Former Grandpa Records boss Refigah feted with honorary doctorate, international fellowship

Kenya’s former hit-making powerhouse, Yusuf Noah aka Refigah, is back in the spotlight, this time for bagging two major international accolades.

The ex-Grandpa Records boss, once behind some of East Africa’s biggest bangers like Fimbo Inachapa, Dumbala, and Hivyo Ndio Kunaendaga, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration by the London Bridge Business School (UK). 

The honor shines a light on his impressive journey from the mic to the policymaking table, recognising his contributions to community development and public leadership.

Refigah also earned the prestigious title of Distinguished Fellow of the Africa Institute (DFAI), bestowed by the Africa Institute of Public Administration (Ghana) a title that now sees him officially carry the post-nominal DFAI.

"Overwhelmed with gratitude for being conferred with Honorary Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) from London Bridge Business School United Kingdom and Distinguished Fellow of Africa Institute (DFAI) from AIPA, Ghana. Thank you to Prof. Mahesh Pillai and Dr. Ben Nwankwo for this honor. Humbled to be recognized for my contributions," Refigah shared in a social media post. 

The awards were presented by Prof. Mahesh Pillai, with glowing tributes from Dr. Ben Nwankwo, Vice President of LBBS-UK and AIPA Course Director, who hailed Refigah’s bold transition from the studio to the boardroom as a “visionary roadmap for African leadership.”

Since stepping away from the mic, Refigah has reinvented himself as a force in business and politics.

Currently serving as the Coordinator of the Nubian Association of Kenya, he is championing empowerment and equity for marginalized communities.

At the height of its fame, Grandpa Records was a dominant force in Kenya’s music industry, known for churning out street anthems and party hits that resonated across East Africa.

The label quickly rose to prominence in the early 2010s, carving a niche with its raw, urban sound, becoming synonymous with energy and capturing Kenya’s youth with relatable lyrics and danceable beats.

Grandpa Records worked with a roster of top talents who became household names, including DNA, Rekless, Sosuun, Kenrazy, Visita, and Wyre, among others.