By Wole Adedoyin
The organisers of the African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest has announced the winners of the International Spoken Words Competition.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the initiative was designed to empower performance poets across the African continent to creatively articulate their perspectives on critical human rights issues.
Out of the 17 exceptional shortlisted entries, the distinguished judging panel, led by renowned playwright, author, and visual artist Tom Block, selected the meritorious winners whose performances stood out for their depth, creativity, and impactful expression.
WINNERS:
1. FIRST PRIZE WINNER – Jon Kote (Nigeria)
• Title: “Suffer In Silence”
• Watch the winning performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enrfS6bukrY
2. SECOND PRIZE WINNER – Chanjoh Rexson Ngong (Cameroon)
• Title: “Voice Against Child Trafficking”
• Watch the winning performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urlZ1GyPCys
3. THIRD PRIZE WINNER – Adetola Eyimofe Jerry-Adesewo (Nigeria)
• Title: “Let’s Be The Mender”
• Watch the winning performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBDVGyLfiI4
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
• Oyamo Richard (Richiepoet the Artist) (Kenya) – “Nurted” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQ47CuJ4XM4&feature=youtu.be
• Lillian Sheridan Jenda (Malawi) – “My Gender” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWThFqx3skk
• Chukwu, Chisom Loretta (Nigeria) – “Silent Cry” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPF2Rg92Lpw
• Othman Amina (Nigeria) – “The Rebirth” – https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Pxed7JaAF2M
• Gugulethu Matshazi Dube (Zimbabwe) – “We Want To Be Children, Not Brides!” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRI8dAsEk8g
These compelling pieces, addressing a spectrum of human rights issues, will take center stage at the prestigious International Human Rights Art Festival scheduled for December 4th to 10th, 2023. The festival aims to celebrate the impactful role of spoken word in advocating for human rights and fostering positive change.
All winners are kindly requested to contact the African Regional Director of IHRAM, Wole Adedoyin, for further information and directives.
The African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest is an initiative of the International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM), USA, dedicated to providing a platform for performance poets across the African continent to creatively express their perspectives on critical human rights issues.
