FREEDOM of artistic expression in the Nigerian film market is the focus of engagement at the coming edition of the monthly wave- making Frèedom Vibes Series, holding Saturday, January 29 at the Freedom Park Lagos island.
The third in the series staged by Unchained Vibes Africa, the theme, according to the organisers, is “Public Morality Rules Vs Artistic Freedom — with a particular focus on recent cases of censorship of Nollywood movies.”
Participants, drawn from the artistic, civil/human rights communities and the general public, will address the “allegations of promoting immorality and glorifying crime in Nollywood movies — common excuses being used to justify censorship rules and policies that stifle freedom of expression,” stated a release co-signed by the Executive Producer, Ayodele Ganiu and Programme Coordinator, Samuel Osaze.
The event, “will feature veteran actor and producer Jide Kosoko, actor Hilda Dokubo, filmmakers Myke Pam and Tee Jay Dan as well as human rights lawyer and Deputy Director at SERAP Kolawole Oluwadare, as speakers.
“The panel discussions will be moderated by veteran journalist and culture advocate Jahman Anikulapo. Ricqy Ultra, a Kano based rapper is billed to perform and light up the stage with conscious music addressing issues around freedom of expression and democracy in Nigeria. Lanre Adams, the winner of the 2021 Freedom Vibes Contest, will showcase his talent.
“The Artist of the month spotlight segment will celebrate Hilda Dokubo in recognition of her contribution to the advocacy for good governance in Nigeria. There will be a special appearance by Hip-hop icon and activist Eedris Abdulkareem. The event will be anchored by Nollywood Actor Sam Uche Anyamele.”
The Freedom Vibes Series, birthed in October 2021, is a hybrid (physical and virtual) monthly show featuring conversations and performances highlighting the state of artists’ freedom of expression and advocating for reforms in policies that hinder freedom of expression.
The monthly series, is an integral part of Defending Democracy Vibes program supported by the National Endowment of 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).
The promoters of the show, Unchained Vibes Africa, in the words of Ayodele Ganiu, the chief visioner and head of theorganisation, “is a cultural organisation and social enterprise committed to developing arts and culture projects geared towards social causes.”
Continued Ganiu, a former National Coordinator of Arterial Network, the pan-African network of artists, cultural actors and associations, “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.”
For more information about Unchained Vibes Africa, please visit our website www.unchainedvibesafrica.com
