Refigah Shines on the Continental Stage with Paul Kagame Leadership Award in Rwanda

Kenyan Businessman and Music Mogul Yusuf Noah, popularly known as Refigah Heviweit, continues to scale new heights in African leadership and the creative economy.

In his latest and most distinguished achievement yet, Refigah was among 36 exceptional leaders across Africa feted with the Paul Kagame Transformational Leadership Medal of Honour at the 10th Edition of the Africa Institute of Public Administration (AIPA) held in Kigali, Rwanda.

The award, which recognizes transformational leadership and impactful service to the continent, placed Refigah in the company of influential policymakers, technocrats, and innovators, further validating his role as a force for positive change in Africa’s creative and cultural industries.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Africa Institute of Public Administration, Transformation Leadership for Africa, and the H.E Paul Kagame Medal of Honour Committee for this esteemed recognition. It’s an honor to be among Africa’s greats receiving this prestigious medal, following my previous recognitions, including the Global Change Makers award in Malaysia in February and the Kwame Nkrumah Medal of Honour in Accra, Ghana, in April. I am truly humbled,” he said.

“Overwhelmed with gratitude for the Paul Kagame Medal of Honour for Transformational Leadership. Truly humbled by this recognition. Grateful for the opportunity to serve and make a difference. GOD’S time is always the best,”.

This continental honour comes as the latest milestone in what has been an extraordinary year of accolades and accomplishments for Refigah.

In January 2025, he kicked off the year by being awarded the Global Change Makers Award in Malaysia—an international recognition of his strategic influence and groundbreaking contributions to Africa’s creative economy.

The award confirmed his status as one of the brightest minds in the African creative space, lauded for his innovative thinking and development-focused leadership.

Only a month later, Refigah was again celebrated, this time with the Kwame Nkrumah Medal of Honour—a highly respected award that pays tribute to African leaders who embody visionary leadership, Pan-African ideals, and excellence in their fields. With this accolade, Refigah’s position as a trailblazer in the continent’s cultural and economic transformation was further cemented.

Beyond the awards, Refigah’s impact is deeply rooted in his long-term contributions to the creative landscape.

As the founder of the iconic Grandpa Records, he has played a central role in nurturing talent and transforming East Africa’s music industry. Under his leadership, Grandpa Records became a household name and a launchpad for numerous successful artists, creating not just hits but cultural moments.

In recent years, Refigah has expanded his vision to include pan-African initiatives aimed at data, investment, and policy transformation within the creative space.

His brainchild, the African Creative Economy Database, is designed to provide reliable data for governments, investors, and stakeholders looking to drive growth in the sector. This initiative reflects his commitment to institutionalizing the creative economy and making it a central pillar of Africa’s development.

Refigah’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: empower communities through authentic storytelling, cultural pride, and innovation from within. He has continuously used his platform to champion African voices, drive youth empowerment, and advocate for self-sustaining creative ecosystems across the continent.

As Refigah continues to earn recognition from both African and global institutions, his journey stands as a beacon of what’s possible when passion meets purpose. With each accolade, he not only celebrates personal success but brings attention to the vast, untapped potential of Africa’s creative economy.

Indeed, Refigah Heviweit is not just building a legacy—he is shaping the future of Africa.