The GAB Foundation
What began as a monthly gathering of impact makers, thinkers, and everyday people in a modern-day village square has grown into something far more impactful—the GAB Foundation, the action-driven arm of Griots and Bards (GAB).
Born from a core belief that talk must lead to action, GAB challenged itself with the question: “Are Words Enough?” This led to bold steps beyond performance venues into underserved communities like Iwaya.
In 2018, GAB’s curator, REZ Afolabi (formerly known as REZthaPoet), helped shape the Iwaya Art Festival with the theme “Can Poetry Move?”—and GAB didn’t just ask the question, it answered it.
The GAB Foundation was created to carry this ethos forward—channeling the ideas sparked in GAB conversations into tangible, community-driven impact. Rooted in the spirit of Ubuntu and the African village square, it bridges dialogue with real change, executing projects that shape behaviors, amplify voices, and build opportunities. The journey from poetic expression to grassroots action shows that the words spoken in the square don’t have to stay there—they can move people, and move communities.
Empowering the next generation lies at the core of the GAB Foundation’s mission. From amplifying the voices of young creatives in underserved communities to nurturing bold social entrepreneurs, every initiative is built to turn conversation into real empowerment—personal, economic, and social. Through a collaborative push-pull model, the Foundation works hand-in-hand with NGOs, corporations, and other partners to scale its reach, while rallying volunteers from the GAB community and beyond to drive change from within.
In places like Iwaya, this approach comes alive—merging local ownership with external support. By partnering with Vernacular Art-space Lab and international cultural bodies, and bringing in GAB’s spoken word artists, the Foundation helped shape a vibrant, sustainable festival experience. What sets GAB Foundation apart is its commitment to impact that can be seen and measured—ensuring every action, partnership, and donation leads to tangible, transparent outcomes for the communities it serves.
The GAB Foundation invites sponsors, partners, and changemakers to help turn powerful conversations into real community impact. Whether you’re a corporate looking to fulfill CSR goals, an NGO aiming to scale your reach, or an individual ready to volunteer, your involvement fuels projects that uplift lives—from slum classrooms to cultural festivals. With transparency, measurable outcomes, and shared purpose, your support doesn’t just fund programs—it shapes futures. Let’s write the next chapter of change, together.
Ready to Collaborate for Change
Join us in shaping the future, creating meaningful impact, and driving transformational growth.