SFAL offers culinary and craft workshops

Sharjah 24: The inaugural Sharjah Festival of African Literature kicked off with a vibrant array of workshops on its first evening, offering attendees a taste of African culture through culinary and artistic experiences. This four-day event — running from January 24-27, 2025, at University City in Sharjah — is organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) under the theme “The Tale of Africa”.

Exploring Nigeria’s culinary traditions with Wana Udobang

Nigerian multi-talented artist Wana Udobang, known for her work as a writer, poet, journalist, and filmmaker, led an engaging culinary workshop in the festival’s ‘Cookery Corner’ showcasing two iconic Nigerian dishes; Lamb Pepper Soup and Jollof Rice. Udobang, a passionate foodie, guided participants through the preparation of these flavorful dishes. The Lamb Pepper Soup, a spicy and aromatic broth, was crafted by simmering tender lamb chunks with a blend of African spices and peppers.

For the Jollof Rice, Udobang demonstrated the art of cooking rice in a rich tomato-based sauce, infused with various spices, onion, and peppers, including a scotch bonnet pepper, creating the dish's signature orange hue and distinctive flavor. Reassuring the crowd, Udobang said, “Don't worry about the heat - the sweet peppers, tomato and onions in the Jollof rice will beautifully balance out the scotch bonnet’s fire. It's all about creating harmony on the plate!”

Queen Ede's beaded jewellery workshop for children

In the dedicated workshop area, Queen Ede, the Creative Director and Founder of Land of Ede, hosted a captivating beaded jewellery workshop for children aged 6-12. Ede, a Nigerian designer and member of the Dubai Design and Fashion Council, shared her expertise in African beadwork. “Every bead tells a story, and today, we will let you all become storytellers through African craftsmanship,” Ede noted. The young participants were taught how to design and create bracelets and necklaces using an array of colorful African beads, allowing them to explore their creativity while learning about traditional African craftsmanship.

These lively experiences provided immersive entertainment for attendees while serving as a bridge between cultures, allowing the public to immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Africa through food and art. The interactive nature of these sessions perfectly aligned with the festival's aim of fostering cultural dialogue and exchange between the Arab world and Africa.