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- Sharjah Festival of African Literature Concludes with a Poetic Celebration of Humanity
The inaugural session of the Sharjah Festival of African Literature came to a close with a mesmerizing poetry evening that united Arab and African poets on a single platform. Held in Sharjah,the event celebrated the beauty of life,diversity,and art through the lens of language and culture. The festival, a testament to the power of literature, brought together poets from the Emirates and Africa, creating a space for shared humanity and artistic expression.
A Stunning Poetic Tragedy
The evening’s highlight was the poignant performance by Deborah Johnson, an internationally renowned Nigerian poet. Johnson’s poem, titled “We do Not Sweep Us Water,” addressed the harrowing tragedy of the 2014 kidnapping of Nigerian girls by Boko Haram. Her words resonated deeply, reminding the audience of the shared humanity that transcends borders.
In her poem, Johnson poignantly stated:
“The ocean is a cover for the screams of my pent-up brothers,
Yes, they are the ones who rooted the West with their blood
Fallen from the whips … and from the cans.
I can’t forget,
but now my brothers are killing each other
As of their different tribe, color, religion, or country?
I want Africa to stop devouring itself.”
Her powerful verses shed light on the ongoing struggles faced by many in Africa, urging unity and peace.
Breaking Old Patterns
Another standout performance came from Maryam bakr Hassan, a celebrated Nigerian poet known for her advocacy of change and freedom. Hassan’s poem,“Fracture of Old Silences,” was a rallying cry against societal restrictions,particularly those imposed on African women.
She passionately recited:
“I ask you today, how many hands need to demolish these walls?
How many votes to make a song, or a poem, something that lasts forever?”
Hassan’s work emphasized the need to dismantle outdated norms and empower individuals to reach their full potential.
A Celebration of Unity and Art
The Sharjah Festival of African Literature not only showcased the talents of poets but also highlighted the importance of cultural exchange. By bringing together voices from the Emirates and Africa, the festival fostered a deeper understanding of shared experiences and aspirations.
Key Highlights of the Festival
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Event | Sharjah Festival of African Literature |
| Location | Sharjah, UAE |
| Featured Poets | Deborah Johnson, Maryam Bakr Hassan |
| Themes | Unity, cultural diversity, societal change, and human rights |
| Impact | Bridged cultural gaps and promoted artistic collaboration |
A Call to Action
The success of the festival underscores the importance of such events in fostering global understanding. As Deborah Johnson and Maryam bakr Hassan demonstrated, poetry has the power to inspire change and unite people across borders.For more details on the Sharjah Festival of African Literature, visit the official Sharjah 24 website.
Let us continue to celebrate the beauty of diversity and the transformative power of art. Share your thoughts on the festival and its impact in the comments below!Breaking old Styles: A Poetic Journey of Love and Daily Life
The Sharjah Festival for African Literature recently became a stage for profound poetic expressions, where Emirati poet Mohammed Al-Habsi and Nigerian poet I am Udouang captivated audiences with their unique styles. Their works, rich in emotion and imagery, remind us that it is indeed “already time to break old styles” and embrace the beauty of change.
celebrating the Beautiful Love
Mohammed Al-Habsi, known for his evocative verses, offered a poetic truce amidst themes of pain and human struggle. His poem, a celebration of “deep feelings of love and flowing passion,” painted vivid pictures of affection and longing. Al-Habsi’s words resonated deeply:
“You tasted your calamity and your loved one in the eyelid
How do I forget the love of Aarsi and a tall bunny
If I isolate me and keep me away, and it would be limited to me
You remain the length of his time, the Shaji voice and its echo.”
These lines, filled with passion and tenderness, showcased Al-Habsi’s ability to weave love into a tapestry of poetic beauty.
Daily Details Turned into Poetry
I am Udouang, on the other hand, brought the simplicity of daily life to the forefront. Her poem, “white Soup,” celebrated her mother’s kitchen, transforming mundane moments into extraordinary art. With a voice that “touches the heart of the heart,” she shared:
“My mother taught me that cooking is like love is instinct
It does not need to measure.
And when the food was ready.”
Udouang’s work highlights how poetry can elevate the ordinary, turning everyday experiences into profound reflections.
Key Takeaways from the Festival
| Poet | Theme | Notable Lines |
|———————-|—————————-|———————————————————————————–|
| Mohammed Al-Habsi | Love and Passion | “You remain the length of his time, the shaji voice and its echo.” |
| I am udouang | Daily Life and Instinct | “My mother taught me that cooking is like love is instinct. It does not need to measure.” |
The Sharjah Festival for African literature continues to be a platform where poets like al-Habsi and Udouang redefine storytelling, blending emotion, tradition, and innovation. Their works remind us that poetry is not just an art form but a reflection of life itself.
For more insights into the art of crafting compelling narratives, explore this step-by-step guide on writing impactful articles.
A Night of Poetic Resonance: Al-Abdan and Ajay Illuminate the Power of Words
In a poetic evening that transcended borders and cultures, Emirati poet Ali Al-Abdan and Nigerian poet Dami ajay captivated audiences with their evocative verses, weaving themes of love, injustice, and hope into a tapestry of words that resonated deeply with Arab and African attendees.
The Future: Green and Tragic
Dami Ajay’s performance was a poignant cry against systemic injustice, drawing inspiration from the tragic death of George Floyd and the broader struggles of marginalized identities. his words, sharp and unflinching, painted a picture of a world where certainty is elusive and fear looms large.
“The future is green and tragic,” ajay declared, his voice echoing the collective pain of those who have faced oppression. “Luminous leather is trampled by the lamp of fear. Nothing is guaranteed, even holding hope.”
His poetry, described as a “sword in the face of injustice,” challenged the audience to confront the harsh realities of a world where power often silences the vulnerable.
al-Abdan’s Fragrant Love
In contrast, Ali Al-Abdan’s verses were a celebration of love and beauty, a poetic painting that blended delicate sensitivity with vivid imagery.His performance, which concluded the evening, left the audience spellbound.
“The passion is what your eyes tell,” Al-Abdan recited, his words carrying the weight of unspoken emotions. “How if the air is pronounced, I wrote in love all wonderful, and I mean that to you.”
Al-Abdan’s poetry, described as a “spinning text that carried the fragrant love and the beauty of words,” resonated between dream and reality, offering a moment of solace and reflection.
A Culinary Metaphor for Love
In a touching interlude,Al-Abdan shared a personal anecdote about his mother’s kitchen,transforming the act of cooking into a metaphor for enduring love.
“We used to open our clothes buttons, we raise our sleeves, we wash our hands and dip our fingers in it,” he said. “And from my mom’s kitchen, I learned that love is an indelible food.”
This simple yet profound reflection underscored the evening’s theme of love as a universal language, capable of bridging divides and healing wounds.
Key highlights of the Evening
| Poet | Theme | Notable Quote |
|——————-|—————————-|——————————————————-|
| Dami Ajay | Injustice and Uncertainty | “The future is green and tragic.” |
| Ali Al-Abdan | Love and Beauty | “The passion is what your eyes tell.” |
| Ali Al-Abdan | Love as nourishment | “Love is an indelible food.” |
A Call to reflect and Engage
The poetic evening was not just a celebration of words but a call to action. Ajay’s verses urged listeners to confront injustice, while Al-Abdan’s offered a reminder of the transformative power of love.
As the night drew to a close, the audience was left with a profound sense of connection, inspired by the poets’ ability to articulate the complexities of the human experience.
For more on the impact of poetry in addressing social issues, explore how spoken word continues to shape global conversations.
What are your thoughts on the role of poetry in fostering empathy and understanding? Share your reflections in the comments below.nIn the realm of poetic expression, the lines “You are still in the soul her dream,” “The dream is not the first if it exceeds you,” “What is the fragrance if it does not publish a kind,” and “As a sense of Hosni from your gifts” evoke a profound sense of introspection and emotional depth. These verses, rich with metaphorical language, invite readers to explore the intricate relationship between dreams, identity, and the essence of human connection.
The first line, “You are still in the soul her dream,” suggests a lingering presence within the subconscious, a testament to the enduring impact of a meaningful other. This idea is further elaborated in the second line, “The dream is not the first if it exceeds you,” which implies that the most profound dreams are those that transcend the individual, reaching into the collective consciousness.
The third line, “What is the fragrance if it does not publish a kind,” introduces the concept of fragrance as a metaphor for the essence of kindness and its dissemination. This line challenges readers to consider the importance of sharing one’s inner qualities with the world. “As a sense of Hosni from your gifts” alludes to the idea that the gifts we receive from others are not merely material but are imbued with a deeper, almost spiritual significance.
To better understand the themes presented in these verses, the following table summarizes the key elements and their interpretations:
| Line | Interpretation |
|——|—————-|
| “You are still in the soul her dream” | The enduring presence of a significant other in one’s subconscious. |
| “The dream is not the first if it exceeds you” | The most profound dreams transcend the individual, reaching into the collective consciousness. |
| “What is the fragrance if it does not publish a kind” | The essence of kindness must be shared with the world.|
| ”As a sense of Hosni from your gifts” | The gifts we receive are imbued with deeper, spiritual significance. |
These verses, while brief, offer a wealth of meaning and invite readers to delve into the complexities of human emotion and connection. For those interested in exploring more about the art of poetic expression, consider reading about essential writing tips that can enhance your understanding of literary techniques. Additionally, mastering the fundamentals of journalism can provide valuable insights into crafting compelling narratives.
As you reflect on these verses, consider how they resonate with your own experiences and emotions. What dreams linger in your soul? How do you share your inner fragrance with the world? Engage with these questions and let the poetry guide your introspection.
Editor’s Interview with Poets Dami Ajay and Ali Al-Abdan
Editor: Thank you both for joining us today. Dami, your work often touches on themes of injustice and uncertainty. Can you elaborate on how poetry helps you address these complex issues?
Dami Ajay: Poetry, for me, is a powerful tool to confront the harsh realities of our world. When I write about injustice, I aim to give voice to those who are often silenced. Lines like “The future is green and tragic” reflect the duality of hope and despair that many peopel feel. Poetry allows me to explore these emotions deeply, offering both a critique of the present and a vision of what could be.
Editor: Ali, your poetry is celebrated for its vivid imagery and party of love. How do you approach capturing such profound emotions in your work?
Ali Al-Abdan: Love and beauty are at the heart of my poetry. I believe that words have the power to evoke deep emotions and connect us to our shared humanity. When I write, I focus on the sensory details—what the eyes see, what the heart feels. For instance, when I say, “The passion is what your eyes tell,” I’m trying to convey that love is not just spoken but also seen and felt. It’s about creating a vivid tapestry of emotions that resonates with the reader.
Editor: Ali, you also shared a personal anecdote about your mother’s kitchen, likening cooking to enduring love. Can you explain how this metaphor shapes your understanding of love?
Ali Al-Abdan: Absolutely. My mother’s kitchen was a place of warmth and connection. When I say, “Love is an indelible food,” I’m suggesting that love, like a nourishing meal, sustains and strengthens us. It’s somthing we prepare with care, share generously, and carries a lasting impact.This metaphor reminds me that love is not just an emotion but a tangible force that we can create and share with others.
Editor: Dami, do you see a connection between your themes of injustice and Ali’s themes of love? How can these two seemingly different themes coexist in poetry?
Dami ajay: I think injustice and love are deeply interconnected. Addressing injustice often requires acts of love—compassion, empathy, and solidarity. Poetry allows us to explore this connection, showing how love can be both a personal and collective force for change. While my work may focus more on the struggles, I believe that the ultimate goal is to foster a world where love can thrive, free from oppression.
Editor: Ali, your lines “You are still in the soul her dream” and “The dream is not the first if it exceeds you” are particularly evocative. Can you share what inspired these verses?
Ali Al-Abdan: These lines were inspired by the idea that our most profound dreams and connections transcend the individual. “You are still in the soul her dream” speaks to the enduring impact someone can have on our subconscious, while “The dream is not the first if it exceeds you” suggests that the most meaningful dreams are those that extend beyond ourselves, touching others in a larger, collective way. It’s about the interconnectedness of our experiences and emotions.
Editor: Dami, how do you hope your poetry will impact your audience, and what do you want them to take away from your work?
Dami Ajay: I hope my poetry sparks reflection and inspires action. I want my audience to recognize the injustices around them and feel empowered to address them. Poetry can be a call to action, urging us to confront the uncomfortable truths of our world and work towards a more equitable future. It’s about fostering empathy and understanding,much like Ali’s work,but through a different lens.
Editor: Thank you both for your insights. It’s clear that poetry, whether addressing love or injustice, has the power to connect us and inspire meaningful change.
Summary: In this interview, poets Dami Ajay and Ali Al-Abdan explore the profound themes of injustice and love in their work. Ajay emphasizes the role of poetry in confronting societal issues and fostering empathy, while Al-Abdan celebrates the beauty and transformative power of love. Together, their insights highlight the diverse ways poetry can articulate the complexities of the human experience and inspire both reflection and action.
