Refigah Heviweit, also known by his birth name Yusuf Noah, has etched his name in African history by becoming the first Kenyan to receive the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah Medal of Honour. The award, presented recently in Accra, Ghana, celebrates outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing Africa’s creative economy.
As the founder and former CEO of Grandpa Records, Refigah is a trailblazing figure in East Africa’s entertainment industry. He played a critical role in launching the careers of numerous top Kenyan artists and helped shape the region’s music scene into a powerful cultural force. Over the years, he has evolved from a record label executive into a global advocate for Africa’s creative economy.
One of Refigah’s most groundbreaking achievements came in the early days of digital media, when he became one of the first Africans to successfully leverage YouTube as a platform for music and content. His pioneering efforts not only boosted his own influence but also paved the way for a generation of African creatives to embrace digital platforms and monetize their talent globally.
Beyond music, Refigah has established himself as a thought leader and policy influencer. He has actively collaborated with government institutions, development partners, and the private sector to strengthen support systems for the creative industry. His work includes participation in major conferences, strategic roundtables, and policymaking sessions aimed at integrating the creative sector into broader national and continental development agendas.
Currently, Refigah is leading a new initiative—the African Creative Economy Database. This project aims to map out innovation hubs, identify key players, and connect stakeholders across the continent to stimulate investment and growth in the sector. The database will serve as a vital tool for policymakers, investors, and creatives alike.
During his acceptance speech, Refigah delivered a heartfelt tribute to the Kibra community where he was raised. He emphasized how the values instilled in him—resilience, ambition, and belief in dreams—shaped his journey. His message carried a strong call for transformation: for Africa to shift from being mere consumers of global content to becoming creators, innovators, and storytellers in their own right.
He urged African leaders and institutions to invest more in youth and local talent, stating that the continent’s creative economy holds the key to a redefined African identity and global presence. His vision centers on empowering communities through authentic storytelling and self-driven innovation.
This award adds to a growing list of honors for Refigah, who earlier this year received the Global Change Makers Award. He is also slated to speak at major upcoming events, including the Creativity Conference 2025 in Seychelles and a workshop in Lusaka focused on the creative economy.
Refigah’s journey, marked by persistence and forward-thinking leadership, continues to inspire across the continent. As he put it, this recognition is not an endpoint but a new chapter in his mission to build a thriving African creative landscape—for Kibra, for Kenya, and for all of Africa.
