Marrakech is hosting from February 9 to 12 the first edition of the Marrakech African Book Festival (FLAM). The event aims to promote African literature to a wide audience and foster exchanges between writers, publishers and readers from the continent.
By the editorial staff
Read more : Culture « Africa in full » in MarrakechOrganized by the association WE ART AFRICA/NS and the participation of AAC55, with the support of many national and international partners, the 1st edition of the Marrakech African Book Festival (FLAM) will take place from February 9 to 12. FLAM, which aims to promote African literature to a wide audience and foster exchanges between writers, publishers and readers, is set to be a unique opportunity to discover Africa’s literary talents and celebrate the continent’s cultural diversity.
This initiative is led by 4 culture lovers, Mahi Binebine (Moroccan artist and writer), Fatimata Wane Sagna (France 24 journalist and founder of AAC55), Hanane Essaydi (professor of African literature in Marrakech) and Younès Ajarraï (Moroccan cultural actor).
The festival idea came from a simple discussion with my friend Mahi Binebine, » says Fatimata Wane Sagna. We realized our ignorance of literary creation on both sides of the Sahara. I, a cultural journalist, and he, a great writer and painter, recognized them, so, you can imagine the general public! «
« Discovering the different facets of African literature and exchange with renowned authors from all over Africa and its diaspora »
The FLAM 2023 will feature numerous activities for all ages and tastes. Debates, conferences, panel discussions and workshops will allow festival-goers to discover the various facets of African literature and interact with renowned authors from across Africa and its diaspora.
The festival will also host book and art exhibitions, as well as film screenings and music concerts. There will also be booths where festival-goers can purchase books and meet authors during book signings.
« About forty Arabic, French, and English-speaking authors from across Africa and its diaspora”
For the first edition of FLAM, about forty Arabic, French and English-speaking authors from all over Africa and its diaspora are expected. Among the renowned authors invited are JMG Le Clézio, Achille Mbembé, Lilian Thuram, Jennifer Richard, Ken Bugul, Makenzy Orcel, Fouad Laroui, Rodney Saint-Eloi, Louis-Philippe Dalembert, Sami Tchak, Fawzia Zouari, Mohammed Bennis, and many others.
« In Africa, in the French-speaking sub-Saharan region, culture is really the poor relation of the economy. We think that it is the last sector in which we should invest money! This is a preconceived idea and it is a pity because nothing is shared as quickly as culture. It is communication that is lacking, » Fatimata Wane Sagna says regretfully.
The Marrakech African Book Festival is in line with the major international literary festivals and aims to highlight the dynamism and creativity of African literature, while promoting cultural exchanges and encounters between different communities in Africa.
