Sierra Leonean international multimedia journalist at Voice of America (VOA) and actor, David Buakei Vandy received a prestigious lifetime achievement award for his service to Sierra Leone and the African community at the AWOL America 2023 Award night held on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at the
Arundel Live Casino Ballroom in Hanover, MD, USA.

Vandy is the host of “African Beat” on Voice of America in Washington, D.C., a program  that showcases diverse African musical talent from across  the continent and beyond. He is also a film actor and producer who has directed and starred in several Sierra Leonean and African films in the US and Africa.

Among others, Vandy is also an holder of the “US presidential Lifetime Award” and the “African Community Service Awards”, all in recognition for  his dedication to service to Africans worldwide.