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Aliyu Mustapha Lawal, a Lecturer of African Languages and Translation at The Africa Institute, was invited to participate in a cultural discussion and share his poetic renditions at the Culture Cafe during the Sharjah International Book Fair on November 3, 2022. He was joined by Emirati poet and academic, Dr. Aisha Al Shamsi, and the session was moderated by Amal Al Mashayek.

Themed “Spread the Word,” the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is the region’s largest celebration of books, reading, culture, and creativity. It marked its 41st annual edition with over 125 authors, intellectuals, and experts from 57 countries.

“I’m delighted to take part in the poetic event of the Sharjah International Book Fair. It has been an amazing experience to share my poems at this international event, where people from diverse regions showcase their unique talents and skills,” said Lawal. He has previously participated in various competitions and festivals of Arabic poetry, including “The Competition of Prince of Poet” in Abu Dhabi 2021, “Sharjah Poetic Festival” in Sharjah 2019, and “Luxor Poetic Festival” in Egypt 2016.

Lawal recited six poems, each warmly received by the audience. His poems, titled ‘Discovering the lost image,’ ‘Rainfall in the heart of the orchard,’ ‘Mirage chasers,’ ‘Make the water flow,’ ‘The lifetime error,’ and ‘Praying in the chamber,’ revolved around themes of nature, self-reflection, dreams, and aspirations.

His closing poem, titled ‘In the Land of The Africa Institute,’ paid tribute to the establishment of The Africa Institute in the emirate of Sharjah, commending the emirate’s leadership, vision, and strong support for promoting Africa and the African diaspora in the region.

“I am grateful to SIBF for this wonderful invitation. It has been a great opportunity to broaden my horizons and foster knowledge sharing through the power of the written word. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to The Africa Institute for supporting me at every step of my journey,” added Professor Lawal.

“The annual Sharjah International Book Fair is a manifestation of Sharjah’s cultural project, bringing together thousands of publishers, hundreds of writers and creators, and millions of books in different languages under one big roof. This is a source of great pride for us and the fruit of a seed planted and nurtured by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, more than 41 years ago,” said Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of Sharjah Book Authority, according to WAM.

Aliyu Mustapha Lawal, a Lecturer of African Languages and Translation at The Africa Institute, was invited to participate in a cultural discussion and share his poetic renditions at the Culture Cafe during the Sharjah International Book Fair on November 3, 2022. He was joined by Emirati poet and academic, Dr. Aisha Al Shamsi, and the session was moderated by Amal Al Mashayek.

Aliyu Mustapha Lawal, a Lecturer of African Languages and Translation at The Africa Institute, was invited to participate in a cultural discussion and share his poetic renditions at the Culture Cafe during the Sharjah International Book Fair on November 3, 2022. He was joined by Emirati poet and academic, Dr. Aisha Al Shamsi, and the session was moderated by Amal Al Mashayek.

Themed “Spread the Word,” the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is the region’s largest celebration of books, reading, culture, and creativity. It marked its 41st annual edition with over 125 authors, intellectuals, and experts from 57 countries.

“I’m delighted to take part in the poetic event of the Sharjah International Book Fair. It has been an amazing experience to share my poems at this international event, where people from diverse regions showcase their unique talents and skills,” said Lawal. He has previously participated in various competitions and festivals of Arabic poetry, including “The Competition of Prince of Poet” in Abu Dhabi 2021, “Sharjah Poetic Festival” in Sharjah 2019, and “Luxor Poetic Festival” in Egypt 2016.

Lawal recited six poems, each warmly received by the audience. His poems, titled ‘Discovering the lost image,’ ‘Rainfall in the heart of the orchard,’ ‘Mirage chasers,’ ‘Make the water flow,’ ‘The lifetime error,’ and ‘Praying in the chamber,’ revolved around themes of nature, self-reflection, dreams, and aspirations.

His closing poem, titled ‘In the Land of The Africa Institute,’ paid tribute to the establishment of The Africa Institute in the emirate of Sharjah, commending the emirate’s leadership, vision, and strong support for promoting Africa and the African diaspora in the region.

“I am grateful to SIBF for this wonderful invitation. It has been a great opportunity to broaden my horizons and foster knowledge sharing through the power of the written word. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to The Africa Institute for supporting me at every step of my journey,” added Professor Lawal.

“The annual Sharjah International Book Fair is a manifestation of Sharjah’s cultural project, bringing together thousands of publishers, hundreds of writers and creators, and millions of books in different languages under one big roof. This is a source of great pride for us and the fruit of a seed planted and nurtured by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, more than 41 years ago,” said Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of Sharjah Book Authority, according to WAM.

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