SFAL concludes with grand finale of poetic brilliance

Poetic Performances at the Festival

Poets from across Africa and the UAE performed powerful works, with each bringing their unique heritage, voice, and themes to the fore.

Wana Udobang, the dynamic Nigerian poet, journalist, and performer, whose work explores feminism and personal catharsis, started with Take Me Back, a nostalgic tribute to childhood antics, followed by White Soup,  a tribute to her mother's kitchen as a revolving door of flavours and a source of boundless love.

Ali Al-Abdan, the multidisciplinary artist who is also a critic, musician and researcher, graced the event with his elegant recitation in classical Fusha Arabic. Al-Abdan, known for his intellectual depth, shared three reflective poems, each meditating on themes like love, meditation, and self-reflection.

Maryam Bukar, an internationally acclaimed Nigerian poet also known as "Islamic Melodies”, delivered a moving performance of her fan-favourite work Break the Old Patterns. Her fiercely powerful voice explored the pervasive effects of patriarchy, stirring the crowd to a roar of applause as her words echoed the call for systemic reform.

Local poet Mohammed Al Habsi from the UAE brought a unique flair as he sang his poetry in poignant Emirati Arabic, on love and longing and the cyclical nature of relationships. He did not merely recite but sang them with a powerful voice that reverberated throughout the venue.

Deborah Johnson, one of Nigeria’s youngest and brightest stars, brought a theatrical energy to the stage with a mesmerising action recital that had the audience spellbound. Dami Ajayi, also hailing from Nigeria, is known for his bestselling collection A Woman’s Body is  a Country. Ajayi’s reading included pieces from his acclaimed collection Accidents and Other Accidents, offering snapshots of life's abandonments and joys.

Capping the evening was Sheikha Al-Mutairi, an Emirati poet who also served as moderator during the festival. With a burst of energy, Al-Mutairi performed her Arabic poem in hypnotic rap-style, her rapid-fire delivery leading to cheers from the audience. She brought the session to a heartfelt close by celebrating the powerful voices that emerged from both Africa and the UAE in this four-day celebration of literature.

Celebrating African Literature

Under the guiding theme ‘The Tale of Africa’, the Sharjah Festival of African Literature celebrated the continent’s arts and storytelling heritage through a rich programme.