The stage is set for the December edition of Freedom Vibes Series as Unchained Vibes Africa hosts Afrobeat icon Seun Kuti and Lagos lawyer and seasoned political activist Dele Farotimi as keynote speakers.
According to a statement by Ayodele Ganiu (Executive Producer) and Samuel Osaze (Programme Coordinator), artistes, creative sector stakeholders, cultural activists and members of the civil society will reconvene this Saturday 18th December 2021 at the 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 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 advocate 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 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 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, Poet Topedo Mascaw and other notable artists.
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).