Kasàlà workshop

Kasàlà discovery and writing workshop – booking required

Co-hosted by Maji Da Abdi, director and member of the FIFES International Jury, and Jean Ngo
Semzara KABUTA, a specialist in African linguistics who writes and teaches Kasàlà.

Kasàlà is a form of poetry from sub-Saharan Africa that expresses diverse emotions such as joy, sadness, gratitude and rebellion. Inspired by oral literature, contemporary kasàlà is an intercultural and transcultural genre that celebrates joy,
resilience and peace. It is characterized by a metaphorical, hyperbolic and rhythmic style, often with repetitions. Kasàlà tells laudatory tales in the form of portraits, biographies or descriptions, and often looks to the future while
allowing for criticism.
Philosophically, it embodies Ubuntu, the idea that humanity is defined by its relationship with others. Used in ceremonial rituals such as weddings or commemorations, today it calls for writing, unlike the traditional form which was sung
or recited. In short, kasàlà is an art of celebrating life through wonder and reflection.