Shortlist Announced For African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest 2.0

 

SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED FOR AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SPOKEN WORDS CONTEST 2.0

By Wole Adedoyin

 

The African Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM), has officially unveiled the shortlist for the African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest 2.0. The announcement follows months of rigorous evaluation of submissions from performance poets across the globe, emphasizing critical human rights themes.

This year’s contest aimed to foster awareness and dialogue on pressing human rights issues through the powerful medium of spoken word poetry. It provided a platform for poets to articulate their unique perspectives, with entries received from countries such as Eswatini, South Africa, Malawi, the Netherlands, Nigeria, India, Zambia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius. From over 30 longlisted entries, a distinguished shortlist has emerged, showcasing exceptional creativity and thought-provoking narratives.

The eagerly awaited winners of the African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest 2.0 will be announced on November 20, 2024. The contest offers monetary prizes to recognize and encourage outstanding contributions: the first-place winner will receive $100, the second-place winner $75, and the third-place winner $50. Additionally, five honorable mentions will be awarded, acknowledging remarkable submissions that embody the spirit of the competition.

A highlight of this year’s contest is the opportunity for shortlisted entries to be featured at the prestigious International Human Rights Art Festival, scheduled to take place from December 9–15, 2024. These performances will celebrate the impactful role of spoken word poetry in advocating for human rights and driving social transformation.

Renowned playwright, author, and visual artist Tom Block, founder and Executive Director of IHRAM, will lead the final judging process. With over two decades of experience and a global presence in the arts and human rights advocacy, Tom’s expertise will ensure the selection of winners who best embody the contest’s vision.

The shortlist includes the following talented poets:

• Ananya Welankar (India)
• Christiana Kolawole Boluwatife (Nigeria)
• Fatima Salihu (Nigeria)
• Othman Amina (Nigeria)
• Sandra Salomy Phiri (Malawi)
• Grace Oluwawemimo Olorunleke (Nigeria)
• Daniel Ayotunde Omonitan (Nigeria)
• Adetola Eyimofe Jerry-Adesewo (Nigeria)

Speaking on the initiative, Wole Adedoyin stated, “The African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest is not just a competition but a movement to amplify the voices of young poets who are passionate about human rights. Their words inspire, provoke, and challenge us to envision a more equitable society.”

The African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest is an ongoing commitment by IHRAM to support creative advocacy across the African continent. It aims to inspire individuals and communities to actively engage in the promotion and protection of human rights through the arts.

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

 

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/

 

African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest 2.0: IHRAM Receives Entries from Ten Countries

 

AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SPOKEN WORDS CONTEST 2.0: IHRAM RECEIVES ENTRIES FROM TEN COUNTRIES

 

The International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) has announced the successful conclusion of the African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest 2.0, with over fifty entries received from ten different countries. The competition saw an incredible response from poets, artists, and human rights advocates, showcasing the diversity and passion of the African continent in advocating for social justice through the powerful medium of spoken word.

According to a statement released by Wole Adedoyin, Director of IHRAM Africa, the entries came from a wide range of nations including Eswatini, South Africa, Malawi, the Netherlands, Nigeria, India, Zambia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius. This diverse participation stressed the universal appeal and importance of human rights issues across the globe, particularly within the African context.

Adedoyin also expressed his gratitude to IHRAM Founder, Thomas Block, for his unwavering support in sponsoring various literary activities, including the African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest 2.0. Block’s dedication to promoting human rights through art has made a significant impact, and his sponsorship of this contest exemplifies his commitment to using creative platforms to amplify voices for change.

The African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest is a powerful platform designed to bring together poets, artists, and human rights advocates from across the African continent. It provides a space for participants to express their creativity and commitment to social justice, tackling various human rights issues through their spoken word performances. The contest encourages participants to explore topics such as gender equality, freedom of expression, racial justice, and the rights of marginalized communities.

By spotlighting these critical issues, the African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest aims to raise awareness and inspire action for positive change across Africa. The platform has become a beacon for those passionate about human rights, offering participants a space to not only compete but to engage in a dialogue about the pressing challenges facing the continent. Through this collaboration, IHRAM hopes to bring global attention to the struggles faced by marginalized groups, ensuring their voices are heard.

Through this initiative, IHRAM continues its mission to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced, using the power of art to drive social change. The contest has been instrumental in showcasing the transformative power of art in advocating for human rights and influencing public opinion. Participants have the opportunity to use their creativity to educate and inspire, pushing for systemic changes in society.

The contest also serves as an annual reminder of the critical role that art and culture play in shaping policy and public perception. By providing a stage for spoken word artists to share their perspectives on human rights issues, the African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest has become an essential cultural and social movement within the continent. It exemplifies the strength of collective action through artistic expression.

The event this year also brought to the forefront the continued relevance of human rights in Africa, encouraging an exchange of ideas among participants from diverse backgrounds. In the process, the contest fosters unity among people from different walks of life, all bound by a common goal: to advocate for the fundamental rights and freedoms of every individual.

The entries received will be carefully reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges, who will evaluate the performances based on their artistic merit, relevance to human rights issues, and the power of the message delivered. The winners will be announced at a special event to celebrate the achievements of the contestants and the impact of their performances in raising awareness about human rights.

In conclusion, the African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest 2.0 continues to be a vital platform for promoting social justice and human rights through art. With its continued success, it is clear that the contest will remain an important annual event, inspiring new generations of activists, artists, and human rights advocates to use their voices for change.

For more information about the contest and upcoming events, please visit the International Human Rights Art Movement’s official website @ https://humanrightsartmovement.org/ or follow us on social media.