Sọ̀rọ̀-sókè: Unveiling the theatrics of justice and resistance in Nigeria's #EndSARS movement

The Sọ̀rọ̀-sókè movement, which emerged from the #EndSARS protests of 2020, marks a crucial moment in Nigeria’s resistance against systemic injustice. The Yoruba phrase “Sọ̀rọ̀-sókè” meaning “Speak Up” "or “Speak Louder,” became a unifying anthem, capturing the collective outcry against police brutality, particularly the abuses of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force. Employing Digital Artivism as its theoretical framework, this thesis explores the blending of art and activism within the Sọ̀rọ̀-sókè movement. It analyzes how creative expressions and performative elements served as powerful tools for mobilization, resistance, and reclaiming narratives. Grounded in Practice-Based Research (PBR), the study integrates the digital archive, artivism.ca, which documents #EndSARS protest artworks, with this written art-critical analysis that contextualizes their cultural and political significance. Utilizing Feldman’s Model of Art Criticism and Qualitative Content Analysis as methodological frameworks, the research examines the theatrical and performative elements of selected protest art. It investigates how these creative strategies amplified the movement’s message, challenged government narratives and united diverse populaces in the fight for justice. This study contributes to broader discourses on the intersection of art and social justice, positioning the Sọ̀rọ̀-sókè movement as a seminal example of how artivism can disrupt entrenched systems of oppression and inspire collective action. By critiquing and contextualizing protest artworks, this thesis highlights the enduring impact of the Sọ̀rọ̀-sókè movement on Nigeria’s sociopolitical landscape and its implications for global struggles against systemic violence and inequality. Additionally, it sheds light on the theatrical nature of activism and its transformative potential for societal change. Keywords: social movement; protest art; policing; digital artivism; online activism; digital archive; youth-led movements; artistic resistance

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Media and Artistic Research

Grantor dc:publisher

Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Gabriel, Friday Shina

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Afolabi, Taiwo

Committee member dc:contributor.committeemember

• Douai, Aziz

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

https://doi.org/10.82465/139

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:uregina.scholaris.ca:10294/17113