The “Kalam Group” has concluded its participation in the second edition of the “Sharjah African Literature Festival,” an event organized by the Sharjah Book Authority at the University City in Sharjah from January 14 to 18. Under the theme “On the Footsteps of Africa,” the group showcased a unified booth that combined the offerings of Dar Kalimat and Dar Riwayat, presenting a curated selection of works that illuminate Africa through storytelling, history, fiction, and human experiences. The group also contributed to the festival’s cultural program with discussions and panels, featuring writers from both the United Arab Emirates and Africa, including Zimbabwean author and novelist Tsitsi Dangarembga, a recipient of the Sharjah Literary Appreciation Award. This initiative aimed to foster cultural exchange and strengthen literary ties between the UAE and the African continent.
Celebrating Cultural Exchange
Commenting on the group’s involvement in the festival, Ahmed Al Ali, editor-in-chief and general manager of “Kalam Group,” stated, “Participation in the Sharjah African Literature Festival was a platform for multidirectional cultural exchange, providing readers with the opportunity to engage with Africa as it writes itself, showcasing its diverse voices, rich literary works, and profound human narratives.” Al Ali emphasized the group’s commitment to creating accessible reading paths for all age groups, highlighting the African culture that celebrates identity and memory through their booth, which showcased both Dar Kalimat and Dar Riwayat’s offerings.
Showcase of Titles by Dar Kalimat
Dar Kalimat exhibited titles that open a humanitarian, environmental, and aesthetic window onto Africa for children and young adults. Among the offerings was “Dr. Wangari Maathai Plants a Forest” by author Cornelia Funke and illustrated by Eugenia Melo, a simplified and inspiring biography of Wangari Maathai. For teens, the group presented a series of novels by Lauren St. John, including “The White Giraffe,” “Saboobuna,” “The Elephant’s Tale,” along with “The Last Tiger,” “Dolphin Song,” and “Reno’s Operation.” They also highlighted the “Extraordinary Journeys” series by Ashraf Al-Khamisi, showcasing “Taimur and King Jandilo,” “Taimur and the Angel of the Seas’ Curse,” “Taimur and the Island of Busa,” and “Taimur and Sultan Barkuq.”
Literary Offerings from Dar Riwayat
The publications featured by Dar Riwayat at the festival spanned translated literature, Arabic novels, memoirs, letters, and short stories. Among the translated literary works were the trilogy from author Tsitsi Dangarembga, translated by Reem Dawood, which includes “Nervous Conditions,” “The Book of Not,” and “The Weight of Truth.” Additionally, “Riwayat” introduced “The Unforgiving Light” by Guinean-American author Yaa Gyasi, translated by Ahmad Al-Maaini.
In the realm of Arabic literature, “Riwayat” presented one of the most significant novels in modern Arabic literature by Sudanese author Tayeb Salih, titled “Season of Migration to the North,” along with two titles from Salih’s trilogy, namely “Wedding of Zin” and “Bandar Shah.” The publications also included memoirs and letters, featuring “Forgotten: A Rare Human in His Own Way” by Tayeb Salih, along with a collection of short stories, including “The Braid Ritual” by Egyptian writer Aida Mahgoub.