In a heartwarming event that took place on Friday, October 6th, 2023, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), bestowed the inaugural SLAJ Presidential Award upon (Rev.) David Buakei Vandy.

This prestigious accolade celebrated Vandy’s remarkable 17-year career in journalism, during which he served as the Host/Producer of Voice of America’s beloved musical program, African Beat.

The ceremony unfolded at the BSK Cultural Center in Hillcrest, VA, where President Nasralla commended Vandy for his invaluable contributions to broadcasting, theater, arts, and entertainment in Sierra Leone, with special recognition for his outstanding work at VOA. Nasralla aptly described Vandy as “a genuine Ambassador of Sierra Leone.”

Beyond his journalistic achievements, Vandy received praise for his unwavering support of the Sierra Leonean community in the United States. President Nasralla highlighted Vandy’s role in fostering unity among compatriots and strengthening connections with the Sierra Leonean Embassy.

Expressing his surprise and heartfelt gratitude, David Vandy accepted the award and pledged to uphold his commitment to professionalism and community engagement. He expressed deep appreciation for SLAJ’s recognition.

This historic award represents the first instance where SLAJ’s President has honored a Sierra Leonean in this manner, underscoring David Buakei Vandy’s exceptional contributions to journalism and his community.

About Rev. David Buakei Vandy

(Rev.) David Buakei Vandy is an International Multimedia Journalist at Voice of America in Washington, DC, where he has been the Host/Producer of Voice of America’s musical program, African Beat, since 2006. He is an alumnus of Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, and Logos University, USA, and boasts a career encompassing stage and film acting and directing.

Vandy’s journey in broadcasting commenced in 1990 when he joined the first FM Radio Station in Sierra Leone, Atlantic Broadcasting Cooperation (ABC FM 94), followed by roles at the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service (SLBC) Radio and TV, Radio Democracy FM 98.1, and Radio Unamsil during his service with the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone.

In 2002, he became the General Manager of Skyy Radio 106.6 FM Freetown. Vandy is also the Founder and Director of Sierra Theatre Production, an all-Sierra Leonean Theatre Company in the United States, and the Founder and Chairman of the VANDY CHRISTIAN NETWORK – VCN, an Online Christian Radio and Television.

Vandy’s service has earned him numerous awards, including the African Community Achievement Award in Hollywood, California, and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and The President’s Volunteer Service Awards Medal from President Joseph R. Biden in 2022.