The Power of Rap in Promoting Social Justice as told by a Nigerian Musician Learning from Human Rights Defenders Autumn 2024

Event details

The Nigerian authorities’ continued failure to protect lives has led to a growing escalation of mob violence over the last decade, as people increasingly take law into their own hands and carry out so- called ‘jungle justice’. This upsurge in mob violence, including violence against women and children, has led to nationwide condemnation and calls for justice from surviving victims, their families and human rights advocates. Can music promote greater accountability and social justice?

In this talk Nigerian music activist, Eedris Abdulkareem, will share how he has successfully navigated the difficult terrain of defending human rights in Africa’s most populous country where democracy is yet to benefit the majority of the people. After premiering his hit song entitled Nigeria Jaga Jaga in 2002 under the government of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, he was subjected to a series of intimidations, harassment, death threats and attempts to discredit his work. This harassment has continued under the governments of Muhammadu Buhari and the current president Bola Tinubu. Eedris will show how his work has impacted the political consciousness of Nigerians and promoted social justice in his community. 

About the speaker