Yago Pon Dat featured on the project with his song “Vis-à-vis,” which was selected for The World Album, widely regarded as one of the most ambitious and historic projects ever produced in international music.
The World Album was created through the International Artists Project, a unique initiative designed to bring together artists from every country in the world. It is the first album in history to feature one artist born in each country globally, making it a powerful symbol of unity and collaboration through music.
The album comprises 200 songs, performed in 93 different languages and spanning 121 musical genres, with a total runtime of over 12 hours. Its creators describe it as “an album of the world, made by the world,” emphasizing that music is a universal language capable of connecting people beyond borders, languages, and cultures.
At the Global Music Awards, thousands of projects from around the world were submitted for consideration. While several received Bronze, Silver, and Gold distinctions, only one project is awarded the ultimate prize, Best in Show, reserved for the work that stands out most in quality, originality, and global impact.
That honor went to The World Album, officially naming it the best project of the year 2026 at the Global Music Awards.
Founded in 2011, the Global Music Awards recognize and promote independent music, prioritizing artistic excellence and meaningful messaging over popularity or major-label backing. Winners are selected by a panel of music industry experts rather than through fan voting.
This achievement also holds special international significance, as it marks the first time an artist from Maldives, Ahmed Adhuham, has participated in a project that won the highest award at the Global Music Awards.
Adhuham described the win as a major breakthrough for his country’s music scene, highlighting that artists from lesser-represented nations can compete on the world stage when given opportunities for collaboration.
For Yago Pon Dat, the victory is a powerful testament to the growing global reach of Rwandan talent. It demonstrates that artists from Rwanda can play key roles in world-changing musical projects and opens new doors for international recognition at the highest level.
