Sharjah set for double celebration of African and Emirati literature

Two new events take place in the emirate later this month

Nobel laureate for literature Abdulrazak Gurnah is coming to Sharjah. Ruel Pableo for The National

The dynamism of African and Emirati literature will be celebrated at two new festivals in Sharjah this year.

The inaugural Sharjah Festival of African Literature, being held from January 24 to 27 at University City of Sharjah district and organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, will host two Nobel laureates – Nigeria's Wole Soyinka and Tanzanian-British novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah – for discussions about their work and those from the continent.

Joining them is Kenyan author Mara Menzies and Nigeria's Wole Talabi, the latter best known for the science fiction novel Brass Head of Obalufon. Wendy Njoroge, co-founder of Kenyan publishing house Soma Nami Books and Nigerian literary advocate Ifeoma Esiri will also be in attendance.

The festival will also honour authors including Nigerian poet and performer Deborah Johnson, whose work is focused on sociopolitical issues of her homeland. The career of Kenya's Yvonne Owuor will also be highlighted for her rich and compelling historical novels.

The festival will feature musical performances from South African soprano Ann McKayzie, as well as Nigerian musicians Ade Bantu and Maryam Bukar Hassan. All sessions are open to the public, with timings to be revealed soon.

A more local perspective will be the focus of Sharjah Literature Festival, which takes place from January 17 to 21 at the same venue, University City of Sharjah. Organised by the Emirates Publishers Association, it will bring together authors and publishers to explore the growth of the Emirati publishing industry and literature. Authors and the programme will be revealed soon, but organisers say the festival will hold cultural discussions and workshops on calligraphy, storytelling and visual arts.

“We are delighted to announce the launch of the first Sharjah Literature Festival, which marks a significant addition to the cultural and intellectual landscape of Sharjah and the UAE,” said Rashid Al Kous, executive director of the Emirates Publishers Association.

“The festival focuses on supporting and developing the publishing sector in the UAE by providing a platform for Emirati publishers to showcase their works and connect with a wider audience.”