SBA

Sharjah Festival of African Literature

The Sharjah Festival of African Literature (SFAL) is set to celebrate the expansive literary and cultural heritage of Africa. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, this inaugural four-day event, taking place from 24-27 January, 2025, serves as a cultural bridge between the UAE and the African continent, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the rich diversity of African storytelling, poetry, and artistic expression. Through an engaging programme of knowledge-packed discussions, interactive workshops, and immersive activities, SFAL provides a platform to forge meaningful connections, cultivate a deeper appreciation for the shared human experience, and gain a renewed understanding of the world.

Panel Discussions: The panel discussions seek to bring together African and Emirati authors, exploring commonalities in their literary history and writing culture. Each session, featuring speakers and a moderator, aims to foster lively audience engagement across diverse groups, such as readers, writers, publishers, students, and artists. These discussions provide a platform for enriching conversations, bridging cultural perspectives on African and Emirati literary writings across genres.

Book Talks: At the Festival Book Talks, audience will delve into exclusive one-on-one discussions with some prominent African authors, explore their books, covering themes, writing techniques, plot and character development, and learn about their distinctive writing styles.

Kids Workshops: The workshops aim to spotlight various areas of African culture by engaging children in a range of activities. Through these interactive sessions, participants will have the opportunity to explore and appreciate different aspects of Africa.

Activities and Highlights

Culinary Corner
Features a dynamic culinary experience with:
• Live cooking stations, where skilled chefs showcase their expertise.
• The audience can try the diverse flavors of famous African cuisine, served in an immersive setting.
• The event includes a designated area for food trucks, adding a vibrant touch to the culinary landscape.
• A scheduled cookery sessions, providing an opportunity for participants to engage in hands-on experiences and enhance their culinary skills.

African Communities in the UAE
This will bring vibrant African cultures to life through a rich showcase of traditional food, crafts, and cultural presentations. Featuring live cooking demonstrations of iconic dishes and the exhibition of authentic crafts, attendees will have the unique opportunity to experience the flavors, artistry, and cultural practices of East African regions. The event will offer a hands-on, immersive experience with food tastings, interactive craft stations, and live performances, all designed to celebrate and educate attendees on the rich traditions and cultural significance of these regions.

Art Exhibition
The exhibition showcases the rich diversity of African culture through a captivating display of artifacts, photographs, artwork, and traditional items.

Live Performances and Roaming Acts
A vibrant celebration of African culture with a diverse range of performances and displays. The audience will engage themselves in the rhythm of African beats through captivating music performances and dynamic African drum performances.

Event Logistics
Opposite University City Hall / Parking Area
4 PM – 10 PM
24 – 27 January 2025