Industry professionals and advocates will on May 30, gather at Kongi’s Harvest Art Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, for the much-anticipated Freedom Vibes Summit. Organised by Unchained Vibes Africa (UVA), in partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Media and Creativity Committee and Elixir Trust Foundation, the summit aims to tackle the pressing issue of safeguarding creativity on digital platforms amidst recent regulatory crackdowns.
Themed “Safeguarding Creativity on Digital Platforms,” the summit will begin at 9:30 am and promises a day of dynamic discussions. The event will address the contentious government policies that artists argue threaten their creative freedoms. The summit’s goal is to foster meaningful dialogue between creatives and government officials to advocate for necessary policy reforms.
Recent actions by the Nigerian government, including bans on the use of police and military uniforms in artistic productions, have raised alarm within the creative community. According to Ayodele Ganiu, Executive Producer at UVA, such measures have stifled artistic expression. “Under Section 251 of the Nigerian Criminal Code and Section 133 of the Penal Code, using police uniforms in movies and skits without permission is illegal. This regulation, aimed at protecting the integrity of the police force, has inadvertently created a climate of fear among artists,” Ganiu stated.
However, there is a legal argument for artistic exemption. “Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression,” Ganiu explained. “Furthermore, Section 110 of the Criminal Code exempts artists from liability when using uniforms for artistic performance or public entertainment. The arbitrary enforcement of these laws undermines the democratic process and hampers creative freedom.”
In response to these challenges, the Freedom Vibes Summit will provide a platform for key stakeholders, including skit-makers, filmmakers, musicians, comedians, poets, cultural policy experts, and civil society organisations, to engage directly with government officials. The summit aims to bridge the gap between regulatory intentions and artistic needs, emphasising dialogue over censorship.
The event boasts an impressive lineup of speakers. Notable figures include pro-democracy campaigner and Sahara Reporters founder Omoyele Sowore, Directors’ Guild of Nigeria president Dr. Victor Okhai, and Special Assistant to the President on Justice Reform and ICT/Digital Technology Fernandez Marcus-Obiene. They will be joined by veteran Nollywood actors Norbert Young and Francis Onwochei, music icon Eedris Abdulkareem, and influential content creators like Ogbeni Adan and Josh2Funny.
The hybrid format of the summit allows for both physical and virtual attendance, ensuring broad participation. This inclusive approach underscores the organisers’ commitment to accessibility and widespread engagement.
Unchained Vibes Africa, a cultural organisation dedicated to leveraging the arts for social causes, sees this summit as a crucial step in advocating for artistic freedom. The NBA’s Media and Creativity Committee, with its robust legal expertise, and the Elixir Trust Foundation, known for championing human rights, add significant weight to the event’s objectives.
The Freedom Vibes Summit represents a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s creative sector. It seeks to ensure that policies affecting the arts are developed through inclusive dialogue, respecting both national security concerns and the fundamental rights of artists. This collaborative effort marks a significant stride towards balancing regulatory measures with the creative liberties that drive Nigeria’s vibrant cultural landscape.
For those interested in participating, registration is available for both in-person and virtual attendance. The summit promises to be a landmark event in the ongoing effort to protect and promote artistic freedom in Nigeria.