Inspiring artists to lead social change as UVA’s Freedom Vibes Academy 2025 ends
By Editor
UNCHAINED Vibes Africa (UVA) has successfully concluded the first phase of its Freedom Vibes Academy (FVA) 2025, a three-day virtual orientation and onboarding programme held from October 27–29, 2025 that brought together 16 emerging socially-conscious artists and cultural advocates committed to using their creativity as a force for social transformation, freedom of expression, and democracy in Nigeria.
The session marked the beginning of a 3-month hybrid learning and mentorship journey designed to equip artists with tools for civic engagement, advocacy, and artistic resilience in the face of censorship and repression.
In her opening remarks, UVA’s Research Coordinator on behalf of the the Research and Advocacy Manager, Sola Alamutu (aka Green Queen of Africa), Toluwalope Olowoyo, provided an overview of the organisation’s mission to leverage the arts for human rights and social causes. The Executive Producer of UVA, Ayodele Ganiu, reinforced the academy’s goal of building a generation of creative change-makers who use art not merely to entertain but to inspire social justice and civic responsibility. The academy’s 3-phase structure was presented, including virtual mentorship sessions, project development workshops, and an in-person convening scheduled to take place in Kano in December.
Advocacy Coordinator at UVA, Prince Adeola Goloba, outlined the rules of engagement and emphasized collaborative learning while UVA’s IT Coordinator, Fredrick Falana, introduced the virtual tools and platforms to enhance participants’ interaction and teamwork.
The 3-day virtual session featured thought-provoking discussions, breakout sessions, and performances that deepened participants’ understanding of artistic freedom and its intersections with activism.
On Day One, participants explored Artistic Freedom and Civic Engagement, with the UVA team facilitating conversations around the use of satire, protest art, and creative resistance in confronting injustice. Using historical and contemporary case studies from legendary Fela’s activism to the #EndSARS movement in 2020, participants reflected on the role of artists in amplifying marginalized voices and confronting societal oppression.
Veteran theatre practitioner and Associate Professor and founding Head of Theatre Arts, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Dr. Tunji Sotimirin, led a compelling session on ‘The Actor as Advocate: Using Performance to Drive Social Change’ and explored the interplay between art and activism, consistency in advocacy, and the moral responsibilities of artists as social commentators. Participants showcased their understanding and perspectives of the issue through creative breakout sessions, and presented poetry, dance, and community-based performance pieces to drive home their understanding of the issues at stake.
Executive Producer of UVA, Ayodele Ganiu (left); Dr. Tunji Sotimirin and Sola Alamutu at Freedom Vibes Academy 2025… in Lagos
Deputy Director of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Mr. Kolawole Oluwadare, also conducted a powerful session focused on ‘Understanding and Defending Freedom of Expression in Artistic Creation and Activism.’ He presented the legal frameworks protecting freedom of expression in Nigeria, including the Constitution, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Freedom of Information Act and the Cybercrime Act. Mr. Oluwadare further cautioned artists against common legal pitfalls such as defamation, copyright infringement, and online restrictions. His session addressed participants’ practical questions around project funding, artist consistency, and the role of creatives in advocacy, while examining real-world cases of censorship and legal challenges faced by artists in Northern Nigeria.
Day Two featured sessions by the former President of Directors Guild of Nigeria, Dr. Victor Okhai, who discussed ‘Art as a Driver of Policy and Public Opinion.’ The conversations highlighted the influence of Nollywood and visual arts in shaping public discourse on issues such as governance, migration (Japa syndrome), and national identity.
Senior Staff Attorney for Africa at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, Mr. Ikechukwu Uzoma, facilitated an in-depth session on ‘Navigating Legal and Policy Frameworks for Artistic Freedom.’ He examined the enforceability of international treaties like the International Convenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and led a simulation exercise on censorship, enabling participants to engage with real-world advocacy dilemmas.
The final day of the virtual phase featured interactive reflections and a team-bonding exercise. Renowned actor Norbert Young led a powerful session on ‘Art, Ethics, and the Economics of Advocacy,’ and challenged participants to balance creativity with integrity and economic survival.
International human rights lawyer Kola Alapinni rounded off the academy’s first phase with a session on ‘Freedom of Expression and Legal Realities for Artists.’ Drawing from landmark cases such as those of Mubarak Bala and Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, he highlighted the challenges of selective law enforcement and proposed pathways for legal and policy reform to strengthen protection for creatives.
The 3-day orientation concluded with UVA’s review of completed modules and a preview of Phase Two – the Virtual Mentorship Series, which will commence in November. Participants expressed enthusiasm about their experiences, describing the sessions as “transformative, intellectually stimulating and empowering.”
The Freedom Vibes Academy remains central to Unchained Vibes Africa’s mission to promote human rights, democracy, and social justice through the arts. Since its launch in 2021, UVA has become a leading voice in defending artistic freedom and cultural rights, and has partnered with artists, civil society actors, and international organizations to use art as a catalyst for civic dialogue and positive change.
Unchained Vibes Africa was recently shortlisted for the 2025 Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards in recognition of its work using arts, music, poetry, and performance to promote civic education and defend free expression across Africa.
The 2025 Freedom Vibes Academy continues UVA’s legacy of nurturing a new generation of artists who are fearless, creative, and committed to building a freer and more just society.
Contact: www.unchainedvibesafrica.com
