There are some performances that don’t just land—they linger. Deborah Johnson’s Light And Fire is one of those rare pieces that leaves a trace on the listener’s spirit long after the final word has been spoken. That undeniable impact earned her the 2024 SOVAS Award for Outstanding Spoken Word or Storytelling – Best African Performance.
In a space where many aim to impress, Deborah reaches for something deeper. Her voice in Light And Fire carries the weight of conviction, but also the softness of lived emotion. It’s not performance for performance’s sake—it’s expression with purpose. You hear her and you don’t just listen; you feel the ache, the hope, the revelation.
What makes this project even more special is how much of her own soul Deborah poured into it. She didn’t just voice the words—she wrote them. Her pen laid the foundation, her voice gave it breath, and together they stirred something powerful. That’s the magic of Deborah’s artistry. It isn’t confined to one medium or one skill. It’s layered, intentional, and deeply personal.
Supported by a passionate creative team—from audio engineer Oluwafemi Olugbade to creative director Isabella Ayodeji and cinematographer Abiodun Opeyemi—Light And Fire became more than a piece. It became an atmosphere. The kind that holds you still. The kind that reminds you why storytelling matters.
In a year filled with compelling global talent, Deborah stood out not by volume, but by vulnerability. Her storytelling invites you in without asking for permission. It meets you exactly where you are and reflects something back at you—something gentle and burning all at once.
You can follow Deborah and learn more about her work on Instagram and LinkedIn.
With Light And Fire, Deborah didn’t just win an award—she gave voice to something eternal. And in doing so, she lit a path for others to speak, to write, and to feel without fear.