By Wole Adedoyin
The International Human Rights Art Movement has unveiled the winners of the African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest 2.0.
This groundbreaking initiative highlights the power of spoken word poetry in addressing pressing human rights issues across the African continent, fostering creativity, and empowering voices for positive change.
From a pool of extraordinary talents, eight finalists were shortlisted, with three emerging as top winners.
The competition featured a distinguished judging panel led by acclaimed playwright, author, and visual artist Tom Block, who commended the depth, creativity, and impactful delivery demonstrated by the contestants.
WINNERS OF THE CONTEST ARE AS FOLLOWS:
First Prize: Sandra Salomy Phiri – Malawi
https://bit.ly/3B07EWB
Second Prize: Grace Oluwawemimo Olorunleke – Nigeria
https://bit.ly/48XNlFW
Third Prize: Daniel Ayotunde Omonitan – Nigeria
https://bit.ly/3V0H3zz
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Adetola Eyimofe Jerry-Adesewo – Nigeria
https://bit.ly/3CJmpxs
Ananya Welankar – India
https://bit.ly/4eGBUDI
Christiana Kolawole Boluwatife – Nigeria
bit.ly/48UdNQR
Fatima Salihu – Nigeria
https://bit.ly/3Cx2hyF
Othman Amina – Nigeria
https://bit.ly/4fL6PQw
The winners will showcase their compelling works at the prestigious International Human Rights Art Festival, set to take place from December 9 to 15, 2024 in New York. This global event will celebrate the unique role of spoken word poetry in promoting human rights and driving meaningful societal change.
Sandra Salomy Phiri, who claimed the first prize, was commended for her evocative and powerful delivery that illuminated significant human rights challenges in Africa. Meanwhile, the second and third-place winners, along with the honorable mentions, also presented thought-provoking performances that captivated the judges and audiences alike.
All winners are advised to contact Wole Adedoyin, the African Regional Director of IHRAM, for further instructions regarding their participation in the International Human Rights Art Festival and other related matters.
The African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest, a flagship initiative of IHRAM, USA, continues to provide a unique platform for poets across Africa to articulate their perspectives on critical human rights issues through the dynamic art of spoken word.
By spotlighting these powerful performances, the contest stressed the importance of creativity and art in amplifying voices and advocating for justice, equality, and human dignity.
