Former Grandpa Records boss Refigah wins Global Leadership Award in Malaysia

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 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The recognition celebrates his contributions to mentorship, leadership, and creative economy education, both in Africa and globally.

Expressing his gratitude upon receiving the award, Refigah described the honor as a validation of his dedication to transforming Africa’s creative economy.

"This award is a humbling recognition of my efforts over the years. It is an honor to be acknowledged on a global stage," he said.

The Global Changemakers Summit is a flagship initiative of Project 100, designed to bring together visionaries from around the world.

The summit fosters thought-provoking discussions, encourages the sharing of innovative ideas, and honors individuals who drive meaningful change within their communities.

The Global Changemakers Award, inspired by the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr., was first launched in India in 2021.

Subsequent editions were held in Nepal (2022), Bangladesh (2023), and Thailand (2024). This year’s event in Malaysia marked the 5th Global Changemakers Summit, drawing hundreds of delegates, policymakers, and thought leaders from across the globe.

During the event, keynote speaker Dr. Ramesh Bhattarai praised the award recipients for their unwavering commitment to positive change.

"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," Dr. Bhattarai stated.

Following this accolade, Refigah is set to make several significant appearances, including; 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.

He will also speak at the Omniverse Summit in Accra, Ghana, on May 7th, before addressing the Biennial Conference, in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 2nd.