Call for Entries: African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest

 

CALL FOR ENTRIES: AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SPOKEN WORDS CONTEST:

DEADLINE: 30TH OCTOBER, 2023

 

The African Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Festival is proud to announce the upcoming "African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest," a transformative platform that harnesses the power of spoken word artistry to address pressing human rights issues. The contest aims to bring together poets, artists, and activists from across the African continent to creatively express their thoughts and perspectives on critical matters such as social justice, climate change, women's empowerment, immigration, human trafficking, police brutality, and violence against women.

In an era where dialogue and advocacy hold the key to positive change, the contest seeks to amplify the voices of those often marginalized and unheard. Through the art of spoken word, participants will have the opportunity to shed light on the urgent need for social justice, a sustainable environment, and equal rights for women. The African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest will serve as a powerful catalyst for awareness, empathy, and action, encouraging participants to delve into these multifaceted issues and inspire others to do the same.

The African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest is set to unleash a wave of creative expression, advocacy, and solidarity across the African continent. Poets, spoken word artists, and all individuals passionate about human rights are encouraged to participate and contribute to this vital dialogue. Together, we can harness the power of spoken words to pave the way towards a more just, equitable, and compassionate future.

Submit a captivating 1-minute video where you passionately recite a unique and artistic poem crafted by you. This is your opportunity to shine and potentially be showcased on our vibrant social media platforms.

Demonstrate and elucidate the potent utilization of spoken language as a catalyst for the advancement and bolstering of human rights across the African continent. To merit rightful acknowledgment, submissions should inherently encapsulate the essence of human rights.

PRIZE(S)

·         First Prize - $100

·         Second Prize - $75

·         Third Prize - $50

·         Five honorable mentions

 

The selected works that emerge victorious will take center stage at the International Human Rights Art Festival, set to unfold between December 4th and 10th, 2023.

OTHER BENEFITS

· Award of Certificates of Participation to all Entrants.
· Award of Certificates of Excellence to only the shortlisted entrants.

GUIDELINES

1.      Upload a 1-minute video of yourself reciting your original poem of not less than 20MB.

2.      Entries are welcomed from anywhere in the world, but must address human rights issues in Africa

3.      Stories must have Human Rights at heart.

4.      Only one Video per entrant

5.      Your video can explore any of the following human rights themes: Freedom of Expression, Government Violations, Police Brutality, corruption, forced Eviction, terrorism, Gender Inequality, LGBT Rights, Child Labour, Child Marriage, Domestic Violence, violence and discrimination against women; child abuse; female genital mutilation, ethnic, regional, and religious discrimination, child trafficking etc.

6.      Record yourself in a quiet place (no music or background noise). Listen to your audio before you upload to make sure we can hear you well. No other persons are allowed in the video.

7.      Make sure the video is not shaky, the camera must be still while filming.

8.      Ensure your video is artistic, original, and creative. Videos must not have been previously published or used for a commercial purpose such as private sale or used in monetized platforms. All content to be used must be original, including any music.

9.      Do not add any graphics, text, or captions. If you need to perform your poem in sign language, you are welcome to do so.

10.  Film in landscape mode.

11.  We strongly encourage diverse, untraditional, and unheard voices to enter this competition

12.   The 1-minute Video must be a new and original piece of work. The Story must not have been published in any form or awarded previously.

13.  Deadline for submissions is 30th October, 2023

14.  Winners will be announced on the November 25th, 2023

15.  Any signs of plagiarism will disqualify the contestant.

16.  IHRAF reserves the right to withdraw and reclaim the financial value of the contest if it is discovered that a Spoken Word Artist has fabricated any information in their submission. 

17.  Organizers’ decision is final

18.  All entrants agree to offer IHRAF first world rights, with the right to upload selected videos on its media and streaming platforms.

19.  All entries must be submitted to: ihrafafrica@ihraf.org

20.  Title of your mail should be addressed as “AFRICAN HUMAN SPOKEN WORDS CONTEST”

21.  Entrants are advised to send the following information alongside their entries

22.  Name, Age, Gender, Country, Address, Phone Number, Where you heard about the Contest, Short Profile about yourself, Name of school or university if any

23.  It is your responsibility to ensure that your submission is eligible for the Contest. By entering your work for the Contest you are confirming to us that the work that you are submitting is your own original work, and that you have read and agreed to the Conditions of Entry of the Contest.  

24.  We will write to everyone who entered for the Contest and inform them of the outcome of their application once the judging process has concluded. 

 African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest is an initiative of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), USA aimed at promoting and supporting the realization of human rights in Africa.

 

For more enquiries contact: Wole Adedoyin +2348072673852 (woleadedoyin@gmail.com)

 

Denja, Prof. Mohamed, Prof. Aniagolu, Prof. Evwierhoma, Others to Headline Udenta@60 Celebration

 

DENJA, PROF. MOHAMMED, PROF. ANIAGOLU, PROF. EVWIERHOMA, AND OTHERS TO HEADLINE UDENTA@60 CELEBRATION

 

By Wole Adedoyin

The Confluence of Future Arts, in collaboration with Rovingheights Bookstore, is thrilled to announce a thought-provoking event titled CULTURAL PRODUCTION, POLITICS AND NIGERIA’S FAMISHED POSSIBILITY, dedicated to celebrating the 60th birthday of the esteemed Prof. Udenta. The event promises to be an insightful and intellectually stimulating conversation on the intersection of cultural production, politics, and Nigeria's potential, featuring a lineup of distinguished panelists and keynote speakers.

The event will feature an exceptional lineup of individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. The keynote address will be delivered by the renowned Prof. E. E. Sule, whose profound insights and expertise in literature and culture promise to set the tone for an engaging discourse.

The panelists for this event represent a diverse range of perspectives and expertise. Among them is the highly respected Mallam Denja Abdullahi, former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), whose rich experience in arts and culture is sure to provide valuable insights. Prof. Razinat T. Mohammed, a prominent figure in academia, will serve as the moderator, guiding the discussion with her depth of knowledge and critical thinking.

Adding to the intellectual vigor of the panel are Prof. Emeka Aniagolu, an author of 17 acclaimed books: nine works of fiction and eight works of non-fiction., and Prof. Mabel I. E. Evwierhoma, whose expertise in the realm of arts and society promises a comprehensive exploration of the subject matter. Architect Chukwudi Eze, the current Chairman of ANA Abuja will contribute a unique perspective to the discussion.

The event will take place at the prestigious Rovingheights Bookstore, located at Gimbiya Street, Garki Area 11, Abuja, on Saturday, August 19th, 2023, starting at 11 am. Attendees can look forward to a captivating and enlightening dialogue that delves into the complex relationship between cultural production, politics, and the potential for growth and progress in Nigeria.

As the celebration of Prof. Udenta's 60th birthday, this event promises to be a testament to his enduring commitment to intellectual discourse, cultural enrichment, and the advancement of Nigeria's artistic and societal landscape.

 

Udenta @ 60: Stakeholders to Engage in Profound Discourse on Culture, Politics, and Nigeria's Potential

 

DENJA, PROF. MOHAMMED, PROF. ANIAGOLU, PROF. EVWIERHOMA, AND OTHERS TO HEADLINE UDENTA@60 CELEBRATION

 

By Wole Adedoyin

The Confluence of Future Arts, in collaboration with Rovingheights Bookstore, is thrilled to announce a thought-provoking event titled CULTURAL PRODUCTION, POLITICS AND NIGERIA’S FAMISHED POSSIBILITY, dedicated to celebrating the 60th birthday of the esteemed Prof. Udenta. The event promises to be an insightful and intellectually stimulating conversation on the intersection of cultural production, politics, and Nigeria's potential, featuring a lineup of distinguished panelists and keynote speakers.

The event will feature an exceptional lineup of individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. The keynote address will be delivered by the renowned Prof. E. E. Sule, whose profound insights and expertise in literature and culture promise to set the tone for an engaging discourse.

The panelists for this event represent a diverse range of perspectives and expertise. Among them is the highly respected Mallam Denja Abdullahi, former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), whose rich experience in arts and culture is sure to provide valuable insights. Prof. Razinat T. Mohammed, a prominent figure in academia, will serve as the moderator, guiding the discussion with her depth of knowledge and critical thinking.

Adding to the intellectual vigor of the panel are Prof. Emeka Aniagolu, an author of 17 acclaimed books: nine works of fiction and eight works of non-fiction., and Prof. Mabel I. E. Evwierhoma, whose expertise in the realm of arts and society promises a comprehensive exploration of the subject matter. Architect Chukwudi Eze, the current Chairman of ANA Abuja will contribute a unique perspective to the discussion.

The event will take place at the prestigious Rovingheights Bookstore, located at Gimbiya Street, Garki Area 11, Abuja, on Saturday, August 19th, 2023, starting at 11 am. Attendees can look forward to a captivating and enlightening dialogue that delves into the complex relationship between cultural production, politics, and the potential for growth and progress in Nigeria.

As the celebration of Prof. Udenta's 60th birthday, this event promises to be a testament to his enduring commitment to intellectual discourse, cultural enrichment, and the advancement of Nigeria's artistic and societal landscape.

 

Udenta @ 60 Celebrations: Prof E.E. Sule to Deliver Keynote Address

UDENTA @ 60 CELEBRATIONS: PROF E.E. SULE TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS

 

Abuja, Nigeria – Renowned professor of African literature and cultural studies, Professor Sule Emmanuel Egya (popularly known as E. E. Sule), is set to deliver the keynote address at the highly anticipated 60th birthday celebration of Prof. Udenta. The event will take place at the prestigious Rovingheights Bookstore on Gimbiya Street, Garki Area 11, Abuja, on Saturday, 19th August, 2023, starting at 11 am.

The theme of this insightful discourse is "CULTURAL PRODUCTION, POLITICS, AND NIGERIA’S FAMISHED POSSIBILITY," a fitting tribute to honor Prof. Udenta on his 60th birthday. The celebration promises to be a gathering of intellectual minds and thought leaders, aiming to explore the intricate connections between cultural production, politics, and Nigeria's potential for growth and development.

Professor E. E. Sule is a distinguished academic known for his profound insights into the intricate relationship between literature, politics, culture, and the environment. His extensive research in areas such as feminism, ecocriticism, and cultural studies has led to the publication of over a hundred scholarly articles and literary essays. Notably, he is the author of several influential books, including "The Writings of Zaynab Alkali," "Poetics of Rage," and "Nation, Power, and Dissidence in Third Generation Nigerian Poetry."

Apart from his scholarly achievements, Professor Egya is a celebrated multi-genre creative writer. His debut novel, "Sterile Sky," garnered international recognition by winning the prestigious Commonwealth Book Prize for the Africa Region in 2013. His literary prowess continued with his second novel, "Makwala," which clinched the Association of Nigerian Authors Prose Fiction Prize in 2019. His poetry volumes, such as "What the Sea Told Me," "Naked Sun," and "Knifing Tongues," have also captivated readers with their evocative verses.

The Udenta @ 60 Celebration promises to be a momentous occasion, bringing together luminaries from academia, literature, and culture to celebrate the remarkable life and contributions of Prof. Udenta. With Professor E. E. Sule's keynote address as the centerpiece of the event, attendees can expect an enlightening exploration of the intersections between cultural production, politics, and the potential for a brighter future for Nigeria.

International Writers Association Appoints Wole Adedoyin To Oversee Nigeria Branch

INTERNATIONAL WRITERS ASSOCIATION APPOINTS WOLE ADEDOYIN TO OVERSEE NIGERIA BRANCH

 

The President of the International Writers Association (IWA), Dr. Mary Hilaire Tavenner has approved the appointment of Wole Adedoyin to oversee the newly created branch of the Association in Nigeria.

This was disclosed to newsmen via a letter signed by the Vice President of the Association, Robert J. Moore dated 18th day of March, 2022 and a membership Certificate dated 13th day of March 2022, signed by the President of the Association Dr. Mary Hilaire Tavenner.

According to the letter, Wole Adedoyin is expected to oversee and coordinate the Nigerian branch of the association.

Parts of the letter read, “Dear Wole Adedoyin, It is my honor and pleasure to formally recognize you as the President of IWA Nigeria and your group as an official chatter of the International Writers Association. We look forward to working with you on future projects and writing. As a charter member of IWA we would like to make available to you all of the benefits that being an IWA member has to offer. We look forward to sharing our expertise and marketing techniques with all of you.”

“We are also looking forward to learning more about the market in Nigeria and how we can be of help. If any IWA Nigeria members wish to be interviewed on our podcast including our forthcoming YouTube page, please let me know. If there is any way we can be of more help to all of you, please let me know.”

“As Vice-President of the main charter, I will be serving as your liaison. From time to time I may contact individual members to invite them to be guests on our media. Congratulations and I’m excited to learn more about IWA Nigeria.”

The International Writers Association is a US based writing organization dedicated to helping writers along their literary journey. IWA provides guidance in writing, editing, publishing, marketing, and promoting writers’ works. IWA’s mission is to educate, support, promote, encourage, and inform individual writers and help produce and market each member's work.

Wole Adedoyin is an alumnus of the Study Abroad in Lebanon (SAIL) programme, an initiative of the Wole Soyinka Foundation, Notre Dame University, Louaize and Cedars Institute, Lebanon. He is currently an ex-officio member of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and Chairman of the Publicity Committee of the Association. Adedoyin is also the President of Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) and the immediate past National Publicity Secretary (South) of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). Before becoming the National Spokesperson of the Association, Adedoyin had served in different committees set up by various Presidents of the Association. Three of the committees are: National Teen Authorship Scheme (served as National Secretary of the Committee – 2011-2015), Young Writers Mentorship Scheme (also served as National Secretary of the Committee 2016-2019) and lastly Intellectual Property Protection and Advancement Committee (also served as its National Secretary – 2018-2019).

Adedoyin founded the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) in 2011. SYNW is an umbrella organization that was founded to promote creative writing and literary arts among writers based in Nigeria between the ages of 10 and 40. It was founded in 2010 at the former house of the Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka at the University of Ibadan. It was formerly known as the World of Poets and Literary Society.

 Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) is a member of the International Authors Forum (IAF). It has also collaborated with different international organizations like Alliance Francaise (Nigeria), 100 Thousand Poets for Change (USA), Woman Scream International Poetry and Arts Festival , International Women Writing Guild and lately International Human Rights Art Festival (USA).

 Adedoyin is the brain behind annual literary events like Fagunwa Day, Read Across Nigeria (RAN), National Week of Remembrance for Departed Writers (NAWRED) and the National Book Awareness Week (NABAWK). In 2011, Adedoyin organized Prof. Remi Raji @ 50 National Poetry Competition. Before serving as ANA National PRO (South), Adedoyin had served as ANA Oyo Auditor (2006-2008) and ANA Oyo PRO (2008-2010). He has published works in various literary reviews, journals and anthologies.

In 2005, Wole Adedoyin was awarded Oyo State Merit Award in Literary Arts by HE Chief Alao Akala (the the Executive Governor of Oyo State. Also in 2006, he was a recipient of Olaudah Equiano Poetry and Prose Prize, Adedoyin won the 2008 edition of ANA/Asiedu Sarpong Prize for Children Poetry and Co-Winner of the Vincent Iguanre Drama Prize.

As a content creator, Wole Adedoyin has written over 1000 articles for both Opera News and Scooper News. In March 2020, Wole Adedoyin won Opera News Hub’s Original Articles of the Week twice and also won Opera News Hub’s Original Long Read Articles of the Month (March).

On the 5th October, 2017, the Gibran National Committee in Beirut, Lebanon appointed Wole Adedoyin as the Coordinator of Gibran Khalil Gibran Society in Nigeria and Africa. Adedoyin is also the brain behind the formation of the Association of Nigerian Christian Authors and Publishers (ANCAPS) known for its annual National Christian Literature Awards.