Amb. Dr. Yusuf Noah, popularly known as Refigah Heviweit, has been honoured for his contribution to Kenya’s arts, culture and leadership during the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret.
The award was conferred by the National Heroes Council in a ceremony attended by President William Samoei Ruto and Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed. The honour recognises Kenyans who have rendered exceptional and distinguished service to the nation.
Refigah’s recognition highlights his contributions to Kenya’s creative economy, digital innovation, music industry and cultural diplomacy.
He holds a notable place in Africa’s digital history, credited as the first African to join YouTube. His early move into the digital space helped demonstrate the platform’s potential as an avenue for content creation and income generation, inspiring young Africans to explore opportunities in the digital economy.
The founder of the iconic Grandpa Records label is also credited with helping revive Kenyan music at a time when foreign sounds, particularly Nigerian and Bongo music, dominated local airwaves.
Through Grandpa Records, Refigah helped rebuild, repackage, and reposition Kenyan music, boosting its visibility and prominence across the continent.
Beyond the music industry, he has championed the promotion of Nubian culture on the international stage through the annual Sabala Festival and other cultural diplomacy initiatives. These platforms have helped showcase Kenya’s cultural diversity to wider audiences.
His philanthropic work also featured among the contributions recognised. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his Simama na Kibra Initiative supported thousands of vulnerable families, demonstrating his commitment to community welfare during a challenging period.
Speaking after receiving the honour, Refigah thanked the National Heroes Council and the vetting agencies involved in the process. He also expressed profound gratitude to President Ruto and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for recognising arts and culture as pillars of nation-building.
He affirmed that, through his continental diplomatic responsibility, he would continue working to advance the interests of Kenya and Africa.
The recognition places a spotlight on Refigah’s work across music, digital media, cultural preservation and philanthropy, as Kenya celebrates individuals whose contributions have helped shape the country’s social and creative landscape.
