Free the Vibes: A Day of Reflections on Freedom of Expression and the Power of Art
The Centre for Huma Right and Legal Pluralism is pleased to bring together Ayodele Ganiu (O’Brien Fellow – Artist & Cultural Policy Professional from Nigeria); Justin Jalea (Canadian Artist, lawyer and Consultant on Arts & Human Right); and Fatemeh Sadeghi Givi (O’Brien Fellow – Researcher and Gender Studies Expert from Iran) about the power of art as a tool for advocating for and defending human rights.
The speakers will showcase the transformative effect of art through the work and legacy of the late legendary African musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti, and analyse cases of violation of artistic freedom. They will identify key challenges for artists’ freedom of expression, analyse the violation patterns and trends as well as social developments in different countries that have undermined freedom of creativity.
Participants will have the opportunity to interact with speakers and access information on how better environments can be created for artists to exercise freedom of expression.
Abstract
Artistic expression is vital in civic education and public enlightenment in democratic societies. Artists play important role in addressing political and social issues in ways that appeal to emotions and often lead to mass mobilization. In Sub Saharan Africa and other regions of the world, this unique power of art is understood by people in position of power and many feel threatened by its influence. Artistic expressions with dissenting views are brazenly suppressed by politicians, clerics, community leaders and others who feel challenged in their bid to hold on to power and influence on the people. Musicians, composers, filmmakers, comedians, playwrights, visual artists, poets and other artists are increasingly struggling to create critical works as a result of restrictions imposed by state, religious establishments, traditional practices and social customs. Artists have faced and continue to face censorship, threats, attacks, harassment, arrests and prosecutions arising from these obstacles.
The obstacles create uncertain environments for artists, foster self-censorship and discourage constructive criticism of public policies and authorities. Artists are not the only victims, the restrictions undermine citizens’ right to information, public participation, open and democratic governance.
The event promises a lot of fun with music and food.
A Brief on Fela Anikulapo Kuti
Fela Anikulapo Kuti, simply known as Fela, was a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, singer, composer and human rights activist. He devoted his entire music career to making and releasing songs that criticized the corruption of African authorities and the poor conditions that Africans were subjected to. His music blamed many of Africa’s problems on colonialization. Through his music, Fela condemned military coups and interventions in Africa’s politics, election rigging and other illegitimate acts that aggravated poverty, economic inequality, unemployment, and political instability.
Throughout his career as a musician and activist, Fela was reportedly arrested more than 200 times and spent 20 months as his longest time in jail. He died in 1997 under mysterious circumstances alleged to be caused by AIDS, but which many fans dismissed as government cover-up for his frequent torture and brutal attacks at the hands of the police and the military.
