Sharjah : Alongside Arabic, English and Urdu poetry which are popular in the region, is a
growing appreciation for poetry from Africa that was in the spotlight at the 41st
Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2022) which hosted distinguished poets
from Africa on the opening night of the 12-day cultural extravaganza at Expo
Centre Sharjah.
The session ‘Poets of Africa’ brought together elite poets from Senegal and
Nigeria, who spoke about and showcased their poetry on subjects as varied as love
and beauty to duty to the homeland and its rulers.
Moderator Dr. Abdulqader Idris opened the panel by noting that the continent of
Africa has a vast list of intellectuals, thinkers, scientists and scholars, poets and
artists, and that the session would offer an excellent primer to a selection of elite
poets.
“Scholars in Africa have left an enduring legacy, as their knowledge has spread
throughout the continent and chronicled the lives and happenings of the people. A
lot of the poetry and creativity we have today is a result of that,” Dr. Idris said.
He pointed out that Arabic has become an indelible part of African poetry, and all
of the session’s poets presented their works in Arabic.
Mohammed Hadi Sali Ali Baah, from Senegal, recited his poems about love,
destiny and the captivating beauty of a woman that he compared to the land around
him. He highlighted the importance of cultivating one’s intellect: “It is vital to
accord heart and devotion to the food of the mind.”
He also praised His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi,
Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his wise deeds and actions.
For his part, poet Dr. Hamid Al Hajiry, from Nigeria, gave a passionate recitation
on Islam and praised the culture of “Intellect, devotion and compassion fostered by
Sharjah and its Ruler, carrying forward the true essence and meaning of an Islamic
civilisation.” The Nigerian poet’s poems also covered a wide range of subjects,
including science, literature, arts, culture, knowledge and civilisation.
Tayeb Mustafa Mohamed, also from Nigeria, closed the session by reciting his
poetry on life and also praising the Ruler of Sharjah for providing and nurturing
the right environment for holding an event such as the Sharjah International Book
Fair.