The UK festival of Muslim culture and literature launches in London this week

MFest is coming to the British Library this Friday, here’s what to expect.

From comedy nights to poetry, it’s a chance to explore the diverse artistic identities of Muslim communities. There’s a lot going on over its three days, so we picked a few events you won’t want to miss.

MFest will be taking place at the British Library 27-29th April

‘Women and Power: Islam and Evolving Feminisms’ will explore the erasure of black Muslims, the struggle for safe spaces and how Islamophobia hurts Muslim women the most. Journalist Remona Aly, will feature the authors of ‘Cut from the Same Cloth’, a collection of essays  by hijab-wearing Muslim women who want to put an end to ‘hijab-splaining’. 

Sun Apr 29, 2pm – £5

My Side of It: Poetry Hour’ an afternoon with some of the UK’s most exciting spoken-word artists, including Young People’s Laureate for London Momtaza Mehri and playwright-poet Sabrina Mahfouz.

Momtaza’s workshop that same day. Sun Apr 29, 5pm. £5

MFest After Party, the one event that moves from the festival’s home at the British Library to the nearby P21 Gallery. Don’t miss the comedy set by Imran Yusuf and spoken-word activism from Lamyaa Hanchaoui. Special performances by Fatumina Abukar, the singer-songwriter and Instagram fashion influencer.

P21 Gallery. Sat Apr 28, 7.30pm – £10

Image source: Dr Fatumina Instagram