The Exclusive Men of the Year Awards is recognised nationally as a prestigious awards ceremony for men. Across Africa, EMY Africa celebrates distinguished men every year on or around Father’s Day.
Since 2016, EMY Africa has celebrated the best in men’s achievements across local industry, community, culture and public service. Dozens of men from all ages and walks of life have been honoured for their abilities, initiatives and contributions to society.
Past recipients of the EMY Africa Awards have been inspirational men with accomplished or budding careers who have made important contributions to life in our community – journalists, community leaders, social workers, humanitarians, health workers, business men – exemplary men in all sectors. We have recognised men like John Agyekum Kuffour, Sir Sam Jonah, Professor Joseph H.K. Nketia, Azumah Nelson and Adebola Williams, to name a few.
The Award Trophy is inspired by “The Thinker”, a sculptural masterpiece by the renowned French sculptor François-Auguste-René Rodin (12 November 1840 – 17 November 1917). Although Rodin is generally considered the progenitor of modern sculpture and desired academic recognition, he was never accepted into Paris’s foremost school of art. However, by 1900, he was a world-renowned artist. A man who dared to be different.

The Award Trophy is inspired by “The Thinker”, a sculptural masterpiece by the renowned French sculptor François-Auguste-René Rodin (12 November 1840 – 17 November 1917). Although Rodin is generally considered the progenitor of modern sculpture and desired academic recognition, he was never accepted into Paris’s foremost school of art. However, by 1900, he was a world-renowned artist. A man who dared to be different.
Greatness has no identity until it arrives. In similar fashion to the mold of the trophy, from the rough ruggedness at the base to the highly polished finish at the top, the formlessness at the bottom that resolves into a well sculptured torso and head reinforces the imagery of the hard and arduous journey from ineptness and obscurity to refinement, mastery and fame.