The transformative impact of the Tigra Nova Garra Awards on the lives and projects of past participants took center stage at the press conference for the 4th edition of this Refriango initiative. This year, the awards honor 28 exceptional young Angolans across categories including Music, Arts, Health, Sports, Science & Technology & Digital World, Environment, and Education.
Luanda, April 23, 2024 – The Tigra Nova Garra Awards have become a highlight on Angola's annual events calendar, celebrating the talent, creativity, effort, and social commitment of the nation's youth. The press event, held at Refriango's headquarters, showcased the lasting influence of the awards, which have propelled numerous projects to greater heights since their inception in 2021.
Shendylene Elias, last year’s winner in the Health category, shared her journey with Ondjila Yoluto, a mental health project supporting individuals dealing with grief, particularly mothers who have lost children. "The awards enabled me to finally achieve goals I had shelved for a long time. Ondjila Yoluto has gained strength, recognition, and legitimacy as a transformative initiative for Angolans," she said.
Similarly, Paulo Idalécio, last year’s winner in the Arts category, affirmed that "this initiative changes lives." His work as a screenwriter and director gained substantial visibility, opening doors to partnerships and opportunities.
Refriango's Alcoholic Beverages Category Manager, Gaspar Cabral, emphasized the awards’ widespread impact: "Over 70 talented young Angolans have participated since 2021. This platform not only recognizes but also amplifies incredible initiatives with enormous potential."
Tânia Jardim, Marketing Administrator at Refriango, highlighted the program's post-award support: "We continue mentoring and training participants, fostering collaboration among them. This effort underscores Refriango's commitment to Angola's sustainable future, built on the talents and resilience of its youth."
2024 Edition Highlights and Nominees:
The Tigra Nova Garra Awards introduced new processes for the 2024 edition, including digital applications and a “Pitch Day,” where candidates presented their projects to the jury. Finalists in each category were announced during today’s press conference:
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Health :
Áfrika da Gama (Human Rights Advocate), Márcio da Silva (Planifika Startup), Valter Esteves (Canto da Medicina Blog), and Délcio Arsénio (Identidade Project). - Environment :
Nathaniel Francisco (Recotech Startup), Sérgio Fernando (Environmental Engineer), Edgar Faxa (Specialist at INCATEMA – Malanje), and Ema Kavinja (Jango Azul Project). - Music :
Aurio Roberto, Margareth da Conceição, Sélvio Solary, and Angelina Canguenha. - Education :
Adilson Gonçalves (Biblioteca Contr'Ignorância), Hermes Calongo (Renewable Energy Engineer), Noémia Van-Dúnem (English For Freedom), and Yohana Selei (Inspire-se Project). - Sports :
Erik Barros (World and African Jiu-Jitsu Champion), Marcos dos Santos (100m National Record Holder), Osvanel Fit (Fit Landia Project), and Sina Teresa (FisioFitness). - Science , Technology , Digital World :
António Nicolau (Kukubela App), Júlio Cotovia (YouTuber and Gamer), Marco Zeca (Robotics Developer), and Paciência Muienga (PiePiper Startup). - Arts:
Débora Sanjai, Gegé M’bakudi, Irene A’mosi, and Wilson Neves.
Voting and Awards Ceremony:
Public voting, weighing 50% of the final score, begins today on Tigra’s YouTube channel (Cerveja Tigra). Jury scores will contribute the remaining 50%.
The gala will take place on June 1 at the Talatona Convention Center and will air on the Public Television of Angola (TPA). Winners will receive 1 million kwanzas, tailored project advisory, and participate in the Tigra Cubs Bootcamp on July 6–7.
The Tigra Nova Garra Awards reaffirm Tigra’s mission to empower young Angolans and foster sustainable development through exceptional talent and groundbreaking initiatives.
