African Literature Festival 2026 deepens cultural immersion

Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, the festival runs from January 14 to 18 at University City Hall Square under the theme “The African Way”. Activities are designed for different age groups and focus on participation, skill-sharing and cultural context.

Hands-on learning and knowledge exchange

Daily workshops led by African artists and cultural practitioners form a central part of the programme. Sessions include traditional Swahili weaving, introducing participants to techniques and materials used to create functional and decorative household items, and the Captain Souvenirs workshop, which uses 3D drawing to explore Zanzibar’s cultural heritage and visual storytelling.

South African curator Lukretia Booysen, founder of the Koena Art Institute, also leads a craft workshop presenting indigenous artworks by Khoe and San artists, highlighting preservation through contemporary practice.

Music, dance and cultural expression

Stage performances feature musical and dance traditions from Zanzibar, Ethiopia and South Africa, alongside Afro-pop and traditional dance shows, offering audiences a dynamic view of African cultural expression.