MEET THE WINNERS OF THE 2024 EDITION OF THE AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SPOKEN WORDS CONTEST
SANDRA SALOMY PHIRI (FIRST PRIZE) - MALAWI
Sandra Salomy Phiri is a dynamic spoken word artist whose journey began at the tender age of nine, thanks to her mother’s encouragement upon recognizing her talent. Her poetic voice has since transcended borders, captivating audiences in countries such as Malawi, France, and Ireland. Beyond her artistry, Sandra is a passionate advocate for children’s rights and a leader in global initiatives addressing nutrition, education, and climate change.
With a strong academic foundation, Sandra holds a European Double Master’s Degree: one in Environmental Occupational Health from the EHESP School of Public Health, France, and another in Public Health from University College Dublin. She also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Health. Her seven years of experience span Climate Change Adaptation, Nutrition, and food systems, during which she has served as an EU Climate Pact Ambassador and Country Partner for the Physician Association for Nutrition (PAN). Sandra actively engages in EU and UN climate policy discussions, collaborating on strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement.
Sandra’s leadership extends to her role as the Founder of Youth On Board Organization (YOBO) in Malawi. Through YOBO, she champions the inclusion of children, especially those marginalized, in education, nutrition programs, and climate actions. As the Director of Women's and Children's Nutrition Projects, she spearheads initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by vulnerable groups. Sandra’s commitment to advocacy and research is reflected in her published work on integrating street children into education and school feeding projects, underscoring her belief in creating equitable opportunities for all children.
GRACE OLUWAWEMIMO OLORUNLEKE (SECOND PRIZE) - NIGERIA
Grace Oluwawemimo Olorunleke is a 400-level student of English and Literary Studies at the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Nigeria. Born on July 24, 2003, in Abuja’s Bwari Local Government Area, she hails from Ijumu Local Government in Kogi State. A budding writer, poet, and spoken word artist, Grace is carving a niche for herself in the literary world with her compelling narratives and evocative poetry. Her short stories, She’s Just a Girl, which highlights the challenges of child marriage, and A Patch of Blue, were recently selected as winning entries in the ANA Abuja Short Story of the Fortnight contest and are set to be published. Her poems, including Whispers of the Wind in The Hope Newspaper and Memoir of Time in Scribe, have garnered recognition in reputable outlets.
Grace’s work delves into profound themes such as hope, resilience, gender-based violence, identity, and self-discovery, often inspired by her personal experiences and observations of the world around her. With a distinctive voice and a deep commitment to storytelling, she seeks to educate and uplift her audience, using her craft to shed light on social issues and inspire change. Her passion for writing reflects her dedication to creating impactful narratives that resonate and transform, establishing her as a rising talent in the Nigerian literary scene.
DANIEL AYOTUNDE OMONITAN (THIRD PRIZE) - NIGERIA
Daniel Ayotunde Omonitan (also known by his artistic pseudonym Digerati_DAO) is a multifaceted creative force who embodies the spirit of a determined African with boundless aspirations. He seamlessly bridges the worlds of communication, futurism, storytelling, and science, blending them into a singular personality of creative expression.
A serial creative with expertise in various writing styles, video editing, and poetry, Daniel possesses a voracious appetite for knowledge and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement. As a word artist, he crafts narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, wielding his skill to inspire positive change. He believes in the power of communication to influence choices and utilizes compelling language and media to create vivid imagery and convey impactful messages to foster profound dialogues and solutions.
Daniel currently leads the content and social media team at Queekly. His leadership extends beyond the corporate world, as he also served as the presenter of "The Youth's Council," a weekly talk show that tackles contemporary issues facing young people in Nigeria and Africa.
As a vocal Christian, Daniel's life is guided by the principles of his faith. He embraces personal growth and transformation, navigating his journey with a composed demeanour, an insatiable curiosity, and a deep reverence for the power of words.
Daniel holds a Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. His ambition extends beyond his current field, as he envisions a future in bioinformatics where he can contribute to the advancement of genetic disease treatment and public health.
Driven by dreams that transcend self-interest, Daniel is committed to leaving a lasting positive impact on the world. His unwavering determination fuels his pursuit of a divine purpose, while his passion for words serves as a tool to create a lasting, positive legacy. He is the founder and executive director of the Poetry and Literacy Society, a vibrant community that fosters creativity within the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) community. Through this society, he spearheads the Open Mic FUTA show, collaborating with the creative community of the Akure Tech Hub and the Editorial Unit of RCF FUTA (where he served as erstwhile Editor-In-Chief and Assistant Editor-In-Chief).
Daniel's literary works have garnered recognition across national and international media platforms, including Freedom Television Channel 34 UHF, the Bash Amuneni Prize for Performance Poetry, Nasara Creatives and 60 Seconds Poetry, among others.
