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The inaugural Sharjah African Literature Festival, held in the outdoor square of the University City Hall in Sharjah, has set a new benchmark for cultural exchange and literary appreciation. Organized under the theme “The Story of Africa”, the festival brought together 29 writers from the UAE and Africa, including tanzanian author abdulrazak Gurnah, the 2021 Nobel Prize in Literature laureate.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority, emphasized the festival’s significance in her opening remarks. “The festival constitutes a unique opportunity to delve deeper into one of the richest and most diverse human civilizations,” she said. “Africa carries a long cultural heritage that tells the story of a continent that has influenced the world,from ancient civilizations to contemporary cultural movements.”
The festival’s opening ceremony was a vibrant celebration of African and Arab heritage.The Orchestra Forum presented a mesmerizing performance that blended traditional Arab melodies with African-inspired rhythms, creating a harmonious cultural experience. The band’s colorful costumes and designs reflected the diversity of African cultures, setting the tone for the event’s lively and inclusive atmosphere.
Strengthening Cultural Bridges
Sheikha Bodour highlighted the festival’s role in fostering global connections. “In an era where the world has become more interconnected,the importance of investing in cultural rapprochement is paramount,” she noted. “Our Arab nation has long embraced these ties, and the African continent has played a prominent role in these mutually influential relationships.”
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Amiri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, echoed this sentiment. “Through this festival, Sharjah establishes a new international event on the world’s agenda to discover the beauty and depth of African culture,” he said. “Literature becomes a common ground that connects the Arab world with it’s African counterpart, celebrating their diverse cultural and civilizational references.”
Honoring Literary Excellence
One of the festival’s highlights was the honoring of Nigerian novelist wole soyinka with the sharjah Award for Literary Appreciation. Soyinka, a Nobel laureate, shared insights into his creative process during a session titled “In the light of the Word”. “The spirit of the teacher is in my genes because my father was a teacher,” he said.“The most enjoyable moments for me are when I write what affects myself and others.”
Soyinka also emphasized the importance of freedom in achieving happiness.“do what you have to do with consent and pure will, and do not make it look like a duty imposed on you,” he advised.“This is the way to achieve happiness.”
A Platform for Diverse Voices
The festival’s program featured eight panel discussions, three inspiring seminars, and 12 interactive workshops for children, focusing on African heritage. Activities such as pottery,jewellery design,and storytelling workshops provided attendees with hands-on experiences of African culture.
A notable session featured Nigerian-American author Nnedi Okorafor, who discussed her latest novel, “The Death of the Writer”. “It is a completely non-category novel,” she explained. “It is not science fiction, nor a literary novel, nor a biography.It is a mixture of all.”
Key Highlights of the Festival
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Theme | “The Story of Africa” |
| Participants | 29 writers from the UAE and Africa, including Abdulrazak Gurnah |
| Activities | 8 panel discussions, 3 seminars, 12 workshops for children |
| Honoree | Wole Soyinka, awarded the Sharjah Award for Literary Appreciation |
| Opening Performance | Orchestra Forum blending Arab and African melodies |
A Call to Explore and Engage
The Sharjah African Literature Festival is more than just an event; it is a testament to the power of literature and culture in bridging divides.As Sheikha Bodour aptly put it, “The festival is a unique step towards enhancing human dialogue bridges.”
For those eager to explore the richness of African literature and culture, this festival is a must-attend. Discover more about the Sharjah Book Authority and its initiatives here.
Let this festival inspire you to delve deeper into the stories that shape our world. After all, as Wole Soyinka reminds us, the path to happiness lies in doing what you love with pure will and consent.Stay Updated with the Latest News on Google News
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Exploring the Sharjah African literature Festival: A Conversation with Key Figures
Editor: The Sharjah African Literature Festival was a remarkable event. Can you share some insights into its theme and purpose?
Guest: Absolutely! The festival’s theme was “The Story of Africa”, which aimed too celebrate and explore the richness of African heritage and literature. It served as a platform to bridge cultural divides and foster dialogue through diverse voices, including renowned authors like wole Soyinka and Abdulrazak Gurnah.
Editor: What were some of the key highlights of the festival?
Guest: The festival featured an engaging program, including eight panel discussions, three inspiring seminars, and 12 interactive workshops for children focused on African culture. Activities like pottery, jewelry design, and storytelling workshops provided hands-on experiences. A notable session was led by Nnedi okorafor, who discussed her latest novel, “The Death of the Writer”, a unique blend of genres.
Editor: Wole Soyinka was honored at the event. What message did he share with the audience?
Guest: Yes, Soyinka received the Sharjah Award for Literary Recognition. He emphasized the importance of freedom in achieving happiness, advising people to act with pure will and consent rather than viewing tasks as imposed duties. He also highlighted the interconnectedness of our actions, stating, “What affects me also affects others.”
Editor: How did the festival contribute to cultural exchange?
Guest: The festival was a testament to the power of literature and culture in fostering understanding. As Sheikha Bodour mentioned, it was “a unique step towards enhancing human dialogue bridges.” The opening performance by the orchestra Forum, blending Arab and African melodies, beautifully symbolized this cultural exchange.
Editor: For those interested in attending future festivals, what would you recommend?
Guest: I’d highly recommend exploring the initiatives of the Sharjah Book Authority and staying updated on their events. The festival is a must-attend for anyone eager to delve into the richness of African literature and culture. It’s an inspiring experience that encourages us to engage with the stories that shape our world.
Conclusion
The Sharjah African Literature Festival was a celebration of African heritage, literature, and culture. Through its diverse program and inspiring speakers, it highlighted the importance of freedom, dialogue, and cultural exchange. As Soyinka reminds us, happiness lies in acting with pure will and consent, and festivals like this inspire us to connect with the stories and traditions that unite us all.
