Zanzibar, Ethiopia, and South Africa, focusing on their dynamic literary scenes and rich cultural diversity. Through panel discussions, book signings, and interactive sessions, participants can explore African literary traditions and engage with themes of identity, memory, and history.
The festival's Emirati participants include Dr Sultan Al Amimi, Ameera Bukdra, Fahad Al Memari, and others, who will engage in discussions with African authors. The event also hosts notable African literary figures such as Lemn Sissay, Tsitsi Dangarembga, and Sefi Atta. The daily programme includes Poetry Readings and artistic performances, creating an immersive cultural experience. Live cookery sessions will showcase culinary arts and storytelling.
The Sharjah Book Authority is also organizing an outreach programme to engage with UAE universities and schools. The festival's educational impact is furthered through lectures, workshops, and discussions with students. Children and young adults are central to the festival's activities, with workshops designed to introduce them to African culture.
The festival includes spaces for publishers, bookstands, an art exhibition, and a cultural market. Cross-cultural craft dialogue is promoted through traditional Emirati and African crafts. This integrated programme aligns with the Sharjah Book Authority's vision of establishing Sharjah as a global centre for dialogue in heritage, culture, literature, and knowledge.
