Index on Censorship announces 2025 Freedom of Expression awards shortlist Unchained Vibes Africa (UVA)
Unchained Vibes Africa (UVA) is a Nigeria-based cultural organisation that leverages the power of the arts to promote civic education, human rights, and cultural diversity across Africa. Founded in 2020, UVA uses music, poetry and performing arts to challenge censorship, defend freedom of artistic expression, and foster democratic values. Through its flagship programme, Freedom Vibes, UVA monitors, documents, and responds to attacks on artists’ rights, while advocating for legal and policy reforms that safeguard artistic freedom.
UVA has documented hundreds of cases of censorship and mobilised national and international bodies like Artists at Risk Connection (ARC), Freemuse and PEN International in campaigns that challenge suppression by state and non-state actors. Notable efforts include its interventions in high-profile cases such as the unjust death penalty conviction of singer Yahaya Sharif Aminu for alleged blasphemy and the ban of filmmaker Hajiya Amart.
The organisation also partnered with the Nigerian Bar Association to push back against restrictions on depicting police misconduct in artistic content.
UVA hosts the annual Freedom Vibes Summit and a concert series that brings together artists, activists, and policymakers to spotlight violations, share stories, and demand change. It also trains young artists across Nigeria through the Freedom Vibes Academy, cultivating a growing network of artistic freedom advocates.
