At Sharjah, African writers deepen connection with Arabs

• Wole Soyinka honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award It was the beginning of another adventure last weekend, as the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirate (UAE) opened itself for a four-day literary excursus. The emirate hosted the inaugural Sharjah Festival of African Literature. Themed, The Tale of Africa, it was organised by Sharjah Book Authority.

The debut edition, which held from January 24 to 27, 2025 at the University City Hall, Sharjah, welcomed over 20 African authors and novelists to strengthen cultural exchange between Africa and the Arab world, as well as, provide a platform to celebrate Africa’s literary heritage and foster dialogue among writers, intellectuals, artists and audiences. This landmark event was co-curated by Book Buzz Foundation founder and director, Lola Shoneyin, a prominent literary figure renowned for curating the Ake Arts and Book Festival and the Kaduna Book and Arts Festival (KabaFest). The venerable writer and Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award at the event.



The award was conferred by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, recognising Soyinka’s extraordinary contributions to African literature and his impact as a global literary icon. The festival brought together a stellar lineup of African literary voices, alongside Emirati authors who represent the literary renaissance in the UAE. The list includes Chairman of Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Dr.

Abdulaziz Almusallam; a literary critic, Dr. Mariam Alhashmi and writer Salha Obaid. They joined poet and writer Shaikha Al Mutairi, Ali Al Abdan, poet and media personality, Mohammed Al-Habsi and writer Eman Alyousuf.

The Nigerian lawyer and literacy advocate Ifeoma Esiri, celebrated for founding ZODML libraries to make knowledge accessible to underprivileged communities; Nigerian novelist Chika Unigwe, whose work has been translated into numerous languages and explore human relationships and women’s issues, further enriched the event’s intellectual offerings. Nigerian-American Nnedi Okorafor, whose works have earned a place on The New York Times bestseller list and garnered prestigious accolades such as the Hugo and Nebula Awards—as well as the Wole Soyinka Prize for African Literature for her debut novel — Zahrah the Windseeker—participated in the event. Ugandan novelist Jennifer Makumbi, famed for her critically acclaimed work, The First Woman, which won the Jhalak Prize and was shortlisted for global awards, and Nigerian poet and artist Wana Udobang, whose multidisciplinary work explores themes of identity and empowerment were equally around.

Highlighting the festival’s diverse appeal, Kenyan storyteller Mara Menzies captivated audiences with her blend of traditional oral storytelling and contemporary theatre. Menzies won the Stage Award for Excellence at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2022 and was at Kabafest 2018. The festival also showcased leading African literary figures, including Nigerian engineer and author, Wole Talabi, whose novel, Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon, has been recognised as one of the top 10 works of science fiction.

Kenyan publisher Wendy Njoroge, co-founder of Soma Nami Books, joined the lineup. She is celebrated for her initiatives to promote African literature. Nigerian creator, Abdulkareem Baba Aminu, celebrated for his graphic novels and contributions to Afrofuturism—with works extending into journalism and television—represented a bold and innovative voice in African literature.

Adding further depth to the festival was Nigerian poet and psychiatrist Dami Ajayi, whose works such as A Woman’s Body Is a Country explores themes of identity and humanity. Joining him was Ghanaian author Cheryl Ntumy, who has excelled in speculative fiction, with her writings featured in prestigious literary journals worldwide. Nigerian novelist Nnamdi Ehirim added to the event’s depth with his politically charged works that tackle coming-of-age themes and identity in complex contexts.

Kenyan author and literary critic Peter Kimani added another highlight to the festival, celebrated for his novel, Dance of the Jakaranda, named one of The New York Times’ notable books of 2017. From Botswana, Kenanao Phele, co-founder of the Gaborone Book Festival, brings her insights into the literary scene of Southern Africa. Adding an artistic and cultural dimension to the festival, South African soprano Ann Mckayzie’s evocative performances promise to resonate with attendees, having excelled in global artistic productions.

Nigerian filmmaker and music producer Ade Bantu, leader of the renowned band BANTU, brings vibrant energy with his creative initiatives. Maryam Bukar Hassan, an internationally acclaimed performance poet known as ‘Islamic Melodies’, champions African creative culture and youth empowerment, particularly among young women, through her work. Commenting on the festival, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said: “SFAL reflects our unwavering commitment, under the leadership and directives of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the SBA, to opening new literary horizons and redefining the map of global cultural engagements by highlighting the literature of African nations, deeply rooted in humanity’s collective memory.

The festival serves as an invaluable cultural platform, honouring African literature and uncovering its treasures and influence, and establishes a foundation for a global cultural dialogue that extends across continents.” He added: “The festival nurtures the exchange of expertise among writers, publishers, researchers, and audiences. Focusing on African literature and its pioneers, alongside the aesthetics of African culture, traditions, and arts, creates an opportunity to foster innovative critical studies and enhance the understanding of its historical and artistic implications.

SFAL does not only augment the repository of knowledge on African literature but also sets the stage for a new model of cultural relations that goes beyond the recognition of Africa’s creative legacy to celebrating and appreciating it.”.