African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest 2.0 Unveils Longlist

 

AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SPOKEN WORDS CONTEST 2.0 UNVEILS LONGLIST

 

The African Director of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM), Wole Adedoyin, has announced the longlist for the second edition of the African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest. This announcement marks a significant milestone in the contest, which serves as a platform for performance poets across Africa to creatively address pressing human rights issues through spoken word artistry.

Organized by IHRAM, the contest received an impressive 60 submissions from ten countries, including Eswatini, South Africa, Malawi, the Netherlands, Nigeria, India, Zambia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius. The initiative underscores the power of spoken word as a medium for raising awareness and advocating for the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.

The longlist, which features 20 exceptional poets, reflects the diverse perspectives and cultural richness of Africa and its diaspora. These poets have crafted thought-provoking pieces, tackling themes ranging from equality and justice to freedom of expression and the rights of marginalized groups.

Their works will take the spotlight at the International Human Rights Art Festival, set to be held from December 9th to 15th, 2024. The festival will celebrate the pivotal role of the arts in inspiring action and fostering social change, with the selected spoken word performances offering powerful narratives that amplify the call for human rights.

The judging panel for the contest is led by Tom Block, the founder and Executive Director of IHRAM. Tom is an acclaimed playwright, author, and visual artist with over two decades of experience promoting human rights through art. His expertise will guide the final selection process, which will culminate in the announcement of the winners during the festival.

Below is the complete longlist of poets whose works have been selected for this year’s contest:

• Adetola Eyimofe Jerry-Adesewo – Nigeria
• Ajani Risikat Opeyemi – Nigeria
• Ananya Welanker – India
• Christian Kolawole Boluwatife – Nigeria
• Dabo Solomon Izang – Nigeria
• Daniel Ayotunde Omonitan – Nigeria
• Fagbemi Janet Okikiola – Nigeria
• Fatima Salihu – Nigeria
• Franklin Ifeanyi Diala – Nigeria
• Grace Oluwawemimo Olamileke – Nigeria
• James Zulu – Zambia
• Juliana Mthanya Maithya – Kenya
• Khanyisa Oni – South Africa
• Merit Eneotu Isaiah – Nigeria
• Monima Ndlovu – Zimbabwe
• Munesi Yaris Magadzire – Zimbabwe
• Rachael Olamide Kehinde – Nigeria
• Radhiya Abdulhakeem – Nigeria
• Sandra Salomy Phiri – Malawi

The African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest is a testimony to IHRAM’s commitment to promoting artistic excellence while amplifying the voices advocating for human dignity and equality. By providing this platform, IHRAM continues to inspire meaningful dialogue and action on critical issues affecting societies across Africa and beyond.

For more information about the contest and the upcoming festival, visit IHRAM’s official website: https://humanrightsartmovement.org/