Jani Toivola is a writer, actor and performer based in Helsinki, Finland. He served as an MP from 2011 to 2019. He is the first black member of the Finnish Parliament. As a politician he is known for his work on human rights, equality and inclusive education.
His biggest political success was passing the same-sex marriage act in 2016. He continues to work on a number of diversity and inclusion related projects for both public and private sector clients. He is also a sought-after speaker . He has hosted the Finnish version of American Idol and many other entertainment and comedy shows. He has appeared on stage at the National Theatre, Helsinki City Theatre and Teatteri Jurkka. In addition he has appeared in several films and TV shows. He has published three books for adults in relation to identity (Musta tuleeisona valkoinen, 2016), fatherhood (Kirja tytölleni, 2018) and masculinity (Rakkaudesta 2021). He has also written books for children. He is currently hosting his own podcast and performing his popular one man show About love.
With a mother from Finland and a father from Kenya, Jani Toivola was born and raised in Helsinki Finland. In 2002 he moved to New York, USA to study acting at the HB Acting Studio. He is also a proud father.
Learn more about our recent collaboration: Explore gender identity through movement and sound with Kevin Fay at TOIVOLA festival.
Follow Jani Toivola on instagram.
Jani Toivola. Photo by Ruska Puttonen.