VOZA RIVERS, a living legend is recipient of AUDELCO Lifetime Achievement Award— and the Legacy Honor Award in South Africa
AUDELCO is an organization that acknowledges and honors Black Theatre and its artists in New York City. Established and incorporated in 1973 by Vivian Robinson (1926-1996).
Voza Rivers has also been honored for historic and award-winning cross cultural exchange productions. He's recipient of numerous other awards and special recognition (partial list):
LEGACY HONOR AWARD PRESENTED TO VOZA RIVERS
In appreciation for his commitment to the Social, Economic and Spiritual renaissance of Africans on the Continent and those in the Diaspora, through the Door of Our Return
Trevor Huddleston CR Memorial Centre, Sophiatown, South Africa; 21, Nov. 2019
Voza Rivers was part of the 40 member delegation and was the only member of the delegation who represented the arts and cultural initiatives for the Door of Our Return in 2019. This DOOR initiative, embraced by many African governments and key agencies, represents a bold commitment to bridge the gap between the African diaspora and Africa. This movement includes business, clergy and government leaders, diverse professionals, artist and entertainers, students and other stakeholders who will form alliances and linkages with like-minded counterparts in Africa. “This will ignite a new flame that will help to spark an economic revival in Africa and the global African village”.
He is the recipient of United Nations Peace Award; AUDELCO Outstanding Pioneer Award in Theater; Special Congressional Recognition presented by Honorable Charles B. Rangel, Member of Congress; Roy Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award, NAACP; “One of the Most Influential New Yorkers in Arts and Culture”, New York Daily News ― and over 50 others.
Voza Rivers is an Award Winning Producer of Theater, Film, Music and Live Events; Local, National and International Impresario for the Advancement of Arts and Culture; Executive Producer & Founding Member of New Heritage Theatre Group, the oldest Black nonprofit theatre company in NYC; Co-Founder & Chairman of Harlem Arts Alliance; First Vice Chair of Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce; Co-Founder & Executive Producer of HARLEM WEEK; and Chairman and Executive Producer 360 Entertainment International, LLC.
Highlights of Voza Rivers Acclaimed International Productions (Theatre)
TONY and Grammy Nominated Hit South African Broadway Musical,
Mbongeni Ngema's SARAFINA!;
OBIE Award Winning South African Play Mbongeni Ngema's WOZA ALBERT!;
Tony Nominated South African Play Mbongeni Ngema's ASINAMALI!;
Award Winning South African Play Mbongeni Ngema's TOWNSHIP FEVER!
THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH and ROMEO AND JULIET
Featuring Leading Black actors from the Royal Court Theatre Company and Royal National Theatre in England
Obie Award Winning Play THE HUEY P. NEWTON STORY, at Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem
TIERNO BOKAR
Co-production with Peter Brooks brought Harlem, France and West Africa together in the french speaking production held at Columbia University
Executive Producer of Harlem Shakespeare Festival, featuring Debra Ann Byrd that recently won... and toured throughout the United States and England.
Highlights of Voza Rivers Acclaimed International Productions (Music)
AVANTI, Blending Opera Jazz & Symphonic Orchestra
Featuring Kenn Hicks with Marcus Miller and Herbie Hancock at Jazz at Lincoln Center
JAZZ FOR PEACE, EAST MEETS WEST
Japanese and USA artists performances (2005 to 2009)
HARLEM HAVANA
Historic exchange with Cuba (first since 196x???). 15 Cuban artist performed in Harlem; and 15 Harlem artists performed in Cuba.
INTERNATIONAL PIANO FESTIVAL FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Participation of pianists from over 150 countries that performed at Carnegie Hall, Chan.....
Voza Rivers is co-producer with Shades of Truth Theatre that provide profound historical accounts of the Black experience in the U.S.A: Black Wall Street, Camp Logan, Mothers of the Movement, the Meeting (between Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X), and many others.
He previously was Vice President Operations for the Apollo Theatre, mentored by Hal Jackson. Far too much to be summarized in one article, this is the first of a series of articles denoting the magnificent contributions of this living legend to the world.
Voza Rivers remains committed to continue his legendary work in the present producing, promoting and mentoring young leaders of today.