Unchained Vibes Africa hosts Seun Kuti, Dele Farotimi, amplifies advocacy for freedom of assembly

By Editor
THE stage is set for the December edition of Freedom Vibes Series as Unchained Vibes Africa hosts Afrobeat star Seun Kuti and Lagos lawyer and seasoned political activist Mr. Dele Farotimi, as keynote speakers. Artists, creative sector stakeholders, cultural activists and members of the civil society will reconvene on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Freedom Park in Lagos to amplify advocacy for freedom of assembly with music, poetry and conversations.

Freedom Vibes is a hybrid (physical and virtual) monthly event featuring live performances and conversations highlighting state of artists’ freedom of expression. The theme for the December edition is ‘Artists and Freedom of Assembly.’ Participants will discuss the innovative role that artists have recently played in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, championing peaceful protests with music and artistic expressions. The attacks and threats that followed will be reviewed while participants advocating for reforms.

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, Mr. 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.
Freedom Vibes Series was officially launched on October 30, 2021 at 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, rapper Eedris Abdulkareem, veteran journalist and culture advocate Anikulapo, musician Ara (Queen of Drums), actors Jude Orhorha, Kelechi Udegbe, Maureen Okpoko, voice actor Ehi Omokhuale, Sam Uche Anyamele, poet Topedo Mascaw and other notable artists. 

In a statement signed by the Executive Producer of Unchained Vibes Africa, Mr. Ayodele Ganiu, and its Programme Coordinator, Mr. Samuel Osaze, the Decemberevent is an integral part of Defending Democracy Vibes programme 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).