DIBRUGARH: African writers at the Dibrugarh International Literary Festival on Saturday, February 8, voiced their concerns over the prevailing perception that African literature is primarily about pain and struggle. They emphasised that while these elements exist, African storytelling also celebrates joy, resilience, and happiness.
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The festival, held in Assam’s Dibrugarh from February 5 to 8, brought together 200 writers, with Africa as this year’s central theme. Among them were several authors from different African nations, who actively participated in discussions across nearly 50 sessions. According to a press release, one particular session, titled "African Literature: Of Fear, Pain, Memories, and Troubled History," sparked a broader debate on how African narratives are framed.
Without taking offence, the panelists—Siphiwo Mahala, Joaquim Arena, Abdulai Sila, and Karima 2G—suggested renaming the session to reflect the joy that emerges from the struggles of Africans.
South African author Siphiwo Mahala questioned whether fear, pain, and historical trauma should define African literature. "Yes, these elements exist, but there is also joy and happiness in our literature," said the author of The House of Truth, urging a shift in perspective.
Cape Verdean writer Joaquim Arena, author of Under Our Skin, echoed the sentiment. "Africa has the earliest stories of mankind," he pointed out, expressing concern over the distortion of African oral traditions by European colonisation. He also questioned the conventional definition of literature, which prioritises written works while often overlooking oral storytelling, an integral part of African culture.
Guinea-Bissauan engineer-author Abdulai Sila stressed the need for a balanced approach to African literature. "It is important to acknowledge history with its challenges and fears, but we must also highlight positivity and usefulness in our works," he said. He argued that rather than repeatedly revisiting past traumas, African literature should focus on hope and a promising future. He also called for a shift away from themes of materialism and corruption to those of peace and solidarity.
African-Italian singer and writer Karima 2G shared her personal experiences of growing up as the only Black girl in a predominantly White community. Despite this, her exposure to African literature early in life ensured that when she visited Africa for the first time a decade ago, she did not feel like a stranger. She expressed her desire to use her works to present a new, positive perspective of the continent, highlighting its joy and cultural richness.
