As the PANAF Summit approaches, set to take place from February 14 to 16 in Zanzibar, Tanzania, we sat down with Teshome Wondimu, founder and executive director of Selam, the organization behind the Pan African Network for Artistic Freedom (PANAF). He shared insights into the challenges facing African artists, censorship, economic instability, and the double-edged sword of digital platforms, while emphasizing the urgent need for collective advocacy to protect artistic rights across the continent.
Last year was a tough one for artistic freedom in Africa. Sociopolitical, economic, and cultural pressures continued to stifle creative expression. Reports like Freemuse’s The State of Artistic Freedom 2024 shed light on growing issues such as censorship, intimidation, and even imprisonment. For example, the report highlighted how women artists in Sub-Saharan Africa face heightened risks due to restrictive cultural norms. In Tanzania, musicians were persecuted for their work, while across the continent, over 20 cases of imprisonment were linked to art that expressed political dissent. In northern Nigeria, cultural and religious norms still prevent women from participating in the arts without male approval.
Economic instability has only made things worse. According to PANAF’s 2023 report, over 70% of artists in countries like Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zambia, Nigeria, Mozambique, and The Gambia operate under precarious conditions. In Kenya, artists grapple with limited government funding and a weak copyright enforcement system, which has led to rampant piracy. In Uganda, heavy taxation on creative goods has driven up costs, making it harder for artists to sustain themselves. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, poor infrastructure and inconsistent policies have further marginalized the creative sector. “Restrictive legislation, insufficient legal protection, and societal pressure remain key obstacles,” Wondimu explained. “Fear of censorship and a lack of legal safeguards often force artists into self-censorship.”
Despite these challenges, artists across Africa have continued to use their work to resist oppression. In Burkina Faso, the Récréâtrales festival in Ouagadougou became a beacon of hope amid political turmoil. Its theme, “Turning the Face to the Sun,” celebrated resilience, love, and freedom, while providing a platform to address societal injustices. In Tanzania, artist Shadrack Chaula faced government scrutiny for burning an image of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, while Algerian author Boualem Sansal was censored for his critique of authoritarian regimes. These examples underscore the vital role of art in challenging power and inspiring change. In Kenya, musicians also took the lead during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations. They used their platforms to amplify public dissent against proposed tax hikes, with tracks like King Kaka’s “Wanapanga Kutumaliza” resonating widely. Artists organized protests and memorial events, uniting citizens in opposition and influencing the government’s decision to withdraw the contentious bill. These creative expressions became anthems of resistance, illustrating the power of art in mobilizing collective action.
To address these challenges, initiatives like PANAF are stepping up. PANAF, an initiative by Selam, is working to address these challenges through data-driven advocacy, policy reform, and capacity-building. One of its flagship activities is the annual PANAF Summit, which brings together artists, policymakers, and civil society organizations to network and strategize. “Initiatives like PANAF play a critical role by building a critical mass of artists and cultural promoters who can advocate for policy changes, support legal reforms, and raise awareness about artistic freedom,” Wondimu said. “Through advocacy campaigns, partnerships, and direct support, we aim to create an environment where artists can speak their truth without fear of retribution.”
However, the decline of democratic freedoms across Africa has made it even harder for artists to thrive. “Africa is a continent rich in artistic talent and creativity, but many challenges to artistic freedom remain,” Wondimu noted. “While some countries have made progress in allowing freer expression, others still impose significant restrictions on what artists can say and create.” Governments have increasingly used restrictive laws to silence dissent, stifle political criticism, and suppress cultural expression. In Zimbabwe, artists have been targeted for works perceived as critical of government policies. In Uganda, laws regulating public gatherings have been used to restrict performances. In Kenya, censorship and intimidation have created a chilling effect on artists addressing political themes. And in Sudan, the ongoing conflict has not only claimed the lives of several artists but also forced many into exile or silence. “Artistic freedom is not just about individual expression; it’s about the collective right to imagine and critique society,” Wondimu emphasized. “When this space is eroded, societies lose a vital mechanism for self-reflection and progress.”
PANAF’s approach focuses on advocacy, education, and capacity-building to tackle systemic barriers. The initiative began by collecting and analyzing data on the state of artistic freedom, providing evidence-based insights to inform policy recommendations and advocacy strategies. “Data-driven advocacy is essential,” Wondimu said. “Without clear evidence, it becomes challenging to hold governments accountable or push for meaningful reforms.” The 2025 PANAF Summit will bring together participants from across Africa to discuss solutions for advancing artistic freedom. Panels will address pressing issues such as policy reforms, strategies for combating censorship, and ways to enhance collaboration through shared resources.
Digital technology has been both a blessing and a curse for African artists. On one hand, platforms like Instagram have allowed South African visual artists to sell their work directly to buyers, bypassing traditional galleries. On the other hand, increased government surveillance in countries like Ethiopia has led to the censorship of politically sensitive content, while weak intellectual property laws have left artists vulnerable to content theft across the continent. “Digital platforms have allowed artists to reach larger audiences, connect with supporters globally, and share their work with less reliance on traditional gatekeepers,” Wondimu said. “However, they have also introduced new forms of censorship, as governments can monitor and restrict online content.” The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has added another layer of complexity. AI-generated art and music have sparked debates about authorship and originality, raising questions about how traditional copyright laws apply in this new era. Frameworks like the EU’s Copyright Directive and Australia’s National AI Framework could serve as benchmarks for African policymakers as they navigate these challenges.
Financial insecurity remains one of the biggest obstacles for artists. “Governments and policymakers can protect artistic freedom by enacting legislation that explicitly supports freedom of expression for artists and by establishing frameworks to hold accountable those who violate these rights,” Wondimu said. “Establishing functioning copyright systems would also be crucial to ensure artists earn money when their work is consumed by the public.” The African Union’s Plan of Action (PoA) for Culture and Creative Industries offers a step in the right direction. It positions artistic rights not only as cultural priorities but as fundamental human rights, emphasizing the need for an enabling environment that protects freedom of expression and economic independence for creators. However, given the persistent challenges of copyright implementation in many African countries, governments must prioritize strengthening enforcement mechanisms and addressing systemic inefficiencies. Regional collaborations could also help standardize practices across borders.
Artists are the storytellers and visionaries who challenge us to think differently. As Africa navigates the complexities of modern governance, economic development, and cultural identity, ensuring the freedom of its artists is more critical than ever. Collective efforts are essential to dismantling barriers and promoting an environment where creativity can thrive. Governments must lead by updating policies, strengthening copyright enforcement, and allocating necessary funding to support the arts sector. Regional bodies should coordinate cross-border collaborations to create standardized frameworks that protect artistic rights. Civil society organizations and advocacy groups must continue their grassroots and regional efforts, equipping artists and stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to advance artistic rights. Moreover, private sector players, particularly digital platforms, have a responsibility to implement transparent systems that fairly compensate creators for their work.
Artistic freedom is not just about the right to create; it’s about shaping a society where diverse voices are heard, democracy is respected, and the rights to create and consume culture are supported. As the title suggests, artistic expression stands at the crossroads of freedom and fear, defining how societies evolve in the face of creativity and repression. How can we move beyond fear to fully embrace the transformative power of art and culture? Join the second edition of the PANAF Summit between February 14 and 16 to explore a roadmap toward advancing artistic rights on the continent.
Registration is ongoing until January 17.