"Many local aritsts - musicians still face financial challenges especially when they are making plans for their music video filming. Some of them have very good songs that may even match with our collections but for them not to be able to contribute something small to use that clothes becomes an issue between fashion designers and musicians even with filmmakers" said Olvier Harerimana AKA Talento UMUHETO, a fashion designer, CEO and founder of UMUHETO Fashion House based in Kigali.

Talking about fashion development in Africa, You can't escape the role of music and film in this development. In some countries like Beni, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and South Africa, you find many local artists and filmmakers using locally made clothes and jewelries during their music video clips, in concerts, and in their films. 

Ms. Angélique  Kidjo is a Beninese-French singer-songwriter, actress, and activist noted for her diverse musical influences and creative music videos. She is known to wear and promote clothes made in Africa (PHOTO INTERNET)

According to experts in fashion and textiles in Africa. This collaboration between musicians, fashion designers, and filmmakers had been a good result for these three creative arts: fashion, music, and film. The Collaboration between musicians, filmmakers, and fashion designers can result in dynamic and innovative projects that merge different art forms.

Mafikizolo wears made in South Africa (and is a South African singing duo consisting of Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza. They are multiple times winners of the South African Music Award, including the awards for Best Duo or Group of the Year. (PHOTO INTERNET)

Musicians and fashion designers can collaborate in the fashion campaign and concert costumes where the musicians can collaborate with the fashion designers for brand campaigns or special events. This involves incorporating the musician's style or music theme into the clothing line, creating a cohesive visual representation. Then, the fashion designers can create custom outfits or costumes for musicians' performances, enhancing the visual impact and storytelling of the music on stage.

Ms. Aster Aweke is a legendary Ethiopian singer known for her profound influence on Ethiopian music, particularly her role in introducing it to international audiences in Europe and America. She is also known to wear and style made in Ethiopia her home country (PHOTO INTERNET)

However, in some countries in Africa fashion designers, musicians, and filmmakers don't understand each other or don't communicate well on how they can collaborate for the interests of both. Like in Rwanda, this collaboration still has not been established yet between these 3 creative arts: fashion designers, musicians, and filmmakers. According to Mr. Talento UMUHETO, there has to be a middle ground of understanding between musicians and fashion designers.

"Musicians come and tell you that if he or she uses your collections for free in his or her music videos you will get promotions and people will come to buy from your shop after watching that song. But they forget that we already invested to create those clothes from fabrics to the finishing" said Mr. Talento UMUHETO. 

Mr. Talento UMUHETO, is a fashion designer, CEO, and founder of UMUHETO Fashion House based in Kigali.

Talento UMUHETO added that some other artists just come and pick whatever they get from the fashion designers which is not matching with the song's idea because they don't have money to invest in the clothes that match their original ideas when writing the song.

" Some artists just pick what they are able to get but it affects their original ideas. For example. if your song is about the culture or a traditional one. You have to create collections that go with the culture's creativity. In other words, the artists- musicians have to invest to get that but some of our local artists- musicians have no investment to make good and desired music videos" added Mr. Talento UMUHETO

ALSO READ: UMUHETO FASHION HOUSE: UNIQUENESS OF THE UMUHETO1 COLLECTIONS 2023 RELEASED

According to Karen Uwera a fashion designer, CEO, and founder of the Karrsh Collection, and the president of Rwanda Fashion Designers' Association, some local musicians still don't value the work of the fashion designers and this has to stop to establish good collaboration between fashion designers and musicians.

" Let's not say all our local musicians see in that angle of free of charge but the majority don't give value made in Rwanda clothes. For example. Some may use the collection in their video shooting but after they don't want to even take them to dry clean. Then others, are willing to buy instead of rent or borrow. But again, this category also wants to buy the same prices they do for second-hand clothes. They have first to give the value of made in Rwanda for use to be able to have that good collaboration everyone of us wishes to reach" Ms Karen Uwera CEO and founder of the Karrsh Collection

Ms. Karen Uwera a fashion designer, CEO, and founder of the Karrsh Collection, and the president of Rwanda Fashion Designers' Association

It is not only between musicians who are not collaborating with local fashion designers but also filmmakers. Fashion designers and filmmakers can collaborate to create short films showcasing a clothing line. These films often tell a story or convey a mood while prominently featuring the designer's creations. Furthermore, filmmakers might create documentaries or behind-the-scenes footage for fashion shows or designer collections, offering insights into the creative process and inspirations behind the designs.

Ms. Angel Mutoni is a fashion designer/Photographer CEO and Creative Director of the NTARE fashion brand based in Rwanda. The brand specializes in luxury ready to wear for men and women. It focuses on craftsmanship, quality, innovation, and creativity.

" It's just not an explored territory and also there is usually not a big budget enough to cover costumes for the actors. It's already hard coming up with funds for a movie. It can be extremely costly to create what filmmakers really want here in Rwanda. So usually people use their own clothes or hire from a second-hand boutique as fashion houses are also in need of said funds" said Ms. Mutoni a fashion designer and a Photographer. 

Ms. Angel Mutoni is a fashion designer/Photographer CEO and Creative Director of the NTARE fashion brand based in Rwanda.

ALSO READ: VITALITY COLLECTION 2023 RELEASED: INSIDE NTARE GITARE CLOTHING BRAND 

According to Ms Faustine INGABIRE a journalist, Co-founder of THE IMAGE, Chairperson of COOPEC Zamuka, and the Marriage Councillor Weight Watcher advisor, some local fashion designers are still not open to collaborating and others don't understand why collaborating with filmmakers can add more value and visibility to their fashion brands.

" Many local fashion designers don't see the reason to allow their creations to be used in films or movies. They don't want to give free collections or rent for less to local filmmakers because they don't know and see how they can benefit from the local made film or a movie. Both local fashion designers and filmmakers need to have conversation meetings on how to establish a collaboration among them" said Ms INGABIRE a journalist and co-founder of THE IMAGE

Ms. Faustine INGABIRE a journalist, Co-founder of THE IMAGE,  Chairperson of COOPEC Zamuka, and the Marriage Councillor Weight Watcher advisor,

Ms INGABIRE added that some local fashion designers have to understand that making nice clothes means that the audience is the one to appreciate the clothes first not the creator because at the end of the day, the audience will wear or buy those clothes.

" They are some local fashion designers who have nice clothes and different collections. But they think having them hanging in their shop is much better than promoting them to large audiences through local films or movies. I can advise our local fashion designers to be open to filmmakers and musicians which will definitely bring positive impacts to their business and the fashion industry in general" added Ms INGABIRE

ALSO READ: 40 RWANDAN FASHION DESIGNERS TO VISIT IN KIGALI - THEIR #INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS

 By the RCFS'S MEDIA 

Historically, the fashion and film industries have a deeply intertwined relationship that spans decades. Every film must have a custome design and even many films often reflect the cultural and social norms of the time they were made. Fashion within a movie can reflect these norms, showcasing the prevailing styles, attitudes, and societal expectations. Similarly, filmmakers might use fashion to convey a character's evolution or transformation throughout the storyline.

 In Rwanda, the fashion and film industry has been developing day by day and even connect in many ways. In partnership with Ms. Angel Mutoni CEO and Creative Director of the NTARE GITARE and other local fashion designers, filmmakers, and actors, andthe Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show- RCFS are organizing a fashion talk show that will discuss more about the role of fashion in the film industry in Rwanda and the collaboration between fashion designers and local filmmakers. 

 Ms. Angel Mutoni CEO and Creative Director of the NTARE GITARE is the guest speaker 

The discussion will be online via Zoom and Live on YouTube . It will bring together fashion designers, filmmakers, and models. The discussion will focus on the role of fashion in to film industry and how fashion designers can create sustainable collaborations with local and international filmmakers. To participate in these discussions register at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Ms Angel Mutoni is a Christian fashion designer/ Photographer based in Rwanda. Founded the NTARE GITARE,  a clothing brand that started in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic in the days of lockdown. The brand specializes in luxury ready to wear for men and women. It focuses on craftsmanship, quality, innovation, and creativity.

A Dress Made by NTARE GITARE 

ALSO READ: VITALITY COLLECTION 2023 RELEASED: INSIDE NTARE GITARE CLOTHING BRAND 

Mr. Amir Mbera, the CEO and founder of the Irebe Modeling Agency& Actor, and scriptwriter  is also among the guest speakers

 Mr. Talento UMUHETO, a fashion designer, CEO and founder of UMUHETO Fashion House based in Rwanda

ALSO READ: UMUHETO FASHION HOUSE: UNIQUENESS OF THE UMUHETO1 COLLECTIONS 2023 RELEASED

By RCFS's Media 

High fashion and creativity during Trace Awards and Festival 2023, the biggest continental music event. It was organized by the global music powerhouse and Afro-music tastemaker Trace which was marking its 20th anniversary with the launch of the Trace Awards & Festival in Kigali City, the capital of Rwanda. 

Trace Awards and Festival 2023 was for #MadeinAfrica #MadeinRwanda in fashion styles 

 The event brought together big names in music industry on the African continent such as Davido a firm American-Nigerian singer-songwriter, Diamond PlatnumzTanzanian musician and dancer, and many more. Featuring performances from the biggest African and Afro-descent artists in the world, The Trace Awards was staged at East Africa’s biggest indoor arena, BK Arena,  in front of 7,500 music superfans, musicians, opinion formers, style-setters, and influencers from Africa and around the globe. 

Journalist Mrs. Cyuzuzo wearing a Red dress made by Odileira Designs (LEFT) and Journalist Nzeyimana Luckman  in black and white Made by  Moshions ((RIGHT)  

Rwandan artist  Alyn Sano wearing Made by  Kezem- Rwanda

 As it was set a red carpet for these superstars to pass when entering the BK Arena the venue that hosted the Trace Awards ad Festivals 2023, everyone was ready and prepared to show his or her fashion. Fashion lovers who were watching live streaming of this event, as well as those who physically attended the event, were talkative because of the unique fashion styles that were seen. 

" It was an attractive event to see our local artists showing what they can do in fashion ideas. I was surprised by the dress worn by Sandrine Mucyo. That one described the level of the creativity and different ideas of our local fashion designers" Ms Eric told the RCFS's Media 

Rwandan Professional model Sandrine Mucyo in Made by Matheo Studio

Professional model Sandrine Mucyo in Made by Matheo Studio (PHOTO IGIHE)

Most of the fashion styles worn by these firm's artists, Journalists, and Djs were made in Rwanda by local fashion designers such as Moshions, Tanga Designs, Matheo Sutio, Zöi, Kazem, Izubaa, and many more. 

Artist Badgal Bamby in made by zoi by Mackenzies

Mr. GaEi wearing Mde by Moshions (PHOTO IGIHE)

Niyitanga, the CEO and founder of Tanga Designs on the red carpet at BK Arena

Unique style Made by Kezem (PHOTO IGIHE)

Unique style Made by Kezem (PHOTO IGIHE)

Miss Rwanda 2020, Nishiwe Naomie wearing made by Zoi by Mackenzies

Made by Moshions (PHOTO IGIHE)

Mr Didi B wearing Mde by Tanga Designs 

Rwandan artist Bwiza in Made by Matheo Studio 

The Kiss FM journalist  Isheja Sandrine wearing Made by Kezem

 Mr. Goulam wearing Made by Moshions 

Some of the Kigali Boss Babes  members wearing  Made by the Odileira Designs (PHOTO IGIHE)

Focusing a global spotlight on musicians, creators, entrepreneurs, and achievers from across Africa and the African diaspora, the Trace Awards & Festival took place in Kigali, Rwanda from Friday 20 to Saturday 21 October 2023, in partnership with Visit Rwanda and QA Venue Solutions Rwanda, the venue management company of BK Arena.

RCFS'S MEDIA

High fashion and creativity during Trace Awards and Festival 2023, the biggest continental music event. It was organized by the global music powerhouse and Afro-music tastemaker Trace which was marking its 20th anniversary with the launch of the Trace Awards & Festival in Kigali City, the capital of Rwanda. 

Trace Awards and Festival 2023 was for #MadeinAfrica #MadeinRwanda in fashion styles 

 The event brought together big names in music industry on the African continent such as Davido a firm American-Nigerian singer-songwriter, Diamond PlatnumzTanzanian musician and dancer, and many more. Featuring performances from the biggest African and Afro-descent artists in the world, The Trace Awards was staged at East Africa’s biggest indoor arena, BK Arena,  in front of 7,500 music superfans, musicians, opinion formers, style-setters, and influencers from Africa and around the globe. 

Journalist Mrs. Cyuzuzo wearing a Red dress made by Odileira Designs (LEFT) and Journalist Nzeyimana Luckman  in black and white Made by  Moshions ((RIGHT)  

Rwandan artist  Alyn Sano in made by  Kezem- Rwanda

 As it was set a red carpet for these superstars to pass when entering the BK Arena the venue that hosted the Trace Awards ad Festivals 2023, everyone was ready and prepared to show his or her fashion. Fashion lovers who were watching live streaming of this event, as well as those who physically attended the event, were talkative because of the unique fashion styles that were seen. 

" It was an attractive event to see our local artists showing what they can do in fashion ideas. I was surprised by the dress worn by Sandrine Mucyo. That one described the level of the creativity and different ideas of our local fashion designers" Ms Eric told the RCFS's Media 

Rwandan Professional model Sandrine Mucyo in Made by Matheo Studio

Professional model Sandrine Mucyo in Made by Matheo Studio (PHOTO IGIHE)

Most of the fashion styles worn by these firm's artists, Journalists, and Djs were made in Rwanda by local fashion designers such as Moshions, Tanga Designs, Matheo Sutio, Zöi, Kazem, Izubaa, and many more. 

Artist Badgal Bamby in made by zoi by Mackenzies

Mr. GaEi wearing Mde by Moshions (PHOTO IGIHE)

Niyitanga, the CEO and founder of Tanga Designs on the red carpet at BK Arena

Unique style Made by Kezem (PHOTO IGIHE)

Unique style Made by Kezem (PHOTO IGIHE)

Miss Rwanda 2020, Nishiwe Naomie wearing made by Zoi by Mackenzies

Made by Moshions (PHOTO IGIHE)

Mr Didi B wearing Mde by Tanga Designs 

Rwandan artist Bwiza in Made by Matheo Studio 

The Kiss FM journalist  Isheja Sandrine wearing Made by Kezem

 Mr. Goulam wearing Made by Moshions 

Some of the Kigali Boss Babes  members wearing  Made by the Odileira Designs (PHOTO IGIHE)

Focusing a global spotlight on musicians, creators, entrepreneurs, and achievers from across Africa and the African diaspora, the Trace Awards & Festival took place in Kigali, Rwanda from Friday 20 to Saturday 21 October 2023, in partnership with Visit Rwanda and QA Venue Solutions Rwanda, the venue management company of BK Arena.

RCFS'S MEDIA

Rwandaise female runway model Ms Anipha Umufite has signed an agreement with The Society of Management which promote model from all over the world. This company stands in solidarity with the black community both in the US and around the globe.

Rwandan Model Anipha Umufite has signed a big contract in New York

Ms. Anipha is a professional model who has been working with different fashion weeks and fashion houses from Africa, Europe, and the United States of America (USA). The Society of Management will work with Ms Anipha during the 2 years. Besides this new agreement, Ms Anipha has been working with the Elite Modeling Agency Network which also works with models in Europe. This agreement will give Ms. Anipha the opportunity to work at the New York Fashion Week and other big fashion houses in the USA.

Rwandan Model Anipha Umufite 

 During the interview with the IGIHE newspaper, Ms. Anipha said that this agreement is a great opportunity for her as well as her country Rwanda as she hopes to fly Rwanda's flag globally.

" This is a great start and I am hoping that this will change the game in the fashion industry in Rwanda. I am going to present myself and my country. I will always promote my country on the global stage under this agreement. You can see even the South Sudan Models are performing well on the international level. So, I want to show the world that Rwanda has very talented and professional models as well" said Ms Anipha.

Rwandan Model Anipha Umufite has signed a big contract in New York

Ms Anipha attended many international fashion weeks such as; Paris Fashion Week’, ‘London Fashion Week’, ‘Milan Fashion Week, and many more. She also works with several fashion houses such as Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Chloé, Prada, Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein, Nespresso, and many more around the world.

Rwandan Model Anipha Umufite 

RCFS'S MEDIA 

The first edition of the Novelty Fashion Experience (NFE2023 ) is happening this Friday, 13th October, at the Centre Culturel  Francophone du Rwanda  (the Insitute Francais in Rwanda). The show will bring together  5 fashion designers such as the MATHEO Clothing brand,  SHEMA GAETAN,  MAISON INKINGI, KONI CLOTHING, and Fashion Forward which will be represented by BRAND 8.  Together they're ready and will showcase various collections.  According to the spoken of the NFE 2023, each and every one member fashion designer is ready and fashion lovers should get their tickets.  

The event is sponsored by the Centre Culturel Francophone du Rwanda  and L'ESPACE 

"Our customers should expect nothing less of perfection. It will be a night of storytelling through our craft. And craftsmanship, sophistication, and many more. Fashion lovers you can get your ticket and we have prepared a good show that will reveal another level of the fashion industry in Rwanda" the NFE2023 spokesperson told the RCFS's Media this Monday. 

WATCH THIS VIDEO TO VIEW SOME COLLECTIONS THAT WILL BE SHOWCASED

ALSO READ: 

• "I HAVE LOYALTY INSIDE THE MATHEO BRAND": THE FUTURE WARRIORS COLLECTION 2023 RELEASED
• THE NOVELTY FASHION EXPERIENCE IS SCHEDULED IN OCTOBER 2023, IN KIGALI

Made by Matheo Clothing brand 

Made by Shema Gaetan 

Made by Maison Inkingi 

Made by Koni Clothing

Made by BRAND 8

 RCFS's Media 

"Driven by the vision of providing jobs for 2,400 models, stylists, and designers by 2050 and helping 5,000 youths develop their talents by that time, SSANDUINA LTD uses a variety of strategies, such as workshops, competitions, and small funding through supporting projects that need less than $500. This project will begin in January 2024" added Ms. Sandrine  

La MAISON NIKAULE will showcase at the Stage Fashion Showcase 2023

The Matheo clothing brand  will showcase at the Stage Fashion Showcase 2023 

The KENTE CHRISTABEL  will showcase at the Stage Fashion Showcase 2023 

Bwiza Fashion Shop will showcase at the Stage Fashion Showcase 2023 

JONJO Fashions  will showcase at the Stage Fashion Showcase 2023  

New and upcoming local fashion designer Paulin MFIZI will showcase at the Stage Fashion Showcase 2023 

 Ms. Sandrine told the RCFS'Media that through the performing arts and fashion, the creative and cultural industries seek to link the world and that’s what she and her team do this year's edition. 

Rwandan women runway models continue to raise the flag of Rwanda at International Fashion Weeks

Anipha Umufite and Christine Munezero after making history at 'London Fashion Week' headed to 'Milan Fashion Week 2023' which is being held in Italy. The Milan Fashion Week' is the biggest fashion event in Italy where big fashion houses like Fendi, Prada, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, and Giorgio will showcase their new collections. 

Rwandan Model Anipha Umufite in London Fashion Week 

Rwandan Model Anipha Umufite in London Fashion Week 

Rwandan Model Christine Munezero at the London Fashion Week

Rwandan Model Christine Munezero at the London Fashion Week

On Wednesday, 27 September 2023, Fendi opened this event attended by different celebrities in the fashion industry such as Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and others. Among the runway models who showcased the new clothes of the Italian fashion house Fendi, was the Rwandan woman Anipha Umufite and this collection was for women's clothes.

Rwandan Model Anipha in the Milan Fashion Week 2023

Rwandan Model Anipha Umufite in the Milan Fashion Week 2023

These collections were designed by the director of women's art at Fendi, Kim Jones, who explained that the idea of ​​making it, exploded so that they sang in Milan in the 90s, he wanted to show the uniqueness of women's clothes.

On the other hand, Christine Munezero was also showcasing the collection of the Italian fashion house, Diesel. It unveiled its new women's clothing line by Glenn Martens who said he wanted to show that everyone should express themselves through clothing.

Rwandan Model Christine Munezo in the Milan Fashion Week 2023

Rwandan Model Christine Munezo in the Milan Fashion Week 2023

Rwandan Model Christine Munezo in the Milan Fashion Week 2023

 The Diesel's new clothing launch event in Milan was attended by over 7,000 people. The 'Milan Fashion Week 2023 in Italy will feature other Rwandan models including Umuhoza Lindah, and Isheja Morella who is working with Gucci and others.

Rwandan Model Anipha Umufite in the Milan Fashion Week 2023

Rwandan Model Anipha Umufite in the Milan Fashion Week 2023 (Second on the runway)

RCFS's Media 

The 19th of Kwita Izina 2023 ceremony week was not normal for local fashion designers as used to be in the past years when Kigali was always booming with fashion shows, popups- sales, and exhibitions of Made in Rwanda.

Namers of the 19th Kwita Izina 2023 Ceremony in Musanze District during the naming day, Wearing Imikenyero- photo:IGIHE 2023

Fashion lovers around the capital Kigali were expecting a surprising fashion show but it didn’t happen. Few who talked to the RCFS’s Media were expecting the Collectiverw/ Rwanda Fashion Week to be the ones to organize a fashion show and unfortunately, they did not organize a fashion show nor a Groupe exhibition.

“There is no way we can have the Kwita Izina Ceremony without the CollectiveRw organizing their fashion week. Who else will do a side fashion show in Kigali? Of course, they will organize an event let’s wait and see” said a Fashion Lover in Kigali 2 weeks before the Ceremony

Even though things seem to be unusual for local fashion designers here is a list of the fewer local fashion designers we know who were able to sell during the week of the Kwitza Izina 2023 Ceremony week.

1. Rwanda Clothing

This is a lucky fashion house as it provided all of the Imikenyero/ Imishanana/ for the guests and namers of this year’s edition. { The umushanana or umukenyero is the traditional ceremonial dress in Rwanda. It consists of a wrapped skirt bunched at the hips and a sash draped over one shoulder, typically worn over a tank top or bustier. The fabric used for the mushanana may be any color and is often gauzy and lightweight to create a flowing effect }

Clare Akamanzi, CEO of RDB wearing made by the Rwanda Clothing  

Imikenyero Made by the Rwanda Clothing   

 Imikenyero  Made by the Rwanda Clothing 

Made by the Rwanda Clothing 

2. House of Tayo

Sabrina Elba posing for a photo with Matthew Rugamba after shopping at the House Tayo

Sol Campbell trying on a T-shirt inside the House Tayo clothing brand 

Sol Campbell (RIGHT) taking a photo after shopping with Matthew  Rugamba (LEFT),  the CEO and creative Directo at the House of TAYO

Joakim Noah known as Stickity (2nd RIGHT) wearing Made by House of Tayo

Joakim Noah known as Stickity (2nd RIGHT) wearing Made by House of Tayo

Former @equipedefrance and @psg goalkeeper Bernard Lama in a House of Tayo Shirt at the #KwitaIzina Gala Dinner.

4. Haute Baso

Member of the Haute Baso (LEFT) giving Sabrina Eliba (RIGHT) a bag of her products bought from the Hautse Baso

Sabrina Dhowre Elba (RIGHT)  is a Canadian model, media personality, and goodwill ambassador of the United Nations

4. Sonia Mugabo

Laís Ribeiro, a Brazilian model known for her work as a Victoria's Secret Angel, shopping from Sonia Mugabo clothing brand

Sonia Mugabo (LEFT) the CEO and Creative Director at the Sonia Mugabo clothing brand with a Brazilian firm model Lais Ribeiro (RIGHT) taking a photo after shopping

RCFS's Media