Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The honour was bestowed on the distinguished writer at the first-ever Sharjah Festival of African Literature on 24 January 2025.
The award was conferred by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, recognizing Soyinka’s extraordinary contributions to African literature and his impact as a global literary icon.
This landmark event, which began on January 24 and will run until January 27, is co-curated by the Book Buzz Foundation, founded and directed by Lola Shoneyin, a prominent literary figure renowned for curating the Ake Arts and Book Festival and the Kaduna Book and Arts Festival.
The festival has brought together a stellar lineup of African literary voices, including Prof. Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate; Prof. Abdulrazak Gurnah, Alain Mabanckou, Jennifer Makumbi, Petina Gappah, Nnedi Okorafor, Peter Kimani, Yvonne Owuor, Chika Unigwe, Tendai Huchu, Wole Talabi.
Others include Cheryl Ntumi, Fatima Bala, Nnamdi Ehirim, Umar Abubakar Sidi, and poets Wana Udobang, Maryam Bukar Hassan, Deborah Johnson, Dami Ajayi (author and poet), Ann Masina (South African singer), and notable guests like Ifeoma Esiri, Mara Menzies, Ade Bantu, Amyn Bawa-Allah, Kenanao Phele, Wendy Njoroge, Abdulkareem Baba-Aminu, and Dr Olaokun Soyinka.
The festival reflects the UAE’s dedication to fostering global literary exchange and highlighting African stories and culture on an international stage.
The event has transformed into an immersive, open-air experience. Live music flows seamlessly alongside over 15 food trucks offering everything from African to global cuisine. Family seating areas are spread across the grounds, turning the festival ground into a vibrant carnival of flavours, sounds, and entertainment for all visitors.
Visitors are treated to a wide range of activities, from traditional African dance performances steeped in cultural heritage to workshops where children learn the art of traditional pottery. They can enjoy interactive dance, art exhibitions laced with African folklore, and cooking workshops offering a glimpse into Africa’s culinary secrets.
One of the festival’s standout performances will be by Ann Masina on Sunday, January 26, from 9 – 10 pm. The renowned artist, known for blending opera with South African rhythms, will captivate the Sharjah audience with a fusion of classical and contemporary sounds, drawing them into a musical narrative that bridges tradition and innovation.
In addition, the festival lineup is brimming with vibrant performances, including a unique blend of Sudanese melodies, Arabic tunes, and infectious African beats, all of which promise to leave a lasting impression on the audience.
These vibrant activities are part of a broader program that includes panel discussions and literary sessions featuring 29 Emirati and African authors, including Nobel laureates, who will engage in eight book discussions and three seminars.
The sessions will delve into the profound contributions of African literature and art to global culture, fostering a meaningful dialogue among writers, intellectuals, artists, and the audience alike.
The sessions will highlight the invaluable contributions of African literature and art to the global cultural landscape and facilitate networking between writers, intellectuals, artists, and audiences.
The festival’s programme features 12 creative workshops designed for children, including African storytelling stones, African Pottery, and African jewellery making.
The workshops introduce young participants to the continent’s rich traditional and artisanal arts. Additionally, reading sessions of African Folk Tales will bring Africa’s popular and folkloric heritage to life in an engaging and inspiring manner.
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