Requiem for Justice is an annual global festival showcasing the transformative power of art in the fight against injustice. It offers a profound reflection on human shortcomings amidst today’s challenges and envisions a brighter, more just future. Tonight, there is a poetry and stand-up comedy night with performances by: Banshee (Zimbabwe), who strives to empower the masses through an adroit blend of spoken word poetry, storytelling, and hip-hop; Xabiso Vili (South Africa), World Poetry Slam Champion and Mandela Washington Fellow, a multi-award-winning performer, writer, and new media artist; and Atheer Yacoub (USA/Palestine), a New York-based comedian who has a half-hour special on Comedy Central Arabia, proving that laughter knows no borders.
From 21:00 – 21:45 we start with spoken word performances by Banshee and Xabiso Vili. After a short break, we start at 22:00 with stand-up comedy by Atheer Yacoub.
About the performers
Banshee is a multi-award winning human rights defender who uses spoken word poetry and music, to promote creative advocacy. Born in Harare in the year 1999, Banshee delivered her first performance at the House of Hunger Poetry Slam in 2017 and has since represented Zimbabwe on various platforms in both Europe and Africa. Owing to her fierce passion for social justice, Banshee spearheads a womanist movement called Shee and hosts an annual mental wellness event called Battlescars and Healing. Her words embody safety, are a call to action and a true attestation of the strength of the African spirit.
Banshee strives to empower the masses through an adroit blend of spoken word poetry, storytelling and hip hop. She explores the deepest parts of the human experience in her work and unpacks issues to do with social justice. Her passion and tenacity are a result of her commitment to amplifying the voices of the marginalized (with a special focus on women), as well as calling the rightful enforcers of positive change to action. She, through her thought-provoking lyricism and emotional resonance,aims to build community and transform lives. Her greatest hope is to become a distinct voice among many.
Xabiso Vili is a multi-award winning performer, writer, new media artist, producer, director, digital strategist and social activist, who has the following accolades under his belt: World Poetry Slam Champion, Mandela Washington Fellow and Mail & Guardian top 200 Young South African. He is the founder of Siziintsomi Creations, a creative incubator company that focuses on the intersection of storytelling, innovative mediums and healing. An Electric South New Dimensions Lab 5 alumni and a Business and Arts South Africa Cultural Producer Programme cohort and a Future Africa Grant recipient which allowed him to create a new poetry visual album in virtual reality.
Atheer Yacoub is a New York-based comedian with a Palestinian-Muslim upbringing straight out of Alabama. She recently released her comedy album, Denied Entry, where she navigates the treacherous waters of growing up in the Middle East and the South. She’s been seen on Comedy Central Arabia for a half-hour special, AXSTV’s Gotham Comedy Live, and is a frequent guest on Sirius XM. You can stream her award-winning sketch show Muslim Girls DTF: Discuss Their Faith, which is now streaming on Fuse TV. Atheer can be found touring the country and internationally.
About Requiem for Justice 2024
Requiem for Justice is an annual global festival showcasing the transformative power of art in the fight against injustice. It offers a profound reflection on human shortcomings amidst today’s challenges and envisions a brighter, more just future.
After a triumphant festival in the high altitudes of Mexico City in 2023, Action for Hope, the civil society network behind Requiem for Justice, brings the festival to the picturesque city of bikes and canals: Amsterdam.
Over the course of four inspiring days, immerse yourself in thought-provoking discussions, captivating concerts, film screenings, and dynamic theater performances by more than 60 artists, writers, and civil society activists from across the globe. This event is a celebration of resilience, a chance to forge connections with a diverse community, and an exploration of what is possible—and, perhaps more importantly, what is seemingly impossible but crucial to strive for.
Join us for an exciting, free programme on day 1 and day 2 of the festival at Pakhuis de Zwijger. Whether you pop in for a session or stay for the whole day, you’re welcome! Between the sessions, you can enjoy a delicious dinner at our cafe. Find all the cafe details here.
For more information about the entire festival programme, please visit Action for Hope’s website.
