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 5th Project 100 Global Changemakers Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The recognition highlights his exceptional contributions to mentorship, leadership, and the creative economy across Africa and beyond.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
The award celebrates individuals who have significantly impacted their industries, drawing parallels to global icons such as Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr. During his acceptance speech, Refigah expressed his gratitude for the honor, describing it as a validation of his long-standing commitment to reshaping Africa’s creative economy.
Dr. Ramesh Bhattarai, a keynote speaker at the summit, commended Refigah’s efforts in advancing the creative economy, culture, and leadership. “Refigah Heviweit’s work in promoting creative industries is commendable, and we are honored to celebrate his contributions today,” Bhattarai stated.
Focus on Africa’s Creative Economy
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Refigah emphasized the immense potential of Africa’s creative industry and the need for strategic policies to elevate its role in the global economy. He pointed out that the creative economy remains the fastest-growing sector worldwide, yet Africa only benefits from a mere 1.5% of the global industry’s revenue.
“The creative economy is the biggest emerging employer globally. In the U.S., arts and culture contributed $1.10 trillion to the GDP in 2022. Despite Africa being home to some of the world’s most influential artists, our representation in the industry remains minimal. We must shift from being consumers to producers in this space,” he said.
Refigah is actively working with governments and organizations across Africa to implement structures that will foster growth in the creative sector.
Clarification on Political Ambitions
Addressing speculations about a potential political career, Refigah dismissed claims that he was eyeing a political seat, asserting that his primary focus remains empowering Africa’s creative industry.
“I believe it’s not about me wanting to vie for a political seat, but about the people. I work for them every day, and whether I hold a political office or not, I will continue serving in different capacities. What’s more important is what we are doing for the people now,” he stated.
Upcoming Engagements
Refigah is set to speak at several prestigious conferences, including:
- The National Council for Arts and Culture conference in Lagos, Nigeria, in May 2025
- The Omniverse Summit in Accra, Ghana, in early June 2025
- A biennial conference in Johannesburg, South Africa
His continued involvement in these global platforms reflects his dedication to shaping the future of Africa’s creative economy.
HighVibes Distribution Expands to East Africa
In related news, HighVibes Distribution, one of Africa’s leading music distribution companies, has announced its expansion into East Africa. This move aims to create more opportunities for artists in the region, ensuring a level playing field for musicians at different career stages.
Refigah’s latest accolade serves as a testament to his impact on Africa’s entertainment industry and his unwavering commitment to mentorship, leadership, and economic empowerment. As he continues to champion the creative economy, his influence is set to leave a lasting legacy in Africa and beyond.
