SBA welcomes 37 Literary icons @ Sharjah Festival of African Literature
The inaugural Sharjah Festival of African Literature (SFAL) is set to shine light on the extraordinary breadth of African literature and culture. Running from January 24-27, 2025 at University City, Sharjah, the event will feature over 37 celebrated Emirati and African authors,including Nobel laureates, representing more than 10 nations. Through thought-provoking discussions and cultural exchanges, the festival aims to highlight Africa’s creative heritage and deepen its connections with the Arab world. At the heart of the festival, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), are Nobel laureates Wole Soyinka and Abdulrazak Gurnah, whose towering contributions to African and global literature resonate with audiences worldwide. Their participation underscores the festival’s commitment to celebrating the transformative power of storytelling and intellectual discourse in the African continent through discussions that delve into its depth and diversity.
The inaugural edition will bring together African writers alongside Emirati authors who represent the literary renaissance in the UAE. The list includes Dr. Abdulaziz Almusallam, Chairman of Sharjah Institute for Heritage; Dr. Mariam Alhashmi, a literary critic; and writer Salha Obaid. They will join poet and writer Shaikha Al Mutairi, Ali Al Abdan, poet and media personality Mohammed Al-Habsi, and writer Eman Alyousuf. The event also honours specialists in African literary history, such as Nigerian poet and performance artist Deborah Johnson, known for her impactful works addressing youth and community issues.
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