•From left: Samuel Osaze, Ayodele Ganiu, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Emma Ogosi, Sola Alamutu, Jahman Anikulapo
Unchained Vibes Africa (UVA) on Saturday, February 17th, 2024. marked the culmination of its yearlong UVA Freedom Vibes Academy programme with a graduation ceremony. The event, held at the UVA Gallery in Magodo GRA Phase 2, Lagos, honoured 11 talented individuals who completed the intensive programme, which attracted participants from across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
The UVA Freedom Vibes Academy, which commenced on January 16th, 2023, brought together emerging artists committed to using their craft for positive social change. Throughout the programme, participants engaged in a series of workshops, mentoring sessions and project briefings led by renowned figures in Nigeria’s creative and human rights communities. Notable facilitators included legendary musician Eedris Abdulkareem, Afrobeat scion Seun Kuti and esteemed actress Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, among others.
At the graduation ceremony, the presence of Mrs. Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, a luminary in Nigeria’s theatre scene, added an extra layer of prestige. Addressing the graduating cohort, Ajai-Lycett commended UVA for its unwavering commitment to artistic freedom of expression and emphasised the vital role of artists as champions of social change.
Her impassioned speech resonated with the audience, inspiring the graduates to harness their creative talents for the betterment of society.
Joining Ajai-Lycett were luminaries from various spheres of the arts and representatives from prominent Nigerian newspapers, including Emma Ogosi (legendary musician, talent scout and music producer), Jahman Anikulapo (culture advocate, journalist and programme chair; Committee for Relevant Art, CORA). The presence of such influential figures underscored the significance of the UVA Freedom Vibes Academy in nurturing the next generation of socially conscious artists.
Central to the ceremony was the announcement of the Freedom Vibes Academy Awards, which recognised the outstanding achievements of four graduating participants. Tijani Usman, known as Tijay Webster, emerged as the overall best graduating participant, earning accolades for his exemplary performance throughout the program. Other awardees included Shekwoyemi Kure (Love Kure), Aminu Mukhtar (Aminu Nasara) and Isah Mik’ail Isah (Classy Dorayi), who were lauded for their remarkable dedication and creativity.
In his remarks the Executive Producer of UVA, Ayodele Ganiu, highlighted the rigorous selection process and rigorous training that participants underwent, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting cultural advocacy. He also announced the participants’ project proposals, signalling their readiness to embark on tangible initiatives aimed at effecting positive social change.
Ganiu said: “In January 2023, 16 artists were brought together for a three-day in-person training workshop in Lagos where they met and interacted with renowned and accomplished veteran artists, human rights lawyers, civil society organisation leaders, experts in cultural policies who were facilitators.”
“The facilitators” Ganiu continued: “shared their knowledge and experience on techniques and best practices in leveraging the power of art for effecting positive social change”.
Ganiu further stated that over the course of one year, the participants remotely benefited from virtual mentoring sessions with other accomplished veterans in the local and international creative and cultural sectors, including the UN Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights.
Ganiu stressed that: “the participants who satisfied the minimum requirements of Attendance, Academy Task, Active Engagements on the Academy themes and submission of a viable project proposal were graduated in line with the UVA guidelines”.
He said that after a careful and rigorous review of participants’ overall performance, 11 artists out of the initial 16 that were selected, have successfully completed the Academy.
He said out of the 11 graduating participants, four distinguished themselves for their outstanding performances, revealing that the four winners would be contracted to work with UVA on their proposed projects as part of Freedom Vibes advocacy.
The ceremony reached its emotional peak as Tijani Usman, the top graduating participant, expressed his gratitude for the life-changing opportunity provided by UVA. His heartfelt acknowledgment resonated with his fellow graduates, who were equally determined to make a meaningful impact through their artistic endeavours.
Throughout the event, echoes of encouragement and empowerment reverberated, with speakers urging the graduates to leverage their artistic skills to address pressing social issues. Jahman Anikulapo emphasised the importance of community engagement, while Emma Ogosi underscored the significance of passion and dedication in artistic pursuits.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the virtual presence of alumni members served as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of the UVA Freedom Vibes Academy. With renewed zeal and a sense of purpose, the graduates embraced their roles as agents of change, poised to make their mark on Nigeria’s cultural landscape and beyond.
The UVA Freedom Vibes Academy stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, empowering young artists to harness the transformative power of art for the betterment of society. Through its visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to social advocacy, UVA continues to nurture a new generation of cultural ambassadors, ensuring that the spirit of artistic expression thrives in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
For more information about Unchained Vibes Africa and its initiatives, visit: www.unchainedvibesafrica.com.