Refigah Heviweit, the former CEO of Grandpa Records and the first African to be featured on YouTube, has been honored with the prestigious Global Leadership Award at the Project 100 Global Changemakers Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The recognition highlights Refigah’s groundbreaking work in mentorship, leadership, and the creative economy, both within Africa and on the global stage.
The Global Changemakers Summit, a key initiative of Project 100, seeks to unite visionaries from all corners of the world to foster discussions on innovative ideas and celebrate individuals whose contributions have sparked meaningful change in their communities. The summit, now in its fifth year, has become an influential platform for global leaders, with previous editions taking place in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Thailand. This year’s event in Malaysia attracted hundreds of delegates, policymakers, and thought leaders.
Upon receiving the award, Refigah expressed his gratitude, describing it as a humbling recognition of his years of dedication to transforming Africa’s creative economy. “This award is a validation of my efforts over the years. It is an honor to be acknowledged on a global stage,” he said. His work in promoting the creative sector in Africa, which includes fostering artistic talent and advocating for leadership in the industry, was cited as a model for emerging economies worldwide.
The Global Changemakers Award is inspired by the legacies of global leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr., who have made lasting impacts on society. Refigah’s dedication to empowering the creative economy through education and mentorship aligns with the values of this distinguished accolade. Keynote speaker Dr. Ramesh Bhattarai lauded Refigah’s commitment, stating, “The world needs ethical leaders who can inspire transformation at both community and global levels. Refigah Heviweit’s work in promoting the creative economy, culture, and leadership is commendable, and we are honored to celebrate his contributions today.”
In the wake of this recognition, Refigah is poised for a series of influential speaking engagements. On May 3rd, he will be the keynote speaker at the National Council for Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group in Lagos, Nigeria. Refigah will also address the Omniverse Summit in Accra, Ghana, on May 7th, before delivering remarks at the Biennial Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 2nd.
Refigah’s award not only celebrates his legacy but also serves as a testament to his ongoing commitment to fostering leadership, education, and empowerment within Africa’s creative industries.
