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The Sharjah African Literature Festival 2025

ZODML at The Sharjah Festival of African Literature: A New Era of Cultural Collaboration

Submitted by Editor on 3 February 2025

By Russell Ndoboke & Chinaza James-Ibe

The first-ever Sharjah Festival of African Literature has set a remarkable precedent in global literary collaboration, fostering a deeper connection between Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Held from January 24 to January 27, 2025, the festival brought together celebrated writers, poets, and literary institutions, creating a space for dialogue, cultural exchange, and the promotion of reading across diverse communities. More than just a literary event, SFAL became a celebration of storytelling, heritage, and artistic expression, further solidifying Sharjah’s role as a global cultural hub.

At the heart of the festival was the discussion on "Building Institutions That Promote Reading," a conversation led by key figures in the literary world. Dr. Abdulaziz Almusallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), spoke passionately about his lifelong dedication to literature and heritage preservation. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “Since our establishment, following the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, we have focused on boosting awareness about Sharjah’s and the UAE’s heritage and local publishing.” He highlighted SIH’s growth, from a small initiative into a globally recognized institution with over 1,300 employees and four international offices. His commitment to storytelling has earned him the nickname "The Fairy Tale Man," a testament to his efforts in preserving and sharing Emirati folktales with younger generations.

The festival also showcased the work of Ifeoma Esiri, co-founder of ZODML in Nigeria, and Kenanao Phele, co-founder of the Gaborone Book Festival and Trust in Botswana. Mrs Esiri shared the inspiring story of how ZODML grew from a single initiative in 1999 into a nationwide network of 50 libraries, encouraging young Nigerians to embrace reading through innovative programs. She explained the challenges of drawing children into libraries: "Children were not coming into the library, so we started our ‘Book Talks’ series and invited young participants from schools to be involved.” The initiative, which required children to read selected books over a month and later discuss them, helped build a vibrant literary culture among Nigerian youth.

Meanwhile, Phele reflected on her experience of establishing Botswana’s first-ever book festival. “When my two sisters and I decided to start a book festival, there was nothing like it at that time in Botswana. We would have to travel to South Africa to attend book fairs and festivals,” she recalled. Determined to change that, they launched the Gaborone Book Festival, which has since expanded to include school outreach programs, book donations, and literary engagement activities in rural communities.

One of the most significant moments of the festival was the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi. The award recognized Professor Soyinka’s profound impact on African literature and his influence as a global literary figure. The festival, co-curated by Lola Shoneyin of the Book Buzz Foundation, attracted an impressive lineup of literary voices, including renowned authors like Prof. Abdulrazak Gurnah, Alain Mabanckou, Jennifer Makumbi, Petina Gappah, Nnedi Okorafor, Peter Kimani, Yvonne Owuor, Chika Unigwe, Tendai Huchu, and Wole Talabi. Their presence underscored the festival’s role in fostering meaningful discussions about African storytelling, publishing, and the translation of African works into Arabic.

Beyond its literary discussions, the Sharjah Festival was an immersive cultural experience. The festival grounds transformed into a lively, open-air celebration where visitors could enjoy live music, traditional African dance performances, and interactive art exhibitions. The sounds of Sudanese melodies, Arabic rhythms, and contemporary African beats created an atmosphere that seamlessly blended tradition with modern creativity. Families gathered in communal seating areas, surrounded by over 15 food trucks offering a variety of African and international cuisines. The festival also featured hands-on workshops where children learned about African pottery, jewellery-making, and storytelling traditions, ensuring that younger generations engaged with the richness of African heritage.

One of the standout performances of the festival was by South African opera artist Ann Masina, whose fusion of classical and contemporary sounds captivated the audience.

As the Sharjah Festival concludes its inaugural edition, it leaves behind a legacy of collaboration, inspiration, and a renewed commitment to nurturing the next generation of readers and writers. The success of this festival raises an exciting question: Could the Sharjah Festival become a permanent fixture in the global literary calendar? Given its impact, the answer seems promising. If this year’s event is any indication, the festival’s future will be filled with even greater opportunities to bridge cultures through the universal language of storytelling.