Nigerian Artist and Activist Calls for
Invocation of the Spirit of LOVE on Nigeria in a Global
Vigil
Be part of the change, Light a Candle on
November 15, 2020.
LOS ANGELES, November 14, 2020 — Saddened by the October 20, 2020 shootings of unarmed young protesters demonstrating against police violence in Nigeria’s capital city of Lagos, U.S.-based Nigerian musician and peace activist Prince Ayo Manuel Ajisebutu invites the global community to join Nigerians all over the world to observe a candlelight vigil in honor of the lives lost during the military campaign.
Nigeria’s #EndSARS movement, which draws comparisons to the
Arab Spring, calls for the dismantling of the state police unit known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, or SARS, and has
expanded to broader calls for government reform and an end to police brutality.
Prior to the nationwide protests, Prince Ajisebutu, sensing growing volatility in his home country, appealed for peace and urged citizens to embrace love as the only virtue that can save Nigeria from potential genocide.
Now, with even greater urgency in the wake of the protest slayings, the international artist calls for peace vigils to be held in every city around the world at nightfall on Sunday, November 15, 2020, asking people of goodwill to observe a sit-at-home candlelight vigil if they cannot join gatherings in their community.
“We should come together as a united human race to honor these brave youths who were simply asking their government to protect and care for them,” says Prince Ajisebutu. “Unfortunately the same military that was supposed to protect them reportedly took their lives. Let’s come together and stand with their families, for their pain is our pain. When one of us is hurting, we all feel it, because we are all connected.”
Prince Ajisebutu says the goal of the vigil is to bring the global community together to spiritually lift up Nigeria and its people, and to reassure all that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. “The candlelight vigil for the untimely death of the protesters also symbolizes a light of hope for all Nigerians,” he says. “It signifies a rebirth of Nigeria: a new nation that will allow its youths to grow and prosper, a new nation that seeks equal rights and justice for all, a new nation that is not run on tribal and religious sentiments. Indeed, the united youths of Nigeria have already shown through their actions that a new nation that unites and cares for its citizens is possible. I urge you all to be part of the change.”
Details of Prince Ajisebutu’s vigil initiative can be found at www.BlendForward.org and
by following #BlendForward and #GlobalVigilForNigeria on social media. For
interview requests and other press inquiries, contact Madeleine
Hooper
About Prince Ayo Manuel Ajisebutu [SJ2]
Prince Ajisebutu is the Founder and President of MansMark Records in Los Angeles, California. In 1995 he organized rallies to save the Nigerian human rights activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni 9 from being killed by Nigerian General Sani Abacha. He later joined forces with Nigerians in Oakland and San Francisco area to form the Free Nigeria Movement. Their activities received the support of organizations such as Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and Rainforest Action Network.
Prince Ajisebutu was the producer and presenter of Voice
of Free Nigeria, a weekly radio show that urged Nigerians to take charge of
their own destiny. The program was a vehicle for protests against the annulment
of the June 12, 1993 Nigerian presidential election, unjust imprisonment of protestors,
and other atrocities committed by the junta regime of General Abacha. Prince
Ajisebutu’s history of activism and constant call for love, peace and unity
date back to the ’80s, and are reflected in his songs, such as “Save Nigeria”
(1991), “Africans Unite”(1991), and the forthcoming “Make a Change.”
A social change agent, entrepreneur, and creator of the A.Y.ZERO clothing line,
Prince Ajisebutu says his personal
mantras “Behave Royally,” “Love, Don’t Hate,” and “We are Connected” serve
blueprints for all of his business ventures, music, and creative endeavors: “I
consider my work to be an evolving, expanding vision to create a better world,
no matter what I am doing.”
About MansMark Records
MansMark Records is the home of the last
official studio recordings of Babatunde Olatunji.
Prince Ayo Manuel Ajisebutu, founder of
MansMark Records, is committed to upholding Olatunji's legacy by associating
his work with music and projects that promote love, peace, and elevation of
humanity. Babatunde Olatunji is from
Ajido Badagry Lagos State Nigeria. In 1992, he received a Grammy Award for his
participation on Mickey Hart's Planet
Drum Project.
To learn more, visit www.MansMark.com.
Media Contact
Madeleine
Hooper
Media Relations
951-434-8268
