The African Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) has officially unveiled the shortlist for its much-anticipated African Human Rights Music Competition.
This was made known in a statement issued by Wole Adedoyin, the Coordinator of the Competition. The shortlisted entries were carefully selected from the previously announced longlist of 17 participants.
The shortlisted eight finalists include: Alao Felix Oluwadamilare with Free World (Felicity); Aniah Emmanuel Bepeh with BTC; Avril with Africa Our Home; Dead to Rights by Uche Chidozie Okorie; Delphina Yeboah with Sit Down, Shut Up and Procreate; Itunu Oyewale with Break the Chains; Ogedengbe Eghosasere with Our Voice; and Ummalkhairi Buhari with We Will Fight. These talented artists were recognized for their exceptional contributions in using music to amplify human rights messages.
According to the organizers, the eight shortlisted entries have been uploaded on YouTube for public engagement and voting. Music lovers, human rights activists, and members of the public are encouraged to listen, engage, and vote for their favorite tracks via the YouTube playlist link provided: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnqQV5LsSDTZSNSlXcZXwDF047cV0UPor.
Voting is open for two weeks only, during which participants are required to listen to all eight powerful tracks and comment under their favorite song either on YouTube or through the competition’s official channels. This unique approach aims to foster community engagement and ensure that the winners are determined by popular choice.
Wole Adedoyin highlighted that these songs collectively address critical themes of freedom, dignity, equality, and justice, aligning perfectly with IHRAM’s mission of leveraging art for social change. “Music has always been a tool for activism, and this competition has proven how artists across Africa are ready to raise their voices against oppression through their craft,” Adedoyin stated.
The African Human Rights Music Competition was designed to harness the talents of musicians, vocalists, and songwriters across Africa and beyond. Its goal is to encourage the use of music as a dynamic platform for advocating human rights, raising awareness of pressing social issues, and inspiring change through creativity.
The competition received submissions from across Africa, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, further reinforcing the universality of music and human rights. IHRAM is proud of the diverse participation and the quality of entries received, each reflecting unique cultural perspectives on human rights struggles and hopes.
As the competition progresses to its final stage, IHRAM calls on the global community to actively participate in voting and help spotlight the top three voices who have used their music as a force for good. The winners will not only receive recognition but will also contribute to shaping conversations around human rights through continued collaboration with IHRAM.
The African Human Rights Music Competition stressed IHRAM’s broader commitment to integrating arts into human rights advocacy and offering platforms where artists can challenge injustices and inspire meaningful conversations through their work.
