A Nigerian artist, Deborah Johnson, professionally known as Debby Vanilla, has won the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences Award for Spoken Word, joining the list of a few Africans to have earned the prize.
According to a statement, the award ceremony, where the world’s top voice talents were honoured, took place at the Beverly Hilton in California, USA.
Deborah’s award-winning piece, ‘Ina,’ produced for The New Church, captivated audiences with its storytelling and emotional depth.
“It feels unreal; what started as a way to help learners understand concepts has grown into something far bigger than I ever imagined. Storytelling has always been my way of sparking curiosity and leaving a lasting impression.” Deborah said.
A graduate of ICT and Mathematics Education from Lagos State University of Education, Deborah began her career as an educator, using characters and storytelling to make lessons memorable.
“I started using my voice creatively as a teacher, never imagining it would lead here,” she noted.
This early passion for connecting with audiences has now propelled her into the global spotlight.
Today, Deborah’s voice represents top brands like the Gates Foundation, Google, Spotify, and DSTV, showcasing her versatility and ability to inspire through words.
“When I tell a story, I want people to feel every word,” she explained.
She noted that her win is not just personal but a triumph for African storytellers.
She said, “This is a win for every African storyteller and every believer in the power of words. Here’s to more stories, more connections, and more magic.”
Deborah continues to use her voice as a tool for education, inspiration, and transformation, solidifying her place as one of Africa’s leading voiceover artists.