Seams Deaf Pro Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) dedicated to empowering Deaf youths across Africa is set to organise the fourth edition of All Africa Deaf Arts Festival (AADAF) in Nigeria.
The event with the theme: ‘Deaf Can. Africa Can’ which will have immersive master classes and creative camps is scheduled to hold at the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo State from December 1st to 5th, 2025 while the grand finale will hold at the Wole Soyinka Arts Theatre, University of Ibadan, December 6th, 2025.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, 19th November, 2025, to announce the event, Foundation’s Executive Director, Mr. Samuel James said AADAF was created to solve the problem of absence of sustainable pathways for the Deaf and youths with disabilities to develop their skills, earn a living, and contribute confidently to Africa’s creative economy.
He added that AADAF empowers them to be self-sustaining through training, professional exposure, networks, and opportunities that drastically change their future.
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According to him, this event will bring together artists who are creative but with disabilities from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and across the continent, all united by resilience, and a shared dream of a more inclusive arts ecosystem.
“We will also be hosting 100 Deaf and youths with disabilities in a full week residential camp dedicated to empowerment, mentorship, and self-development.
James explained further that participants at the camp will engage in training on Tradition, Visual Arts; Digital Arts and New Media; Professional Dance Techniques; Dramatic Expression and Performance; Creative Leadership and Career Development and Production and Stagecraft.
“Our grand showcase at the Wole Soyinka Arts Theatre, University of Ibadan will feature Performances and exhibitions; Film presentations; African cultural fusion pieces and Stakeholder dialogue on inclusion, accessibility, and policy reform,” he disclosed.
Speaking further on AADAF 4.0 James said it is not just a festival but a movement adding that Art belongs to everyone; creativity has no barriers; talent thrives wherever opportunity exists and every artists regardless of disability deserves a place on Africa’s stage.
He reminisced past editions of the programme, explaining that the first edition held in Lagos was where the foundation took its first bold step toward building a continental movement of empowerment for Deaf but creative artists.
He said that the second edition held in Ghana expanded their vision beyond borders and strengthened the pan-African collaboration. “The third edition in Abuja amplified our visibility, strengthened international partnerships, and attracted global recognition.
“And now, the fourth edition is taking us to Oyo, a city rich in heritage, culture and artistic legacy-an ideal ground for creativity to flourish.
He called for partnership and support, adding that the gesture from organisations and individuals will enable deaf youths gain skills that will sustain them for life.
He explained that there will be accommodation for the 100 campers, transportation for international delegates; professional training personnel; stationery and gifts packs for participants; equipment; hall decoration and set design as well as honorarium for artists.
Dr. Akhere Akran, a member of Seams Deaf Pro Foundation and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DERB) Strategist in her remarks said that the Deaf community remains one of the most culturally vibrant yet least visible groups in Africa but the festival corrects that imbalance by placing their talent at the centre and not the margins.
“The festival is a reminder that we are stronger when everyone is included, that a continent rises when all her people rise, and that the arts are at their most beautiful when they are open to every creator.”
She added: “The Deaf community in Africa is rich with talent, culture, and brilliance, yet too often unseen. This festival changes that story. It places Deaf artists where they belong on the main stage, in full light, celebrated for their craft and not defined by their challenges.
“Inclusion must be lived, not quoted. It must look like platforms where everyone can participate fully, where access is intentional, and where the voices that society often overlooks are given room to rise. That is exactly what this festival does,” she explained.
“Art has a way of bringing us together without needing sound. It cuts across language, ability, and background, allowing expression that comes straight from the soul. For many Deaf artists, this festival is the one place they feel completely understood, completely welcomed, completely seen.
Explaining the need for the festival, Akran said it provides stage time, visibility, and legitimacy for Deaf creative; it creates an accessible artistic space where the Deaf people can participate, perform, and lead and it gives them equal power to communicate and be understood.
“Deaf art forms are rich with identity, history, and pride and the festival protects these expressions and ensures they are valued across the continent, opens doors to partnerships, scholarships, collaborations, and global exposure, she said.
She added that the festival will shift public perception, confronting assumptions about disability while showcasing capability, innovation, and excellence.
“Representation strengthens belonging and tells them they belong as inclusion strengthens nations and that the Deaf community is not an after thought but creators, leaders, innovators, and custodians of African art,” she stated.
Akran explained further that when Deaf children see performers who look like them and communicate like them standing boldly on stage, something powerful happens inside a spark of belonging, a sense of possibility, a quiet confidence that says, “I can.”
“And that is why we must continue to create these rooms, lift these voices, and honour these gifts not as charity but as fairness. Not as duty, but as recognition.
This festival is a reminder that we are stronger when everyone is included, that a continent rises when all her people rise, and that the arts are at their most beautiful when they are open to every creator,” she added.
Also speaking at the press conference, Mr. Ade Oyeyipo, Founder of Lightwork Media House, a partner with the foundation said that they are excited to be part of the programme as inclusion is very pivotal to the organisation’s Corporate Social responsibility hence the support for the programme.
He urged government organisations, corporate bodies and individuals to support the laudable event as this will go a long way to help the organisers project the talents of participants at the event. “These artists, regardless of whatever special needs that they may have, they are very talented and there is the need for everyone to support them.
He commended the organisers, adding that it takes a lot of determination and dedication for them to have organized three editions in the past which was indeed a success.
Also part of Seams Deaf Pro Foundation, Omowunmi Otunuyi and David Usoro who were optimistic of the success of the event and ready to showcase their talents said that the foundation has exposed them to artistic learning over the years.
They however pointed to the society’s attitude to people with disabilities, stating that the disability does not make them less human and they are ready to contribute their quota to the creative economy.
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