#iSPEAK: CREATIVITY SUBVERTED – From commercial pop to political protests
The use of social media to uplift voices and stories, create awareness, and build and strengthen relationships creates a space for organisations, activists, and citizens to demand justice. Many social justice campaigns have benefited from the involvement of celebrities who have used their large social media following to amplify social justice issues. Zimbabwean filmmaker Takunda Mafundikwa’s video presentation illustrates how recent social justice campaigns like #FeesMustFall and #EndSARS have gained traction from the involvement of celebrities like Drake, Burna Boy and others. He narrates how a new generation with a steely resolve has emerged who are ready to challenge the status quo. Takunda speaks with youthful activists Ethiopia’s Lily Workneh and Zimbabwean Nyasha Musandu about how social media has made people connect on issues that matter, and how it has been become a point of convergence for online activism and offline grassroots mobilisation.
