Art as a Voice: How Creativity Becomes Advocacy
For Princess Adjoba Nyaniba Yankson Joh, art is not just something to be admired—it is a mission, a movement, and a message. Her creative journey has always been rooted in purpose, using color, rhythm, and words to express what many feel but cannot say. Through painting, poetry, and performance, she turns artistic expression into a bridge between cultures, communities, and hearts.
Her career as an artist took a defining turn when she joined The Messengers of Messages (MOMS), a Pan-African cultural and artistic movement founded in 2010. MOMS uses art as a tool to promote peace, unity, and education across Africa. As a core member, Princess has traveled across the continent—from The Gambia and Senegal to Morocco, Sierra Leone, and Ghana—creating and performing pieces that speak to issues of identity, equality, and empowerment.
Her performances are more than shows; they are experiences. Whether she’s reciting poetry before ministers, painting live at cultural festivals, or leading art workshops for underprivileged youth, she uses creativity as a means of awakening self-worth and pride. Her artistic philosophy is deeply spiritual—believing that art comes from the divine, meant to heal the soul and strengthen the community.
Princess has collaborated with several international organizations, including UNESCO, ICESCO, The African Union, The Moroccan Parliament, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Through these platforms, she advocates for causes such as women’s empowerment, migration awareness, and cultural preservation. Her art often reflects the stories of resilience and hope she witnesses during her travels, capturing both the beauty and struggle of the African experience.
One of her most memorable experiences was performing for the President of the African Union and receiving recognition from leaders including the President of Liberia, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, and other dignitaries. Yet, for Princess, her proudest moments are not about awards or titles—they are about impact. She recalls how a single poem or painting could bring comfort to someone who had lost everything, or inspire a young person to believe in their potential again.
Her creative activism also extends to humanitarian work with refugees, migrants, and people with disabilities. Through art therapy sessions and cultural projects, she teaches that creativity is not limited to talent—it’s a universal language of healing.
For Princess, art is a form of service. “When we create, we remind people of who they are and what they can become,” she says. “Art gives us the courage to say what the world needs to hear—with beauty and truth.”
Her vision continues to evolve, but her mission remains the same—to use creativity as a force for good, to tell Africa’s stories with dignity, and to leave behind a legacy of empowerment through the arts.