Winning Jah nominated for Song for Amnesty Award

The award is for Winning Jah’s ‘Deep Sea’, a song concerned with the plight of African immigrants while illegally travelling to other countries by sea.

Though based in Italy, Winning Jah was born and raised in Nigeria. He started his music career using recycled materials to make musical instruments and create a style of music that he called 'emababa beats'. He plays the djembe and says his music is inspired by Fela Kuti, Majek Fashek, Alpha Blondy, Peter Tosh and Bob Marley.

In 2008, Winning Jah, whose real name is Kingsley Eno Osagie, was arrested in Italy for accommodating homeless illegal immigrants, an action he says was taken out of concern and not personal gain. He spent three years in prison.

In 2015, he released a single titled ‘To Whom It May Concern’ featuring NaXis DG in collaboration with UNICEF UK. Last year, he released Nouveau Business, his debut studio album.

The Song for Amnesty Award is administered by the Cultural Voices for Freedom (Voci per liberta) with support from the Italian section of Amnesty International. It is awarded to a song “whose lyrics can help increase awareness on the defense of human rights”.

The list of nominees for this year's award is 34 songs long. For more information click here