IHRAM Unveils Winners of African Human Rights Music Competition

 

IHRAM UNVEILS WINNERS OF AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS MUSIC COMPETITION

 

The African Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) has announced the winners of its recently concluded African Human Rights Music Competition, a competition dedicated to showcasing music as a powerful vehicle for human rights advocacy. The announcement was made in a statement issued by the competition’s Coordinator, Wole Adedoyin, and shared with the press.

The contest drew diverse and thought-provoking entries from around the world, reflecting a shared commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity. Judging was conducted through public voting on Facebook and YouTube, with over 300 votes cast internationally to determine the winners.

This year’s edition attracted more than 30 entries from musicians and songwriters representing 15 countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Nations that featured prominently included Nigeria, Zambia, Germany, Rwanda, Australia, Ghana, India, South Sudan, Congo, South Africa, Réunion and Mayotte, Kenya, Uganda, and Austria—underscoring music’s universality as a unifying language for human rights and social justice.

Before revealing the final results, the organizers—also responsible for the African Human Rights Art Festival—released a longlist of standout submissions, followed by a shortlist of finalists. Each participant received a Certificate of Participation in recognition of their creative effort and dedication to amplifying human rights causes through music.

Top Honors:

·         1st Place: Break the Chains by Itunu Oyewale – a moving and melodic anthem against oppression, calling for freedom and liberation.

·         2nd Place: Free World (Felicity) by Alao Felix Oluwadamilare – a song of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

·         3rd Place: Dead to Rights by Uche Chidozie Okorie – a compelling musical statement on injustice and the urgent call for reform.

Honourable mentions went to BTC by Aniah Emmanuel Bepeh, Africa Our Home by Avril, Sit Down, Shut Up and Procreate by Delphina Yeboah, Our Voice by Ogedengbe Eghosasere, and We Will Fight by Ummalkhairi Buhari—all of which resonated deeply with the competition’s mission of inspiring change through art.

To listen to the award-winning entries, visit: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnqQV5LsSDTZSNSlXcZXwDF047cV0UPor.

 

The African Human Rights Music Competition is a unique initiative blending cultural diplomacy with artistic expression. It provides a platform for musicians, songwriters, and human rights advocates to share perspectives, collaborate, and spark societal transformation through melody and rhythm.

Highlighting the competition’s broader significance, Wole Adedoyin noted:

“From anti-apartheid anthems to freedom songs in civil rights struggles, music has always been a rallying cry for change. This competition continues that tradition by giving contemporary artists a space to speak truth to power.”

The IHRAM African Secretariat expressed its gratitude to all participants, judges, and supporters for their roles in making the event a success. Plans for the next edition are already in motion, with hopes of attracting even greater participation and strengthening the global network of artists committed to human rights advocacy.

By spotlighting these creative voices, the African Human Rights Music Competition reaffirms that music is more than art—it is a catalyst for justice, equality, and human dignity. Its growing legacy continues to inspire artists and audiences worldwide to use their talents for the betterment of humanity.