10. Social media

The Social Media Awards recognizes individuals and organizations who effectively navigate through digital algorithms to capture attention and foster genuine interactions that lead to measurable societal impact. These awards honor innovators who leverage social media platforms to drive meaningful engagement and achieve tangible outcomes that benefit society as a whole.

Yoruba Picking, the Polyglots, has been nominated for the Social Media Award for their influential role in promoting multiculturalism and multilingual parenting. As a Nigerian, Polish, Finnish, English multicultural family, they advocate for the use of mother tongue languages, recognizing the positive impact on children's development. Their boys are fluent in four languages: Yoruba, Polish, English, and Finnish, reflecting their commitment to linguistic diversity. Through their social media platforms, Yoruba Picking promotes Yoruba cultural values and heritage, offering educational content to teach young people the Yoruba language. Their raw, unscripted videos provide an authentic glimpse into their multilingual journey, inspiring others to embrace their own linguistic heritage. Follow Yoruba Picking on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to join their mission of changing the narrative and celebrating cultural diversity.

Daddi Diesel, founder of Creative Marvel Media, has been nominated for the Social Media Award for his impactful contributions in highlighting the diversity within the Afro-Finnish community. With an American background, Daddi Diesel brings a unique perspective to the narrative, shedding light on the multifaceted experiences of Black individuals living in Finland. Through his engaging presence on social media, Daddi Diesel showcases,  the rich cultural tapestry of the Afro-Finnish community, amplifying voices that are often underrepresented in mainstream media. As a role model and entrepreneur, he inspires young Black individuals in Finland by demonstrating the power of representation and cultural exchange in fostering understanding and unity. His nomination recognizes his efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion through digital storytelling, making him a vital advocate for social change and empowerment within the Afro-Finnish community.

This nomination serves as an encouragement and acknowledgment of the podcast's potential impact and significant importance for Afro-Finnish youth as it serves as a platform  of representation and validation for their lived experiences. By discussing topics such as femininity, cultural identity, and societal challenges from the unique perspective of Afro-Finnish women, the podcast offers a platform where youth can see themselves reflected and heard. This representation not only empowers Afro-Finnish youth but also cultivates a sense of belonging and community within their demographic, providing a space where they can connect and relate to shared experiences. The hosts' dedication to delivering high-quality content is evident in their meticulous organization and visually engaging presentations, providing a valuable and enriching experience for their audience. In essence, the Naisellista Podcast stands as a testament to the power of representation, empathy, and dedication in fostering empowerment and inspiring positive change within communities.

This award is given for skill or distinction in music

KennyStar is nominated for the music award in recognition of his significant contributions to promoting Finland and the Afro-Finns community on the world stage. Hailing from Abia State, Nigeria, KennyStar has emerged as a shining new face in the Nigerian music industry and is widely recognized as an internationally acclaimed Afrobeat artist. Currently residing in Helsinki, Finland, KennyStar has dedicated himself to showcasing the vibrant culture and talent of the Afro-Finns community to a global audience.

Through his music and presence in the industry, KennyStar has brought much-needed recognition to the Afro-Finns community, highlighting its diversity and creativity. His nomination for the music award is a testament to his efforts in promoting Finland as a hub for musical talent and multiculturalism. As an ambassador for the Afro-Finns community, KennyStar's influence extends beyond the borders of Finland, bridging cultures and fostering connections through the universal language of music.

Ege Zulu has been nominated for the music award in recognition of his significant impact on the Finnish music scene. With his latest release, Ege Zulu ventures beyond conventional genre boundaries, collaborating with Behm to produce a track that captivates listeners with its innovative approach. His emergence as a versatile artist, marked by his ability to diversify his musical palette, reflects a broader trend in Finnish rap. Through his appearances on local mainstream media suck like Yle and others, Ege Zulu has garnered increasing attention and acclaim, solidifying his position as a rising star in the industry. As anticipation builds for his upcoming album "Mammanpoika," Ege Zulu's nomination for the music award acknowledges his contributions to pushing the boundaries of Finnish music and his potential for continued success in the future.

Mviris, hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been nominated for the music award in recognition of his immense contributions to the music scene. With his electrifying performances characterized by high energy and passion, Mviris showcases his versatility in genres ranging from Afrotrap and Afropop to Rap and RnB. Despite being focused on several style of  music, Mviris has unfortunately been overlooked by mainstream media in Finland. However, his talent and dedication to his craft are undeniable, earning him a loyal fan base and recognition within our community. As an active member of the Afro-Finns community, Mviris consistently brings joy and positivity to Afro-centric events, further cementing his status as a beloved figure in the music scene. His nomination for the music award celebrates his talent, resilience, and commitment to enriching the cultural fabric of Finland through music.

The Finland-Africa Academic Celebrations: Research Day and Academic Night have been nominated for the academic award in acknowledgment of their pivotal role in bridging a critical gap and providing a platform for academic collaboration between Finnish higher education institutions and African partners. Through a diverse array of events, including meetings, seminars, webinars, and information sessions, these celebrations facilitate essential connections and foster innovative collaborations across disciplines. Serving as a conduit for multidisciplinary and innovative collaboration, they have successfully brought together higher education institutions and other stakeholders in Finland and Africa. The significance of their nomination lies in their ability to address a pressing need within academia and provide a space where meaningful exchanges and partnerships can flourish. This recognition serves as a testament to their impact and as encouragement to continue their efforts in advancing education and research partnerships between Finland and Africa, ultimately contributing to the enrichment of global knowledge and understanding.

The Finland-Africa Academic Celebrations: Research Day and Academic Night have been nominated for the academic award in acknowledgment of their pivotal role in bridging a critical gap and providing a platform for academic collaboration between Finnish higher education institutions and African partners. Through a diverse array of events, including meetings, seminars, webinars, and information sessions, these celebrations facilitate essential connections and foster innovative collaborations across disciplines. Serving as a conduit for multidisciplinary and innovative collaboration, they have successfully brought together higher education institutions and other stakeholders in Finland and Africa. The significance of their nomination lies in their ability to address a pressing need within academia and provide a space where meaningful exchanges and partnerships can flourish. This recognition serves as a testament to their impact and as encouragement to continue their efforts in advancing education and research partnerships between Finland and Africa, ultimately contributing to the enrichment of global knowledge and understanding.

Lucy Ellen Lwakatare's nomination for an academic award by Afrofinns is a recognition of her remarkable contributions in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has the potential to significantly benefit our community by revolutionizing industries, improving efficiency, and addressing societal challenges. As AI becomes increasingly important in the years to come, Afrofinns aims to raise awareness and interest in this sector among its members. Lucy's nomination symbolizes Afrofinns' commitment to promoting excellence in AI and equipping its members with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the evolving landscape of technology. By recognizing and supporting individuals like Lucy who are driving innovation in AI, Afrofinns aims to inspire its community to embrace the opportunities presented by this dynamic field

Lucy Ellen Lwakatare is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki. Her  current research focuses on efficient software development processes and infrastructure for systems empowered by artificial intelligence (AI). She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Oulu in 2017. Before her current role at the University of Helsinki..

At the Afrofinns Gala Night, where we celebrate the essence of our community through 13 vibrant categories, there's one that stands apart from the rest: the Lifetime Achievement Award. In this category, there's only one nominee, representing the culmination of a lifetime of dedication and contribution to our community.

This nominee embodies all the qualities we hold dear: innovation, stability, wisdom, and perseverance. They've been a guiding light, a steadfast pillar, and a source of inspiration for generations of Afro-Finns.

As we gather for the Gala Night, the spotlight shines brightest on this nominee, illuminating their extraordinary journey and the indelible mark they've left on our community.