UNCHAINED VIBES AFRICA

Campaigning Award | Nominee | Freedom of Expression Awards

Unchained Vibes Africa (UVA) is a Nigeria-based cultural organisation that leverages the power of the arts to promote civic education, human rights, and cultural diversity across Africa. Founded in 2020, UVA uses music, poetry and performing arts to challenge censorship, defend freedom of artistic expression, and foster democratic values. Through its flagship programme, Freedom Vibes, UVA monitors, documents, and responds to attacks on artists’ rights, while advocating for legal and policy reforms that safeguard artistic freedom.

UVA has documented hundreds of cases of censorship and mobilised national and international bodies like Artists at Risk Connection (ARC), Freemuse and PEN International in campaigns that challenge suppression by state and non-state actors. Notable efforts include its interventions in high-profile cases such as the unjust death penalty conviction of singer Yahaya Sharif Aminu for alleged blasphemy and the ban of filmmaker Hajiya Amart.

The organisation also partnered with the Nigerian Bar Association to push back against restrictions on depicting police misconduct in artistic content.

UVA hosts the annual Freedom Vibes Summit and a concert series that brings together artists, activists, and policymakers to spotlight violations, share stories, and demand change. It also trains young artists across Nigeria through the Freedom Vibes Academy, cultivating a growing network of artistic freedom advocates.

By collaborating with renowned artists and civil society groups, UVA has reached over 4.3 million people through digital platforms and grassroots events. UVA continues to be a bold voice defending creativity, empowering artists, and inspiring citizens to speak truth to power through the arts.

“Being shortlisted for the Index on Censorship’s Freedom of Expression Awards is both humbling and galvanising. It affirms Unchained Vibes Africa’s belief that creativity is a lifeline for democracy, and it belongs to everyone. This moment isn’t about us alone; it’s about the communities turning creativity into civic power. We remain committed to safeguarding the right to speak, sing and stage the truth. This nomination honours the countless voices that risk speaking up. Thank you, Index on Censorship, for amplifying our fight for free expression.” - Ayodele Ganiu, Founder/Executive Producer Unchained Vibes Africa