Samuel James is a trailblazing Deaf Arts Leader, Creative Producer, and Cultural Strategist, widely recognized for his pioneering work in advancing disability inclusion through the performing arts. As the *Executive Director of Seams Deaf-Pro Foundation*, he has spent over a decade building one of Africa’s most vibrant artistic movements for Deaf and disabled creatives.

He is the *Founder and Convener of the All Africa Deaf Arts Festival*, a groundbreaking continental event that has, since 2019, celebrated the creativity, resilience, and excellence of Deaf artists across Africa. Now in its fourth edition, the festival has become a cultural bridge—uniting performers, dancers, filmmakers, and visual artists from across the continent and beyond, while amplifying the global visibility of Deaf-led art.

Through his visionary leadership, Samuel has championed more than *40 original dance and theatre productions, many of which use performance as a tool for **social change, inclusion, and disability awareness. His foundation—Seams Deaf-Pro—has collaborated with international organizations such as the **British Council, UNICEF, Oxfam, and the Goethe-Institut*, staging thought-provoking performances and capacity-building programs for Deaf and disabled youths.

Samuel’s work extends beyond performance; he designs initiatives that empower young Deaf artists to find their voice, develop their craft, and lead as cultural influencers. His signature project, the *“You Can Ambassadors” Creative Camp*, nurtures Deaf talents into community role models, strengthening representation in the creative industries across Africa.

As a Deaf Arts expert, Samuel continues to inspire inclusion within the wider creative economy—advocating for policy reform, equal artistic opportunities, and the full participation of persons with disabilities in Africa’s cultural development.

Driven by the belief that art transcends sound, Samuel James is redefining the African art scene—one performance, one festival, and one empowered Deaf artist at a time.