UVA Concludes First Phase of the 2025 Freedom Vibes Academy, Inspiring Artists to lead Social Change

Lagos, Nigeria: Unchained Vibes Africa (UVA) has successfully concluded the first phase of the Freedom Vibes Academy (FVA) 2025, a three-day virtual orientation and onboarding programme held from October 27–29, 2025, bringing together sixteen emerging socially conscious artists and cultural advocates committed to using their creativity as a force for social transformation, freedom of expression, and democracy in Nigeria.

The session marked the beginning of a three-month hybrid learning and mentorship journey designed to equip artists with tools for civic engagement, advocacy, and artistic resilience in the face of censorship and repression.

In her opening remarks, Toluwalope Olowoyo, UVA’s Research Coordinator on behalf of the the Research and Advocacy Manager, Sola Alamutu (a. k. a the Green Queen of Africa) , provided an overview of the organisation’s mission to leverage the arts for human rights and social causes. Ayodele Ganiu, Executive Producer of UVA, reinforced the Academy’s goal of building a generation of creative changemakers who use art not merely to entertain but to inspire social justice and civic responsibility. The Academy’s four-phase structure was presented, including virtual mentorship sessions, project development workshops, and an in-person convening scheduled to take place in Kano in December.

Prince Adeola Goloba, Advocacy Coordinator at UVA, outlined the rules of engagement and emphasized collaborative learning, while Fredrick Falana, UVA’s IT Coordinator introduced the virtual tools and platforms to enhance participant interaction and teamwork.

The three-day virtual session featured thought-provoking discussions, breakout sessions, and performances that deepened participants’ understanding of artistic freedom and its intersections with activism.

On Day One, participants explored Artistic Freedom and Civic Engagement, with the UVA team facilitating conversations around the use of satire, protest art, and creative resistance in confronting injustice. Using historical and contemporary case studies from Fela Kuti’s activism to the #EndSARS movement, participants reflected on the role of artists in amplifying marginalized voices and confronting societal oppression.

Veteran theatre practitioner Dr. Tunji Sotimirin, recently Associate Professor and Founding Head of Theatre Arts, Adeleke University, led a compelling session on The Actor as Advocate, exploring the interplay between art and activism, consistency in advocacy, and the moral responsibilities of artists as social commentators. Participants showcased their perspectives through creative breakout sessions, presenting poetry, dance, and community-based performance pieces.

Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), also conducted a powerful session focused on Understanding and Defending Freedom of Expression in Artistic Creation and Activism. He presented the legal frameworks protecting freedom of expression in Nigeria, including the Constitution, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Freedom of Information Act, and the Cybercrime Act. Oluwadare further cautioned artists about common legal pitfalls such as defamation, copyright infringement, and online restrictions. His session addressed participants’ practical questions around project funding, artist consistency, and the role of creatives in advocacy, while examining real-world cases of censorship and legal challenges faced by artists in Northern Nigeria.

Day Two featured sessions by Dr. Victor Okhai, immediate past President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, who discussed Art as a Driver of Policy and Public Opinion. The conversations highlighted the influence of Nollywood and visual arts in shaping public discourse on issues such as governance, migration (“Japa”) syndrome, and national identity.

Ikechukwu Uzoma, Senior Staff Attorney for Africa at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, facilitated an in-depth session on Navigating Legal and Policy Frameworks for Artistic Freedom. He examined the enforceability of international treaties like the ICCPR and led a simulation exercise on censorship, enabling participants to engage with real-world advocacy dilemmas.

The final day of the virtual phase featured interactive reflections and a team-bonding exercise. Renowned actor Norbert Young led a powerful session on Art, Ethics, and the Economics of Advocacy, challenging participants to balance creativity with integrity and economic survival.

International human rights lawyer Kola Alapinni rounded off the Academy’s first phase with a session on Freedom of Expression and Legal Realities for Artists. Drawing from landmark cases such as those of Mubarak Bala and Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, he highlighted the challenges of selective law enforcement and proposed pathways for legal and policy reform to strengthen protection for creatives.

The three-day orientation concluded with UVA’s review of completed modules and a preview of Phase Two – the Virtual Mentorship Series, which will commence in November. Participants expressed enthusiasm about their experiences, describing the sessions as “transformative, intellectually stimulating, and empowering.”

The Freedom Vibes Academy remains central to Unchained Vibes Africa’s mission to promote human rights, democracy, and social justice through the arts. Since its launch in 2021, UVA has become a leading voice in defending artistic freedom and cultural rights, partnering with artists, civil society actors, and international organizations to use art as a catalyst for civic dialogue and positive change.

Unchained Vibes Africa was recently shortlisted for the 2025 Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards, in recognition of its work using arts, music, poetry, and performance to promote civic education and defend free expression across Africa.

The 2025 Freedom Vibes Academy continues this legacy, nurturing a new generation of artists who are fearless, creative, and committed to building a freer and more just society.