In our midst, there exists a cohort of Rwandan adult entertainers who operate within a discreet and tightly-knit community, making it challenging to gather information about their work.
When I inquired about the apparent scarcity of adult models in Rwanda, a friend remarked, “You’d be surprised. Many are earning substantial income through platforms like OnlyFans, but they prefer to remain anonymous.”
Article 143 of the Rwanda Penal Code specifically criminalizes public indecency, which, according to the Rwanda National Police (RNP), includes nudity and public indecency. The penalty for this crime is imprisonment for not less than 6 months and not more than 2 years.
The law has often been applied to posting nude pictures or going live naked on social media and has led to an investigation by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB).
In 2020, three women were paraded in front of the media by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau after posting videos on Instagram naked. They were charged with publishing scandalous videos about sex and drug use and sentenced to 36 months in prison.
In 2022, Rwandan authorities arrested and taken to court another woman over ‘indecent’ dressing”, after a photo of her in a sheer black dress at a music concert appeared on social media.
As a result, adult content creators are reluctant to reveal their identities to hide from the preying eye of authorities and the pervasive trolling and social stigma faced by content creators in this niche.
In 2015, a PornHub report indicated that Rwandans watch more pornography than the global average. Ironically, the same people who criticize adult content creators may often partake in consuming their content.
One of the most notable platforms driving this industry is OnlyFans, which allows content creators to upload adult and non-adult content for subscribers to access through paid subscriptions.
Who are these Rwandan adult entertainers?
A Kenyan-Rwandan adult model with a substantial following across various social media platforms, she has an audience for her provocative content. From TikTok to Instagram, Queen Tahshaar’s posts attract millions of admirers.
She boasts over 524,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter), possibly attributed to the platform’s lenient rules on nudity and sexual content. Videos posted on this platform often garner views ranging from 300,000 to 2 million.
On her OnlyFans account, she offers a subscription for $12 per month. Her posts on the platform have accumulated over 105,000 likes, she’s “a rising star in the industry.”
According to Coinbound, an agency that assists crypto and blockchain-industry companies, Queen Tahshaar makes over $100,000 per month on the platform (approximately Rwf127 million), calculated using their ‘OnlyFans Earnings Calculator.’
A Rwandan immigrant based in the United StIates, has established her presence on OnlyFans. Born to Rwandan parents, Liz embarked on her path in adult entertainment after transitioning from a career in nursing.
Despite facing rejection and skepticism from mainstream outlets, She chose to open an account on OnlyFans and personally upload content.
She now has a collection of over 3,000 photos and videos shared with her subscribers. Priced at $7.99 per month, her subscription offers a blend of adult content and behind-the-scenes insights into her life as a dancer and ballet enthusiast.
The allure of adult entertainment extends beyond conventional platforms like OnlyFans. Vasta Muhimpundu, known professionally as Shasta Wonder has made a name for herself as a freelance model and creative director.
She gained social media traction by posting nude videos and pictures, amassing over 53,000 followers on Instagram. While she doesn’t maintain an OnlyFans account, her content can be found on various other adult entertainment websites.
Meanwhile, she is also the proprietor of Iwacu Boutique, a Rwandan women’s clothing brand. She is currently ranked as the most-watched creator in Rwanda by XVideos, a platform for adult content.
She is a Miss Rwanda participant turned OnlyFans model. Under the pseudonym “Lexi Luv,” Isimbi Noeline has embraced the world of adult entertainment, leveraging social media to promote her subscription-based content.
With a monthly subscription fee of $9.99, Lexi Luv offers subscribers access to a vast collection of photos and videos. Despite facing scrutiny and criticism from society, Lexi Luv remains unapologetic, advocating for the empowerment of sex workers and challenging societal taboos surrounding adult entertainment.
“I value the adult entertainment industry; it provides me with a livelihood, and I’m willing to work hard to support myself. What’s wrong with sex work if it’s a means to earn a living?” she asks
