IHRAM Names Judges For African Human Rights Poetry Competition

 

IHRAM NAMES JUDGES FOR AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS POETRY COMPETITION

 

The International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM), organizer of the African Human Rights Poetry Competition, has announced the selection of three distinguished judges for the recently concluded competition. Through the power of poetry, the contest seeks to amplify voices advocating for human rights and social change, providing a platform for writers passionate about freedom, justice, and equality.

In a statement released to the press, Wole Adedoyin, Coordinator of the African Human Rights Poetry Competition, disclosed that the competition received over 300 outstanding entries from more than 25 countries across Africa and beyond. The overwhelming response stressed the global resonance of human rights issues and the role of poetry in fostering dialogue and transformation.

To evaluate and select the most compelling entries, IHRAM has appointed three renowned judges with extensive expertise in poetry, literature, and human rights advocacy. The panel includes Khalid Imam, Nkwetatang Sampson Nguekie, and Tom Block, each bringing a wealth of experience and artistic insight to the competition.

Khalid Imam, a celebrated poet, playwright, and art administrator, has made significant contributions to the literary world. As President of D-E-E-D-S Dialogue Debate International and Chairman of the Poetry Renaissance Trust, he has championed numerous literary initiatives, including the Nigeria Poetry Festival and All Poets Network International. A bilingual writer, Imam has published widely across multiple continents and co-edited notable anthologies such as Corona Blues and Tulu: A Multilingual Anthology of Northern Nigerian New Writings. His judging experience includes prestigious contests like the BBC Hausa Hikayata Short Story Competition and the Dr. Wale Okediran @70 Poetry Competition.

Nkwetatang Sampson Nguekie, a visionary writer from Cameroon, is hailed as a modern-day romantic poet with ambitions to become one of history’s greatest literary figures. Educated at the University of Yaoundé I, he has authored two novels, From Village to Town and Hard Way to Fortune, and pioneered a new literary genre called “Repsy.” His works have earned accolades, including the 2013 Eko Prize for Nonfiction and the 2022 Lantern Prize for Literature. A prolific editor and mentor, Nguekie leads multiple literary and civil society organizations, including the Cameroonian and Nigerian Writers League (CNWL).

Tom Block, an accomplished playwright, author, and visual artist, brings decades of artistic and activist experience to the judging panel. His plays have been staged at prominent venues such as the Ensemble Studio Theater and HERE Arts Center. As the founder of the International Human Rights Art Festival and the Amnesty International Human Rights Art Festival, Block has been a driving force in merging art and activism. His exhibitions and lectures have spanned the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East, solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in creative advocacy.

The longlist of 50 outstanding entries will be announced in mid-July 2025, followed by the unveiling of 10 shortlist. The competition highlights poetry’s unique ability to articulate human rights struggles, from gender equality and democracy to social justice and freedom of expression.

IHRAM remains committed to fostering artistic expression as a tool for social change, providing a global stage for voices that challenge oppression and inspire hope. The African Human Rights Poetry Competition exemplifies this mission, celebrating the transformative power of words in the fight for a just world.

 

IHRAM Unveils Judges For African Human Rights Music Competition

 

IHRAM UNVEILS JUDGES FOR AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS MUSIC COMPETITION

 

The International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) has revealed the judging panel for its inaugural African Human Rights Music Competition. The competition, which recently concluded its submission period, seeks to harness the power of music to address critical human rights issues across the continent.

 

In a statement released to media outlets, Competition Coordinator Wole Adedoyin emphasized the competition's mission: "Through this competition, we're creating a platform where music becomes a catalyst for social change, giving voice to the struggles and aspirations of African communities."

 

The two selected judges are Afeez Olagunju and Tom Block.

 

Afeez Olagunju (Afeezee), professionally known as a versatile recording artist, is a genre-blending force in the evolving landscape of African music. With over a decade of songwriting experience since 2015, Afeez has honed his craft into a signature sound he proudly dubs "Afroroots" — a vibrant fusion of Afrobeats, hip-hop, R&B, and traditional influences that reflect both personal storytelling and cultural consciousness. He began releasing music in 2021 and has since built an impressive discography of five EPs, each pushing creative boundaries while capturing the essence of his growth as an artist. His debut EP, Humble Beginning (2022), set the tone for a compelling journey, followed by Lifesaver (2023), a soulful reflection of resilience and hope. In 2024, he delivered two standout projects: Pick Your Gems and African Magic Vol. 1, showcasing his versatility and sonic curiosity. His most recent EP, More Money, More Love (2025), dives deeper into themes of aspiration, self-worth, and emotional depth, cementing his reputation as an evolving storyteller. Beyond music, Afeez is a multifaceted creative with pursuits in tech, education, and mental health advocacy — a testimony to his belief in art as both expression and impact. With more releases on the horizon, he continues to evolve as a voice of his generation, bridging rhythm and meaning through sound.

 

Tom Block is a playwright, author of five books and 20+ year visual artist. His plays have been developed and produced at such venues as the Ensemble Studio Theater, HERE, Dixon Place, Theater for the New City, IRT Theater, Theater at the 14th Street Y, Theater Row, A.R.T.-NY and many others. He was the founding producer of the International Human Rights Art Festival (2017), the Amnesty International Human Rights Art Festival (2010) and a Research Fellow at DePaul University (2010). He has exhibited his artwork and spoken about his ideas throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Turkey and the Middle East.

 

The shortlist of 10 outstanding entries are expected to be announced in the middle of July 2025.

 

The International Human Rights Art Movement is a global network of artists and activists committed to using creative expression as a tool for social change. Through competitions, festivals, and educational programs, IHRAM amplifies voices advocating for justice and human dignity worldwide.

African Human Rights Inter-University Essay Competition: IHRAM Unveils Judges

 

AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS INTER-UNIVERSITY ESSAY COMPETITION: IHRAM UNVEILS JUDGES

 

The International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM), renowned for its commitment to promoting human rights through artistic expression, has officially announced the panel of judges for the recently concluded African Human Rights Inter-University Essay Competition. This landmark competition was initiated to stimulate intellectual dialogue, inspire critical thinking, and foster youth engagement on pressing human rights issues within the African continent.

According to Wole Adedoyin, the Coordinator of the competition, the essay contest stands as a beacon of academic exploration and activism. “The African Human Rights Inter-University Essay Competition offers students a unique platform to utilize their academic insight in addressing the urgent human rights concerns facing Africa today,” Adedoyin said. “Our goal is to cultivate research, dialogue, and awareness while empowering the future generation of African leaders.”

The competition drew submissions from university students across Africa, each tackling contemporary challenges through well-researched and compelling essays. After a rigorous review process, IHRAM has unveiled two distinguished judges who will be evaluating the entries: Dr. Sinyuy Geraldine and Tom Block.

Dr. Sinyuy Geraldine, based in the North West Region of Cameroon, brings to the panel an extensive background in literature and activism. She holds a Ph.D. in Commonwealth Literature from the University of Yaoundé I and has been an active figure in the literary and human rights spaces. She is currently the Director of the IHRAM African Secretariat in Cameroon and was the Chief Judge for the WritingUkraine International Poetry Competition in 2023.

Dr. Sinyuy is also known for her environmental advocacy and editorial roles, including positions at WordCity Literary Journal, ASA Journal, and the Journal of Cameroonian and Nigerian Writers League. Her dedication to literature, human rights, and social change continues to inspire young African writers and activists alike.

Joining her on the panel is Tom Block, a seasoned playwright, author, and visual artist based in the United States. Block is the founder of both the International Human Rights Art Festival (2017) and the Amnesty International Human Rights Art Festival (2010). He has authored five books and has seen his plays staged at renowned venues including Ensemble Studio Theater and Theater Row. His international career spans the United States, Canada, Europe, Turkey, and the Middle East.

Tom Block’s multifaceted experience in the arts and human rights advocacy adds a global dimension to the competition’s evaluation process. His longstanding commitment to merging creativity with activism aligns perfectly with the vision of the African Human Rights Essay Competition.

IHRAM confirmed that the shortlist of the top 10 outstanding entries will be released by mid-July 2025. The shortlisted essays will reflect insightful perspectives on critical human rights issues, as seen through the lenses of young African scholars from diverse academic backgrounds.

As the competition concludes and anticipation builds toward the announcement of winners, IHRAM reaffirms its dedication to creating avenues for youth voices to shape the human rights landscape in Africa. The African Human Rights Inter-University Essay Competition is more than just a contest—it is a movement toward empowering thought leadership and sustainable change across the continent.