African spoken word artists invited to spotlight human-rights issues

The International Human Rights Art Movement (IHRAM) has launched the African Spoken Word Contest to give spoken word artists across the continent a platform to highlight urgent human rights issues through creative expression.

Contents

Focus What’s on offer Who can apply How to apply Timeline

Entrants are required to produce a one-minute video reciting an original poem that addresses themes such as social justice, climate change, women’s empowerment, immigration, human trafficking, police brutality, and violence against women.

Focus

The contest aims to amplify voices that are often overlooked and inspire awareness and action through art. By engaging poets, artists, and activists, IHRAM seeks to raise public consciousness about rights, equality and dignity across Africa.

What’s on offer

Winners will receive both cash prizes and public recognition:

First Prize: US $100
Second Prize: US $75
Third Prize: US $50
Five Honourable Mentions

All participants will receive Certificates of Participation, while shortlisted artists will be awarded Certificates of Excellence. Winners may also have the opportunity to feature at the International Human Rights Art Festival in New York City.

Who can apply

Spoken word artists, poets, and activists addressing human rights issues in Africa
Only one entry per participant is allowed
Submissions must be original and unpublished work created by the entrant

How to apply

Applicants must submit a one-minute video (minimum 20 MB) of themselves reciting their original poem. The video should be filmed in landscape mode, in a quiet setting, without graphics, captions or other people visible.

Submissions should be emailed to wole@humanrightsartmovement.org with a copy to ihrafafrica@humanrightsartmovement.org. The email subject should be titled “AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SPOKEN WORD CONTEST.”

Interested poets can visit the official page for more information.