By Chris Onuoha

In response to a subsequent call in September 2014 by Arterial Network for contribution from writers, journalists and researchers across the Africa continent to share their opinions and knowledge on a broad topic, a compendium of written works by 25 authors from 14 African countries has been released as a free e-book project 2016.

This followed after two years of committed work by the writers whose selected writings, put together to produce an original compilation titled, “How Free is Free: Reflections on Freedom of Creative Expression in Africa”, was produced as part of project that aims to defend freedom of creative expression on the continent.

The 25 artistes who shared their creative ideas, experiences as relates to their environment includes Aisha Dème (Senegal), Albie Sachs (South Africa), Ayoko Mensah (Togo/ France), Azad Essa (South Africa), Boubacar Boris Diop (Senegal), Chenjerai Hove (Zimbabwe), Edgar Sekloka (Cameroon/ France), Elana Bregin (South Africa), Ellen Banda-Aaku (Zambia), Gaël Faye (Rwanda/ France), Hamadou Mande (Burkina Faso), Jane Duncan (South Africa), Jesmael Mataga (Zimbabwe), Koleka Putuma (South Africa), Lauren Beukes (South Africa), Michèle, Rakotoson (Madagascar), Dr. Mohamed Abusabib (Sudan), Prof. Patrick J Ebewo (South Africa), Phiona Okumu (Uganda/ UK), Raimi Gbadamosi (Nigeria/ UK), Saad Elkersh (Egypt), Sade Adeniran (Nigeria), Sami Tchak (Togo), Sylvia Vollenhoven (South Africa), Yewande Omotoso (Barbados/ Nigeria).

In a press release by Arterial headquarters in Cape Town, South Africa, the project manager for Artwatch Africa project, Diana Ramarohetra said; “The main objective for this project was to give writers the opportunity to talk about what ‘freedom of creative expression’ means to them and in their own style. It is amazing to see that most of the time when we say ‘Freedom of Expression,’ people first think of journalism and forget that it also pertains to the arts and artistes. It is our job to inform people about artiste’s rights and help to build the infrastructure across Africa to defend them. She said.

“How Free is Free: Reflections on Freedom of Creative Expression in Africa is a meditation on the artistic health of the continent, as lived and examined from twenty-five diverse, artistic viewpoints. This publication is a first for Arterial Network and it will be used as a tool to advocate for freedom of expression and creative arts in Africa” Diana said.

The e-book was first launched at the Alliance Française Cape Town, South Africa on September 14, 2016, while the Nigerian version was also launched at the Arterial Network Nigeria Closing Ceremony and End of Year Party held at Freedom Park in Lagos, December 2016.

Artwatch Africa is a project of Arterial Network that aims to assert, promote and defend artist rights and freedom of creative expression for artists and cultural practitioners in Africa.

Arterial Network is an active and dynamic civil-society network of artists, cultural activists, entrepreneurs, NGOs, institutions, and donors in Africa’s creative and cultural sectors.
The publication is available to download for free from the Arterial Network website, as well as various e-reader platforms, such as World Reader. It has been optimized for e- Mobile, Tablet and Kindle viewing.