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Unchained Melodies: A Journey Through The First African Freethought Music And Arts Festival

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By Dooyum Dominic Ingye

As the First African Freethought Music and Arts Festival drew closer, I, along with Dr. Leo Igwe, the event’s main organizer, built notes and finalized arrangements. My anticipation and anxiety grew in leaps and bounds. This was due to many factors: the prospect of meeting Mandisa Thomas, Dan Baker, Bolaji Alonge, and George Mbuagbaw (with whom we had shared numerous correspondences).

Moreover, it would be my first time traveling to Lagos for such an event, which was also the first of its kind. This anticipation only heightened when Dr. Igwe informed me that the visas of Mandisa Thomas and Dan Baker had been approved. Both were coming from the United States, representing the Black Nonbelievers and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, respectively.

I left Makurdi, Benue State, for Lagos on October 12, 2024, and arrived at dawn the next day. The journey was an eye-opening experience, and I was glad I didn’t skip it. Dr. Igwe was already at the Guest House at the University of Lagos, waiting to receive me. We had a brief chat in his room about the event and the arrival of Mandisa and Dan before I retired to my room for some rest. Shortly after, Dr. Igwe and George left to pick them up from the airport.

By the time they returned, I was outside, eager to welcome them. It was the first time I met George, the President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria. The hug I gave him was a true expression of my joy. Mandisa was ushered into her room while I stayed in the common area with Dan Baker, waiting for his room to be prepared. We engaged in a rich conversation about emerging African humanist organizations. Dan emphasized the importance of African humanists acquiring leadership and bookkeeping skills to effectively direct humanist organizations and manage both humanists and people of faith. This was a sentiment that Dr. Igwe had also been strongly advocating for in recent times.

Later that evening, Bolaji Alonge arrived, and we settled into an engaging chat session. The conversation proceeded from strategies for engaging believers and challenging superstitious beliefs. Bolaji shared a profound insight: rather than asking believers to abandon religion outright—a proposition most find deeply unsettling—it is far more effective to encourage them to critically engage with theological questions. He stressed that such an approach often results in more meaningful conversations, giving individuals room to question their beliefs rather than feeling attacked.

Our discussion then turned inward, reflecting on the African humanist community itself. We noted a persistent tendency among some humanists to fall into dogmatic thinking—those who equate their disbelief in a deity with a sense of moral superiority or infallibility. The illusion that rejecting the concept of a supreme being automatically makes one ‘right’ about everything can be just as dangerous as religious dogma. The path to true humanism, we agreed, requires a continuous commitment to questioning, growth, and humility, no matter one’s personal beliefs.

Later, Bolaji suggested that we visit Freedom Park, where preparations were underway for Felabration, a festival celebrating the life and music of Fela Kuti, set to begin the next day. The moment we arrived, the air was alive with the vibrant sound of Fela’s music. People gathered around tables, drinking and dancing, immersed in the joy and energy that filled the space. Bolaji’s friends welcomed us with open arms. There, I met the first son of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka.

Mandisa lit up the moment we arrived, her energy aligning perfectly with the rhythm of the music and the spirit of the celebration. It was as if she had always been a part of this space. Watching her move to the music, effortlessly connecting with everyone around her, was a reminder of the deep ties that bind Africans, whether on the continent or in the diaspora. She exemplified how, despite geographical and cultural distances, Africans in the diaspora can seamlessly integrate into the African way of life—driven by shared heritage, music, and a profound sense of belonging.

The night at Freedom Park was not just a warm-up to the festival but a powerful affirmation of why we were all gathered in Lagos. It was about unity, shared experiences, and challenging the ideas that have for so long defined us, both on the continent and abroad. And as I watched Mandisa vibe to Fela and other music, it felt like the festival had already begun—an affirmation of the freethinking spirit that had brought us all together.

The next day, October 14, 2024, we visited Professor Ilupeju Akanbi Mudashi, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts. Dr. Igwe introduced the festival and explained its purpose: providing an opportunity for humanists to artistically express their ideas through art and music. He also sought support from the faculty, which the Dean gladly affirmed. We then extended invitations to the International School Lagos (ISL) and the Staff School University of Lagos to participate in the festival. Later, I accompanied Dr. Igwe to visit Nigerian Humanist and Professor of Philosophy, Douglas Anele. I was struck by his towering intellect, which matched his imposing physical presence. Anele shared his thoughts on epistemic morality, asserting that not all opinions deserve consideration or respect. He argued that only expressions grounded in logic and reality should be entertained, warning against the dangers of misleading or false opinions. Anele’s critique of the misuse of free speech resonated with me, particularly his observations about absurd testimonies given in religious settings.

On October 15, 2024, we met with Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, to discuss the Freethought Music and Arts Festival. The meeting included two Deputy Vice Chancellors: Professor Ayodele Victoria Atsenuwa and Professor Lucian O. Chukwu. Dr. Igwe explained that the festival’s theme, “Unchained Melodies: Art & African Awakening,” aimed to use music and art to express humanist ideas and campaign against abuses linked to witchcraft beliefs and ritual attacks in Nigeria. The Vice Chancellor affirmed the university’s support, noting that the arts give students the freedom to express themselves. She pointed out that such provocative thoughts represent the most creative side of humanity, which should be encouraged. Later, we met with the Director and staff of the Institute of African and Diaspora Affairs, where a roundtable discussion was scheduled for October 17, 2024. We also secured collaboration from the Department of Music.

That night, we dined with members of the Lagos humanist community, sharing our personal journeys to humanism and discussing the challenges we face in our respective societies.

The next day, October 16, 2024—the festival’s main day—began with the Nigerian National Anthem. Opening remarks, announcements, and housekeeping instructions were delivered by George Mbuagbaw, setting the tone for the day. Dr. Igwe then took the stage for his keynote speech, “Talking Drums and African Awakening.” His speech emphasized the importance of freethought in Africa and how cultural symbols like the talking drum can serve as metaphors for intellectual awakening. Outside the venue, there was also an exhibition featuring individuals accused of witchcraft—a project sponsored by the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW).

The day’s agenda continued with a series of goodwill messages and presentations. Bolaji Alonge gave a captivating talk on the intersection of art and freethought in Nigeria, underscoring the role of creativity in challenging dogma. This was followed by performances from Dan Baker and Mandisa Thomas, who energized the audience with their insightful and passionate contributions. A representative from the Lagos State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism was also present.

After a lunch break, the focus shifted to the Freethought Music Contest, which provided a platform for artists to express freethought and humanism through music. Five contestants participated: International School Lagos (ISL), Staff School University of Lagos, Music City School Lagos, Mercy Attababa, and Padonu Seton.

Here were the song presentations:

Nakomitunaka by Nancy Kiamuangana

Imagine There’s No Heaven by John Lennon

False Prophets by Lucky Dube

Die Gedanken Sind Frei

Amen by Fela Kuti

Wonder Wonder by Femi Kuti

The judges—Mandisa Thomas, Dan Baker, and Bolaji Alonge—declared Music City as the first-place winner, awarding N250,000. International School Lagos took second place and won N150,000, while Padonu Seton came third and won N100,000. Mercy Attababa and Staff School University of Lagos placed fourth position, receiving consolation prizes of N50,000 each.

On the second day, October 17, 2024, at the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies, the event opened with registration and exhibitions. The National Panel on Music, Art, and Freethought featured speakers like George Mbuagbaw and me, representing the Humanist Association of Nigeria and Advocacy for Alleged Witches. We explored the role of music and art in promoting freethought and challenging superstitions. This was followed by an international panel featuring Dan Baker and Mandisa Thomas, who offered global perspectives on how art and music can advance humanism and challenge religious dogma.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks and closing remarks, celebrating the success of this groundbreaking festival.

While I was thrilled with the festival’s success, I felt a wave of sadness later that evening. I confided in Mandisa about it. I realized it when George hugged me goodbye. This sense of melancholy is what prompted me to leave quietly the next day, without saying farewell to our international guests. Looking back, I am proud that we pulled it off. The festival’s success is a testament to the fact that, despite the relatively small number of African humanists, with clear objectives, unity of purpose, and international support, we can make a profound difference in our society. The groundwork laid by Dr. Leo Igwe, George Mbuagbaw, Bolaji Alonge, and I , along with the support from Mandisa and Dan, was instrumental to the event’s success.

This festival was not just a moment in time but a bold step toward making a lasting change. The collaborative spirit that fueled the event is a reminder of what’s possible when we work together, especially in spaces that are often dominated by religious and superstitious ideologies. Our efforts were not just about celebrating freethought but also about fostering an awakening—a cultural and intellectual shift that, I hope, will ripple across the continent.

Ingye  is a Benue-based humanist

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When Evelyn Joshua Brings Succour To The Poorest Of The Poor In Argentina

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Balastro II, Fontana in Resistencia Chaco Province of Argentina is a lesson in the tragedy of existence. The high level of poverty is terrifying! Life here is a simulacrum of Thomas Hobbes horrific classification: “Brutish, nasty and short”. This place in Latin America is described as the “poorest of the poor” in Argentina. Neglected and forsaken in poverty, sickness and diseases with over one million children living in uncertainty over one malnourished meal daily without hope, happiness and future, it was an unimaginable, dark and miserable existence. No food, no water, no roads, no electricity, and all the basic needs of life were in complete abeyance with the exception of a field for football! The physiognomy of destitution bedeviling the community is apparent and embarrassingly suffocating. It takes grace to survive daily.

These are the people Pastor Evelyn Joshua and Emmanuel TV Partners of Synagogue Church Of All Nations SCOAN have gone to put smiles on their faces.
If hard times will always reveal true friends Pastor Evelyn Joshua has demonstrated that the greatest gift you can give someone is your time, your attention, your love, your concern, hope and unshakable faith by providing them with basic needs of life to make them to live as true human beings!

Over 500 families living in penury and inhuman conditions benefited from the truckload of food items, clothing, domestic and educational items worth over 20 millions of Argentina Pesos including cash gifts of $1.5 Pesos for these “wretched of the earth”.
The whole community was agog and electrified. The enthusiasm and joy in the people was palpable and beyond description. It was a big miracle, like the mana from heaven for them to see the enormity of life- transformative goods brought to them free not by their white counterparts but by a black team of Christians from Nigeria on the African continent!

Fontana is really a backward society where witchcraft, worshiping the dead, and all sorts of occultic practices and idolatry are still very rampant. The society is also battling with the menace of hard drugs among the youth especially and other social afflictions.
With joy, dancing, singing and happiness, the open football field for the reception was painted red with the best of their traditional honours and courtesies in uncontrollable simultaneous appreciation.

“We have brought for you the gospel of love from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. You must completely surrender your life to Jesus Christ for your joy to be full and have a lasting happiness” Pastor Joshua declared as the throng of enthusiastic villagers enveloped her in joyful excitement beholding her in a way reminiscent of how Paul and Barnabas were considered extraordinary beings at Lystra during their evangelism .

“We are one with you. The seed of love planted in us with you by Jesus Christ would remain alive. Your challenges are our challenges and your joy is our joy. To you mothers, my sisters, life is full of challenges. Accept Jesus and bring your children up in the way of God so that you can have joy. Please ensure you build in them the fear of God and let them be given sound education and upbringing.This place has become our second home. Let the words of God continue to grow in you and walk in the light of God so that we can continue to rejoice together in Christ Jesus,” she further admonished and inspired the people in frenetic jubilations.

Aduana Solidod Gornama, a 37-year-old homeless mother of five was specially elated to see the gifts: “This is a miracle. May God continue to bless the woman of God. This will go a long way in our lives to save us from untimely death and hopelessness,” she said.

Viviome Piluen Colrol is a jobless housewife with her children and husband living in a sandwiched-like ghetto apartment. “Today is the happiest day in my life. This help is coming when all hope is gone. May God continue to be with the woman of God and SCOAN,” she said.

Jorge Aditouio Movoz, a community leader also living from hand to mouth has this to say: “Words are inadequate to express our joy in this community to Pastor Evelyn Joshua for these marvelous gifts. We are all overwhelmed to see you from Nigeria, coming here to bless us in this way. We thank God for your love and kindness to us in our abject poverty and miserable existence. May God continue to bless you and your church. This is marvelous to us”.

Clearly the mills of God grind slowly but they grind exceedingly fine. This is the legacy and foundation laid down by the God’s General, Prophet TB Joshua.

“By the grace of God we have put our hands on the plow and we can’t look back. We are committed to changing lives, changing nations and changing the world for the salvation of souls and a better humanity as the Lord directs us to move,” said Evelyn Joshua.

Obviously this is a move of God. A white pastor in the crowd overwhelmed by the stupendous generosity said quietly: “God is awesome! We used to pray for the black people, it’s the black that are now praying for us. Glory be to His Holy name”.

Without doubt there will be a better world and humanity if love is allowed to practically lead in human affairs as embedded in SCOAN. Greater things are coming!

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Evelyn Joshua Leads Apostolic Age Revival In Argentina

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Pastor Evelyn Joshua during the crusade.

By Dare Adejumo

The face of apostolic revival is changing in Argentina. A new wind of change, blowing across the entire Latin America with the Crusade of Pastor Evelyn Joshua of the Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) just held at Portal Del Cielo in Resistencia, Chaco in Argentina .
Portal Del Cielo (door of heaven) as the name of the venue implies became symbolic for the new birth in which over 80,000 predominantly white people that attended the two-day power-packed revival were held spell bound!
Obviously there must have been some intuitive awakening in the people. Twenty four hours before the event, scores of people were already arriving on the premises, spending the night under the outside canopy not minding the 19 degree centigrade of the cold weather gripping the jugular of the land as they couldn’t access the venue till the day of the event.

The expectation was palpably high. The crowd was unimaginable. The venue was filled to the brim. The surrounding open fields, of about five acres of land, apart from the inside bowl suddenly became an emergency additional overflow for a myriad of people who could neither find a place to sit nor stand inside the main bowl.

Participants at the crusade.

Pastor Evelyn Joshua had earlier in her message told the audience about God’s good mission of love for mankind and the wind of change that was about to blow in the country. Touched by the enthusiasm of the crowd who were ardently seeking the face of God, Pastor Joshua assured them that God would never disappoint anyone who genuinely put his or trust in Him.

“A time for God is a time for renewal. The glorious hour for the turnaround in your challenges has come. Get ready for God’s shower of blessings upon your lives and the land”, Pastor Evelyn Joshua stated.

Quoting profusely from the books of Hebrew, Romans, John, Mark and Psalms, the woman of God enjoined the people to yield their hearts to the words of God and make His words the standard for their lives.

“You must maintain a close relationship with God and you must be of unconditional love and active faith to flow in God’s will without which you cannot achieve anything from God,” she further stated, adding that “without a genuine love, God can never entrust anyone with His power”.

As expected the crusade was a dream fulfilled for the people who were yearning for deliverance, healing, blessings and salvation. Reminiscent of the Pentecost, the venue was turned upside down with the rainfall of deliverance for the souls under the demonic grip of Satan, just as healings were taking place simultaneously from several people who were there with various afflictions, diseases including mental cases, paralysis, those in crutches and all forms of challenges whether marital, drug addiction, sexual pervasion, suicidal spirits among others. Several people were violently rolling on the floor, demonized people were manifesting just as many others were vomiting all evil things in their stomachs with tumultuous and cacophonic noise! Some were energetically hissing or mewing; barking or yelling with all with terrifying countenances!

It was really a tough time for SCOAN’s ushers who were almost overwhelmed by the crowd of satanic victims arrested by the Holy Spirit.

Several people from the neighbouring countries such as Chile, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, among others were visibly present.

Hear pastor Willy Gancia with three other pastors from Brazil: “we are happy to witness this move of God here in the hand of Pastor Evelyn Joshua. We thank God for the grace upon her life. We all knew Prophet TB Joshua as a true man of God, for we witnessed and had direct experience with him while on earth. Our joy is full. This is a new beginning for the land of Argentina. Thank God that we are partakers of the blessings in this crusade”.

To Fredi Marcel Bianchi from Uruguay: “’we are plenty here from our country to partake of the blessings in this crusade. We know that God is with this ministry of TB Joshua and you can see that enormous grace upon Pastor Evelyn Joshua. We in Uruguay don’t want to be passed by. The presence of God here is real; for we can see the moves of the Holy Spirit”.

Monica Yopice, a leader from Chile: “We are quite familiar with this ministry and we know all the devices of Satan against it. We are grateful to God that His holy name has continued to be glorified in SCOAN. Blessed are they that have their eyes clearly open to see God’s presence with the ministry. We are here for the blessings because on every occasion such as this, the blessings of God upon the people cannot be underestimated. We are grateful to God for being here”.

Argentines were particularly happy for the crusade experience as such had never occurred in their land. It was like a national festival as people came from all nooks and crannies for the crusade. Christians and non-Christians in their thousands were in the crusade. Residents of Resistencia were particularly elated for hosting the crusade which has brought a lot of transformation to the lives of the people.

Guillermo Alejandra a prominent community leader said: “This is a great event in our lives here. What we could see happening practically was beyond explanation. I am happy to witness the crusade. It’s a blessing for the Argentines”.

A medical practitioner, Dr Elisa Mbango from Angola living in Buenos Aires said: “I flew down here to partake in this crusade. I was directed to come. God is with Evelyn Joshua. I know coming to attend is a blessing for me”.

A Pastor Juan Juorez: has this to say: “God is awesome. I am happy this is happening in our land. I thank God for showing us this great mercy. What a great blessing to our land especially at this time.”

The Argentine Republic is a country in South America with an area of 2’780’400km. Second largest country in South America after Brazil; the 4th largest in America and the 8th in the world Argentina has its own enormous shares in the economic and social problems confronting the world today.

Many dignitaries from all walks of life attended the crusade including Carmel Britto, President of the Chaco Province Chamber of Deputies, Jorge Gomez, a government minister, Roy Nikishch, Mayor of Resistencia, Gracias Pedro Luis, Director of Worship and Affairs, Fernando Tometo, Commissioner of Police, Veronica Liliana Mazzaroly, Minister of Tourism, Lt Col Santiago Villagra, Pablo Mujica, Secretary of Human Development, Javier Pinero, Director of Worship Affairs in Resistencia, Pastors Robert Acosta, Susan Perez, Jorge Ledesma and Alicia Ladesma among several others.

A predominantly Christian country but where the apostolic fire has been in abeyance, Pastor Evelyn Joshua has rekindled hope and lightened the fire of Christian revival not only in Argentina but the entire Latin America’s to the people’s delight. It’s the dawn of a new Christian era.

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Pastor Evelyn Joshua Crusade Lightens Latin America

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By Dare Adejumo

People of Latin America are eagerly waiting with intense interest, excitement and high expectations for Pastor Evelyn Joshua Crusade of Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) scheduled to hold on 11th and 12th of this month at the city of Resistencia in Chaco province of Argentina.

The Argentines are particularly elated for hosting the crusade. This could be seen in their enthusiasm to lend support for every way possible for the success of the event.

From the neighbouring countries of Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Dominican, Peru, Granada and Uruguay for instance, people are daily besieging the emergency centre at CENTRO CRISTIANO DE AVIVAMIENTO in droves for registration just as large numbers of others from the 48 nations within the Argentine Republic are not left behind in the race for salvation and deliverance.

Alejandro Paz, a teacher, culture expert and environmentalist, looking at the throng of predominantly white people at the centre said: “I am not surprised to see the massive response to the crusade because many have now come to realize the spiritual angles to many human problems.”

He added: “The ministry of TB Joshua cannot not be joked with here because we all knew the late man of God whose positive impacts in the world and among many of our people as a true man of God remain indelible and we have also seen the continued grace from God radiating from Pastor Evelyn Joshua the now SCOAN leader”.

To Dr. Ceser Joepuin Prieto, a consultant ganeacologist, “The Argentine Republic is now in the process of restoration. Our President wants to please God and do away with everything that’s antithetical and offensive to God. We Argentines are all set in this regard for a better future of our country and so you can see the congeniality of this crusade for the betterment of our country at this moment”.

It is obviously a time of good harvest for hospitality industries in Argentina. Our findings show the spring of a better business era for the hotels that are now being overbooked. Some of the hotels are: Howard Johnson, Amerian Casino Gala, Atrium, Diamante, Gran, Marconi, Amudoch Colon, Victorios, Angeluz, Alvear, Boutique Del Pomar, Huerto Ciudad de Fontana, Estancia San Alfonso and Quinta El Descanso are all having a high time of guests upsurge as a result of the crusade.

Mr. Raul Marquez from Mexico is not left behind on speaking on behalf of Mexicans: “We have high expectations coming for this crusade. People are hungry to receive anointing from Mummy Evelyn Joshua. Only the demented or satanic agents would not see the glory of God in the TB Joshua Ministry and the enduring God’s grace in Mummy Evelyn Joshua.”

Santiango Gobel Flugnen from Brazil: “You haven’t seen anything yet from the large numbers of people who I know are coming from Brazil. TB Joshua Ministry we all know and cherished; and with the grace we have continued to witness in Evelyn Joshua remains a reference point in true Christendom and God’s love for mankind to be closer and serve in spirit and truth. We in Brazil are praying to have this crusade in our country because we know it’s a blessing “.

Though more of Catholicism than pentecostal genre, residents of Chaco are all united to be part of the crusade. Dlfredo Luiz Alcaraz of Mensajero De Sion speaking on behalf of the Christian community in Argentina noted: “We the Argentines have been longing to have this crusade ever before the passing of TB Joshua. We thank God to have it now because this is God’s time for our land. We are grateful to God for the blessings and turnaround that would happen in the lives of Argentines by this crusade”.

Pastor Robert Acosta is a prominent Christian leader in Argentina. He said: ” I believe in God’s agenda and in His time everything is perfect. The man of God before his passing had spoken of this crusade in Argentina. We have been seeing miracles and healing breakthroughs, Holy Spirit and the crusade has not started yet. It’s like you are smelling the wet ground because the big rain is coming”. Pastor Acosta who described TB Joshua as an inspiration, model of love, wise counsellor and mentor, pastor and father who God used to lead him right in many decisions is in high spirit about what God is going to do during the crusade and blessings that would follow . He emphasized “spiritual open doors by the Holy Spirit that God would use Pastor Evelyn Joshua to accomplish and leave behind in the land of Argentina”.

Maria Sol, a public servant and secretary to a government minister said: “We are all excited in Argentina for the crusade. The government will ensure adequate security for the people during a two-day event”.

To hold a crusade by SCOAN in a far away country at this time is not an easy task especially for a ministry such as SCOAN which doesn’t collect any offerings or money for any support in any country where it’s holding a crusade. Rather SCOAN would go there to bless the land with landmark charity programs across the frontiers of challenges facing the people. No group of any kind in such a place is ever allowed to raise fund for any kind of support for the crusade. This has been the foundational principle of SCOAN which Pastor Evelyn Joshua would never compromise. She doesn’t want evangelism to be used as a cover of any kind for materialism or personal advantage ‘if we are following the steps of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; and the uncompromising stand of his servant TB Joshua, the extension of the grace we are under ” said Evelyn Joshua.

Speaking further on the crusade , Pastor Evelyn Joshua described the train of Crusade to Argentina as “a journey of love . It’s God’s command for this crusade to hold in Argentina and we have to move in God’s love and pleasure. It’s beyond our control because it’s a God’s project”.

PORTAL DEL CIELO (Door of the heaven) as the name implies in English, the place for the crusade at Resistencia is said to be the largest place of people’s gathering in the entire Latin America.

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