FIERCE-some social-political critic/activist, writer and polemicist, Dele Farotimi and the afrobeat musician, leader of Movement of the People, MOP, Seun Anikulapo-Kuti are speakers at the second edition of the monthly ‘Freedom Vibes’ holding Saturday, December 18 at the Freedom Park, Lagos.
Holding in hybrid format (physical and virtual), the theme for the monthly show, is, “Artist and Freedom of Assembly.”
A statement from the Executive Producer and founder/Director of the organising body, Unchained Vibes Africa, UVA, Ayodele Ganiu says:
“Participants will discuss the innovative role that artists have recently played in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, championing peaceful protests with music and other artistic expressions,”
Ganiu, an ex-banker, who is also a drummer and an astute art activist, added, “The attendant attacks and threats from political establishments will also be reviewed with recommendations for reforms to prevent future occurrences.”
On the specific features of Saturday event, event, Programme coordinator of UVA, the poet, art administrator, Samuel Osaze, says:
“The event is packed with civic education, advocacy, music, poetry, entertainment and fun. Poet Iquo DianaAbasi will showcase the December theme with Spoken Word performance while DJ Valentino lights up the stage with music. The conversations will be moderated by veteran journalist and culture advocate Jahman Anikulapo. There will be a special appearance by veteran Nollywood actor Jude Chukwuka while the fast rising Spoken Word Poet Victory Ashaka is expected to charge the atmosphere with invigorating performance.
“The Artist of the Month spotlight segment will celebrate Seun Kuti in recognition of his contributions to the advocacy for good governance in Nigeria. The event will be anchored by Nollywood Actor Sam Uche Anyamele.”
“The event is an integral part of Defending Democracy Vibes program being implemented by Unchained Vibes Africa and supported by National Endowment for Democracy (NED) USA, Freedom Park Lagos, African Defenders Network, PEN America’s Artists at Risk Connection, World Movement for Democracy, Lakreem Entertainment, Culture Advocates Caucus and Centre for Creative Arts Education (CREATE).”
To procure free ticket to the event, interested participants, have been asked to visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/freedom-vibes-series-registration-221299110597
Freedom Vibes Series was officially launched on 30th October 2021 at the Freedom Park in Lagos. The inaugural event featured veteran artists, cultural activists and stakeholders in the creative sector, including award-winning actor Hilda Dokubo, Nigerian-German musician Ade Bantu, veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem, veteran journalist and culture advocate Jahman Anikulapo, musician Ara (Queen of Drums), actor Jude Orhorha, actor Kelechi Udegbe, actor Maureen Okpoko, voice actor Ehi Omokhuale (former AVOA president), actor Sam Uche Anyamele,africa Poet Topedo Mascaw and other notable artists.
Unchained Vibes Africa, founded by Ayodele Ganiu, is a social enterprise committed to developing arts and culture projects geared towards social causes. Our mission is to leverage the power of the arts to promote civic education, human rights, cultural diversity and the spirit of solidarity in Africa. Its full details can be seen at: www.unchainedvibesafrica.com.
Ganiu was for years, the National Coordinator of the Arterial Network (Nigeria), the pan-Africa network of artists and culture producers, which advocates for freedom of artistic expression through its agency, Artwatch Africa. He had also worked at the international office of Freemuse, an agency that works for freedom of expression by artists across the globe.
