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 citi