Voice2Rep: Amplifying Advocacy and Good Governance Through Music

Imagine a symphony echoing across Mali, Nigeria, Liberia, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—a symphony where music and advocacy blend seamlessly. This is the essence of the Voice2Rep project, led by Accountability Lab, an organization that makes governance work for people, and is dedicated to fostering accountability and good governance. Voice2Rep is revolutionizing the music industry, transforming it into a powerful platform for social change, allowing young, undiscovered artists to amplify their voices and champion causes like transparency, representation, and civic engagement.

Through the universal language of music, Voice2Rep isn't just creating melodies; it's igniting movements. Emerging artists are provided with a platform to address critical social issues, from corruption to social justice, through their art. This initiative not only nurtures talent but also empowers artists with the knowledge and tools to become influential advocates in their communities.

The Birth of a Movement

Voice2Rep, short for "Voice to Represent," began as an ambitious vision to harness the emotive power of music to hold the government accountable and inspire civic participation. In Nigeria, the initiative was officially launched in 2018 by Accountability Lab Nigeria with the support of the Dutch Embassy and Chocolate City, one of Africa’s largest music platforms. The project’s mission is clear: to mentor young artists, equipping them with the skills needed to create music that not only entertains but also advocates for social justice and good governance.

Training Tomorrow’s Advocates

At the heart of Voice2Rep is a comprehensive training program that goes beyond music. Finalists in the competition are immersed in a rigorous curriculum covering lyricism, style, and performance. However, what sets this program apart is its focus on advocacy. Artists are trained in the principles of accountability, good governance, and political engagement. This dual approach ensures that the music created is not only sonically appealing but also rich in meaningful, impactful content.

A pivotal aspect of this training involves pairing each artist with a professional music producer for mentorship and coaching. These mentors guide the artists in perfecting their songs and finding their authentic voice, ensuring that their messages resonate deeply with their audience.

A Platform for Change

Each year, the Voice2Rep campaign culminates in a grand national concert, a celebration of music and advocacy. This event is broadcast live on television and radio, reaching a national audience that participates in selecting the winning artists through SMS, WhatsApp, and online voting. The winning songs are professionally produced and distributed widely, both within the country and internationally, amplifying the reach of the artists' messages.

In 2021, the Voice2Rep albums titled “Gen Woke” and “Daughters of Gaia” were released, featuring 16 tracks [in total on both projects] by 13 young Nigerian artists. The album's themes centered on good governance, and advocacy for change and womanhood, showcasing the diverse talents and powerful messages of its contributors. This album is not just a collection of songs; it is a testament to the potential of music to drive social change and inspire a generation. Also, they recently? released the "This is the Truth - Cyber Culture" album. The album focuses on digital rights and freedom of speech and addresses the closing of civic space in Nigeria. It was sponsored by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and supported by Luminate.

Stream the album here.?

The 2023 Songwriting Bootcamp: A Melodic Revolution

In 2023, Voice2Rep took a significant step forward with its Songwriting Bootcamp, an intensive program that brought together 25 artists—19 men and 6 women—from across Nigeria. This bootcamp was a whirlwind of creativity and collaboration, with artists producing approximately 10 songs that ranged from heartfelt ballads to upbeat anthems. The themes explored during the bootcamp included digital rights, freedom of expression, and the closing civic space, reflecting the artists' commitment to addressing pressing societal issues.

Guest instructors and industry experts, such as Jessica Bongos and Precious Obeahon, provided invaluable insights through masterclasses on song structure, lyricism, melody creation, and production techniques. They also emphasized the importance of digital rights for artists, enlightening participants on how their music can serve as a catalyst for social change.

The Power of Synergy

The bootcamp was more than just a training ground; it was a hotbed of collaboration. Artists from diverse backgrounds united their skills to create something truly extraordinary. This synergy was palpable as they connected, shared ideas, and pushed the boundaries of their creative horizons. The result was a collection of songs that resonated deeply with all who listened, leaving a lasting impact.

One of the participants, Hope Abah, a 2020 Voice2Rep finalist, expressed, "My understanding of digital rights was narrow, but now I fully comprehend that it encompasses my rights as a human being in digital spaces. Additionally, I have gained awareness of how to leverage my emotions and tap into the emotions of others, enabling me to create art that resonates with my target audience."

Beyond Music: Advocacy in Action

Voice2Rep’s impact extends beyond the confines of music. The program fosters a network of musicians, producers, mentors, judges, and fans who are passionate about using their voices to advocate for the change they wish to see. This network is instrumental in building a culture of integrity and accountability.

The project’s collaboration with TASCK Agency has been pivotal in scaling its impact. TASCK’s involvement has provided platforms for the artists to showcase their work, including national concerts and high-profile events like the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Summit and the University of Abuja Beauty and Brains Pageant. These events have significantly expanded the reach of the artists' messages, engaging thousands of people both online and offline.

Luminate’s Support: Expanding Horizons

Luminate, a global philanthropic organization, has played a crucial role in supporting Voice2Rep. Their backing has enabled the expansion of the campaign, providing outreach, training, mentorship, and platforms for the artists. In 2021, under the theme of business integrity and human rights, artists were trained in Lagos by leaders from various organizations, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA). This training equipped the artists with the knowledge to use their voices to promote awareness and drive social change.

Through partnerships with the US Embassy and Yes Academy, the artists received training in media literacy, songwriting, and music business strategy. Mentors such as Grammy Award winner Chopstiix, MI Abaga, and entertainment lawyer Juliana Imam provided guidance, helping the artists navigate the complexities of the music industry.

Building Networks for Change

Voice2Rep’s success lies in its ability to build coalitions within the music industry and beyond. By partnering with TASCK Agency, the project has strengthened its platform, bringing together past Voice2Rep artists with influential voices in the industry. These collaborations have created a vibrant ecosystem dedicated to advocating for positive change.

Accountability Lab Nigeria’s partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) has further reinforced this network. Together, they hosted a meeting with CSOs to amplify the National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP), garnering commitments to entrench the values of integrity and accountability in society.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Voice2Rep continues to grow, its impact on young artists and the wider society is undeniable. The program not only nurtures musical talent but also instills a deep sense of civic responsibility and advocacy. Through their music, Voice2Rep artists are shaping the future, promoting good governance, and inspiring a new generation to hold their leaders accountable.

With ongoing support from partners like Luminate and TASCK, Voice2Rep is poised to expand its reach and deepen its impact. As these budding songwriters continue to hone their craft and advocate for change, the world can look forward to a future where music and advocacy go hand in hand, creating a more just and accountable society.

Join Us in Championing Creative Advocacy!

Are you passionate about making a difference through creative advocacy? Do you have inspiring stories to share that deserve a wider audience? At TASCK, we believe in the power of creativity to drive change and connect communities.

If you're a brand looking to align with impactful stories and innovative advocacy, we want to hear from you! Let's collaborate to amplify voices, foster meaningful connections, and create a lasting impact.

Contact us at TASCK via [email protected] to share your creative advocacy stories and explore how we can work together to make a difference. Together, we can turn passion into action and stories into powerful movements.