My Music Focuses On Social and Human Rights Issues, Confronting All Forms Of Injustice And Inhumanity - Alao Felix Oluwadamilare

 

MY MUSIC FOCUSES ON SOCIAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES, CONFRONTING ALL FORMS OF INJUSTICE AND INHUMANITY - ALAO FELIX OLUWADAMILARE

 

Alao Felix Oluwadamilare is a singer, songwriter, and poet whose artistic works reflect his passion for serving God and humanity. He won Second Prize in the just-concluded African Human Rights Music Competition. A native of Ejigbo, a town in Osun State, Nigeria, Felix is currently a Law student at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, with a deep interest in Intellectual Property Law and International Humanitarian Law. He has volunteered for and participated in numerous initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare of mankind.

In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, he shares insights on his participation in the competition, his creative journey, and his dedication to music and human rights advocacy.

MUSICAL BACKGROUND?

ALAO: My name is Alao Felix Oluwadamilare. I am from Ejigbo, Osun State, Nigeria. My passion for music began when I joined my church choir at a young age. Initially, I focused on playing instruments, especially the drums, until 2020 when I discovered my ability to write songs. Since then, I have written many songs reflecting themes of love, humanity, and spirituality. At present, I am writing songs and seeking opportunities to advance my career as a professional singer and songwriter.

WA: WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN THE AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS MUSIC COMPETITION?

ALAO: My primary motivation was my love for humanity. Secondly, the prizes, opportunities, and exposure promised by the competition also encouraged me to participate.

WA: HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE COMPETITION?

ALAO: Through a friend.

WA: WHAT SPECIFIC HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE DID YOUR SONG ADDRESS?

ALAO: My song focused mainly on equality and fairness.

WA: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT PARTICULAR HUMAN RIGHTS THEME FOR YOUR SONG?

ALAO: I chose to address equality because I strongly believe that everyone is equal, regardless of background, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or status. I also believe that everyone should be treated with dignity.

WA: CAN YOU SHARE THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE LYRICS AND COMPOSITION OF YOUR SONG?

ALAO: The inspiration came from my personal beliefs and perspective. I was also moved by the story of Ishmael Beah, who was recruited as a child soldier in Sierra Leone, and by the atrocities committed by Boko Haram, including the assault on girls and widespread human rights violations.

WA: HOW DOES YOUR MUSIC GENERALLY REFLECT SOCIAL OR HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES?

ALAO: My music generally reflects on social and human rights issues such as slavery, servitude, oppression, torture, and all inhumane acts that undermine human dignity.

WA: WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE DURING THE CREATION OF YOUR COMPETITION ENTRY?

ALAO: My main challenge was raising funds for the recording of the song. Thankfully, God came through for me.

WA: HOW HAS PARTICIPATING IN THIS COMPETITION INFLUENCED YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON HUMAN RIGHTS?

ALAO: It has positively shaped my perspective. The experience made me realize I can use my talent to advocate for human rights and contribute to making the world a better place.

WA: WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE ROLE OF MUSIC IN PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS ACROSS AFRICA?

ALAO: Africa deeply loves music, and it is a key part of our culture. Music is a powerful tool that can play a significant role in addressing and promoting human rights across the continent.

WA: DID THE COMPETITION OFFER YOU ANY NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION OR NETWORKING?

ALAO: Not yet, but I look forward to the opportunities it may bring. I am eager to collaborate and network with fellow competitors.

WA: HOW DID IT FEEL TO HAVE YOUR WORK RECOGNIZED ON SUCH A PLATFORM?

ALAO: It felt great.

WA: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE OF COMPETING WITH ARTISTS FROM OTHER AFRICAN COUNTRIES?

ALAO: It was a great and memorable experience. Competing with the many talented individuals God has blessed Africa with was both challenging and inspiring. Africa is truly full of talent.

WA: IN YOUR VIEW, HOW CAN COMPETITIONS LIKE THIS HELP ADVANCE THE HUMAN RIGHTS MOVEMENT?

ALAO: Such competitions encourage talented individuals to use their gifts to promote human rights. Music is a powerful tool for change, and I firmly believe in its impact.

WA: WERE THERE ANY ENTRIES FROM OTHER PARTICIPANTS THAT PARTICULARLY INSPIRED OR MOVED YOU?

ALAO: Yes. Songs like Break the Chain and Our Voice really inspired me.

WA: HOW DO YOU PLAN TO CONTINUE USING YOUR MUSIC TO ADVOCATE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AFTER THIS COMPETITION?

ALAO: I will continue to create music that reflects and promotes human rights, driven by my passion for humanity and a better world.

WA: WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE YOUR SONG WILL HAVE ON LISTENERS?

ALAO: I hope it inspires listeners to take meaningful action in promoting equality, fairness, and human dignity.

WA: HOW DO YOU THINK YOUNG AFRICAN MUSICIANS CAN CONTRIBUTE MORE ACTIVELY TO HUMAN RIGHTS CONVERSATIONS?

ALAO: Competitions like this can inspire young African musicians to engage in human rights advocacy. Wider platforms that showcase their talents on the global stage would help. Governments should also include human rights education in school curricula.

WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO FUTURE ENTRANTS OF THIS COMPETITION?

ALAO: Remember you were created to make an impact, to solve problems, and to make the world better. Stand against injustice, inequality, tyranny, and oppression. Use the gift God has given you to advocate for human rights, and I wish you success.

WA: CAN YOU SHARE WHAT YOUR NEXT MUSICAL PROJECT WILL FOCUS ON?

ALAO: My next project will continue to preach the love of God and humanity.