By Desmond Nleya
Zanzibar emerged as the cultural heartbeat of the Sharjah Festival of African Literature, dominating the opening ceremony with a vibrant and diverse showcase that celebrated African storytelling, publishing, and artistic expression.
The festival, organised by the University of Sharjah, officially opened yesterday and will run until 18 January, attracting thousands of visitors, academics, writers, publishers, storytellers, and cultural practitioners from across the African continent and the diaspora. From the moment the gates opened, Zanzibar’s presence stood out, offering a rich tapestry of oral storytelling, book publishing, authorship, visual arts, music, and cultural exhibitions that drew large crowds and enthusiastic engagement.
Zanzibar’s exhibitions reflected the island’s deep literary and cultural heritage. Traditional storytellers captivated audiences with Swahili folktales passed down through generations, while contemporary writers and publishers showcased modern African narratives that bridge history, identity, and global relevance. Book displays highlighted both classic and emerging Zanzibari and Tanzanian authors, underscoring the island’s growing influence in African literature.
Artistic performances and cultural displays further enriched the experience, blending poetry, music, and visual art to demonstrate how literature in Zanzibar extends beyond the written word into lived cultural expression. This holistic approach to storytelling reinforced the idea that African literature is not confined to books alone but is rooted in community, memory, and performance.
The event was also attended by the Tanzanian Consular, whose presence underscored Tanzania’s support for cultural diplomacy and literary exchange. The consular participation highlighted the importance of platforms such as the Sharjah Festival of African Literature in strengthening ties between Africa and the Arab world while promoting African voices on an international stage.
Beyond Zanzibar’s standout contribution, the festival brought together authors, exhibitors, publishers, and storytellers from various African countries, creating a dynamic space for dialogue, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Panel discussions, readings, and joint sessions explored themes such as identity, decolonising narratives, indigenous languages, and the future of African publishing.
The Sharjah Festival of African Literature plays a crucial role in shaping and redefining the African literary narrative. By providing a global platform for African voices, the festival challenges stereotypes, amplifies underrepresented stories, and affirms Africa as a producer of knowledge, creativity, and intellectual thought.
Importantly, the festival bridges generations—connecting elder storytellers with young writers—and links tradition with innovation. It also strengthens South–South cultural dialogue, positioning African literature within a broader global conversation.
As the festival continues until 18 January, Zanzibar’s commanding presence at the opening has already set a powerful tone—one that celebrates Africa’s literary richness and reaffirms storytelling as a vital force in preserving culture, inspiring change, and shaping the continent’s future narrative.
