Artistic Freedom Takes Center Stage as UVA wraps up LABAF with Freedom Vibes 9.0

The 9th edition of Freedom Vibes advocacy concert by Unchained Vibes Africa (UVA), took place on Sunday November 17, 2024, at Freedom Park, Lagos Island, to wrap up this year’s Lagos Book and Arts Festival (LABAF). Centered around the theme, Art: A Beacon of Hope, the event beamed spotlight on the transformative power of the arts in advocating for change.

UVA, in collaboration with the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA), organizers of the LABAF, amplified the voices of artists leveraging their creativity for activism through a series of activities. The event attracted a vibrant crowd of art enthusiasts, activists, and culture advocates who were all united by a shared commitment to advancing democracy and human rights through the arts. Freedom Vibes 9.0 delivered an inspiring program of performances, advocacy and civic education.

Activities began with Freedom Vibes from the Streets hosted by singer MOOH. The vox pops featured street interviews where ordinary people in the neighbourhood of Freedom Park on Lagos Island voiced their perspectives on artistic freedom and the intersection between arts, human rights and politics.

The evening concert, hosted by Nollywood actor Sam Uche Ayanmele, featured live performances and thought-provoking artistic showcases that held the audience spellbound. UVA’s Advocacy Manager Sola Alamutu (the Green Queen) set the tone for the concert with an audiovisual tour of the work of UVA.  The event paid tribute to Prof. Wole Soyinka who attained the age of 90 earlier in the year, highlighting his lifelong dedication to human rights and artistic freedom. UVA’s Executive Producer, Ayodele Ganiu, in his message, acknowledged Soyinka as a symbol of the Nigerian resistance, resilience, and generational impact leader in the fight for free expression.

Attendees were treated to an unforgettable night of civic engagement through inspiring comedy and dance performances by Lafta Father and Ijolomo respectively. The highlight of the evening was the premiere of the music video Nanle by Tijani Usman (Tijay Webster), winner of the 2023/2024 Freedom Vibes Academy. The video, which is a creative blend of animations and music, explores the struggles of everyday Nigerians in the fight for justice and the hope that art offers as a catalyst for change. Inspired by a true-life story of a young activist from a minority ethnic group Mangu in Plateau State, the video evoked emotional reactions and applause from the audience. The headline artist Tijay Webster, joined by fast-rising singer and spoken word artist Ruth Mahogany, delivered a stimulating and memorable live performance of the Nanle soundtrack which moved the audience to both reflection and action.

Emmanuel Ikule, the Executive Director of Elixir Trust Foundation, delivered an inspiring goodwill message urging attendees to join hands with rights advocates in demanding for what is right and just.

Freedom Vibes 9.0 @ LABAF was wrapped up with a vote of thanks by cultural expert and artists manager Prince Laoye Gaffar on behalf of the artistic community.

The event attracted a diverse audience, including artists, activists, culture enthusiasts, members of civil society including journalists from mainstream and online media.