SIBF Poetry Nights to offer multilingual fusion of verse, melody

Bringing together an exceptional array of poets from the UAE and beyond, ‘Poetry Nights’ will feature performances in six languages: Arabic, English, Urdu, Punjabi, Malayalam, and Tagalog. Accompanied by live music, these recitals will celebrate literary traditions from diverse regions, including the USA, Pakistan, India, the Philippines, and South Africa, creating a powerful fusion of words and melodies that transcend cultural borders.

An evening of English poetry with Rupi Kaur
On Friday, November 8, from 8:00 pm, Canadian poet Rupi Kaur, celebrated for her candid exploration of love, trauma, and healing, will take the stage. Known for selling over 12 million copies of her work, translated into more than 40 languages, Kaur’s debut at SIBF 2024, accompanied by music, will set the tone for the rest of the 12-day cultural festival. A book signing will follow the performance.

Celebrating Punjabi poetry
The spotlight shifts to Punjabi literature on Saturday, November 9, at 7:30 pm, when poets Ahmed Saeed and Khalid Masood Khan will perform. Khan, author of ‘Zamistan Ki Barish’ and revered for his blend of humorous and socially impactful Punjabi poetry, alongside Saeed, whose heartfelt verses capture the spirit of rural life, will take the audience on a unique cultural journey, blending sweet words with gentle melodies.

A Journey Through Filipino Words and Melodies
Filipino poet Ester Vargas Castillo will take the audience on a literary journey in Tagalog on Sunday, November 10, at 1:00 pm. The audience will have a rare opportunity to explore the fusion of literature, art, and culture. Ester, also a singer, is known for her work, ‘Biriterang Makata: Diva Poet,’ which has become a symbol of hope and inspiration for overseas Filipino workers.

A night of English poetry
Later that evening, at 7:00 pm, South African poet Iain Thomas will share his unique perspectives on life with their prose. The following day, November 11, at 7:00 pm, Pakistani-American poet Hinnah Mian will captivate the audience with expressive poems in English, accompanied by music. Sumaya Enyegue will mark her debut on Tuesday, November 12, at 6:00 pm. Thomas is a multiple-award-winning poet, while Hinnah Mian’s latest book, To Build a Home, won a silver medal in the Readers’ Favourite Awards. Enyegue, a medical doctor and poet, will share poems from her collection Heavy is the Head, reflecting her personal journey in life.

The voices of Arabic poetry
Renowned Egyptian poet Hisham Algakh will headline on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 pm, with a selection of his popular poems in Egyptian colloquial Arabic. El-Gakh is considered one of the most influential contemporary Arab poets, with millions of followers on social media and over 100 million views of his poetry online. He has performed in numerous countries and won several awards, making him a highly impactful figure in the cultural landscape.

On Saturday, November 9, at 7:15 pm, poets Dr. Mishaal Al-Zuabi from Kuwait, Syrian Ebaa Al-Khatib, and Tunisian Adam Fathi will present their unique literary styles in classical Arabic. Al-Zuabi has published various poetry collections, while Al-Khatib is known for her acclaimed children’s plays and poetic works. Adam Fathi, chosen as Poet of the Year 2023 by ALECSO, has had his poetry sung by famous artists such as Lotfi Bouchnak and Marcel Khalife.

Malayalam and Urdu poetry
On Saturday, November 16, at 6:30 pm, Indian poet Rafeeq Ahammed will perform his Malayalam poetry, followed by Pakistani poet Wasi Shah at 9:30 pm with his romantic Urdu verses. Both sessions celebrate the richness of their respective literary traditions. Rafeeq Ahamed is renowned in Malayalam literature and cinema, while Wasi Shah is famed for his touching and passionate Urdu poetry. A book signing session for both poets will follow their performances.