Author: Cynthia Rutagengwa

With Sagittarius season kicking off on November 21, the holiday vibe is in full swing—think rain, chilly air, and that unmistakable Sagittarius energy. This season, known for its bold and adventurous spirit, offers everyone a chance to reflect, appreciate life’s small victories, and dream big. Sagittarius reminds us to focus on growth, gratitude, and the endless possibilities ahead. Ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion and abundance, Sagittarius inspires exploration and self-discovery. It’s the perfect time to manifest your future and take stock of what truly brings you joy. So, whether it’s setting new intentions or embracing life’s challenges, this…

The holiday season in Kigali is an exhilarating time for shoppers, with retailers all over the city rolling out jaw-dropping discounts to suit everyone’s needs. And guess what? Christmas is right around the corner! It’s the perfect chance to snag fantastic gifts for your loved ones while taking advantage of these irresistible deals. From beauty products to electronics, Black Friday in Kigali lets you upgrade your lifestyle without breaking the bank. Here’s a guide to the best deals in town—don’t miss out before everything’s gone! Her Majesty: Beauty Transformation up to 65% Off Beauty lovers, Her Majesty is rolling out jaw-dropping…

When people talk about Rwanda’s unique traditions, one thing that’s rarely showcased among other enticing Rwandan allures, though a standing practice for generations, is the special beer made from bananas—Urwagwa. Sought after in gatherings of all kinds back in the day, the drink accents ceremonies with its touch, bringing people together at an ambiance peak. With its dark-yellow cloudy taste and strong flavor, the alcoholic beverage, unfortunately, has slowly disappeared in most parts of the country, completely fading away in urban areas for the western-influenced beers such as Heineken. Despite it all, urwagwa is still a fine beer. One that…

Before imported fabrics from Asia and Europe arrived and changed how Rwandans dressed, people here used to wear clothing made from vegetable fibers or animal skins. Rwandan fashion is experiencing a revival, with these traditional styles making a stylish comeback in modern ways. Imagine pairing ubutega and inshabure with a set of trendy cat-eye sunglasses for your graduation outfit—both a nod to the past and a fresh, fashionable look. These iconic pieces, rich in history and cultural significance, are being adopted by the new generation, blending the old with the new creatively. Whether it’s for ceremonies, graduations, music videos, or…

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be difficult, especially when you can access nutritious local ingredients. In a conversation with SENS magazine, Umuhire Martine, a nutritionist and dietitian at NUTRI-SANTE Nutrition Cabinet, shares her tips on making healthy meals with everyday Rwandan ingredients.  From busting myths about healthy eating to offering quick and easy recipes, Martine provides valuable insights into maintaining a balanced diet without spending too much. Many online recipes use ingredients that are hard to find in Rwanda. What are some essential local ingredients people can rely on to make healthy meals? In Rwanda, we have various nutritious and…

With the weekend just around the corner and Umuganda happening tomorrow, you know what that means—no excuses to stay home! It’s the ideal time to start planning a fun weekend in Kigali. After a long week, you deserve a break filled with relaxation, fun, and good company. Whether you’re catching up with friends, spending time with family, or heading out on a solo adventure, we’ve got all the tips you need. So, the real question is: are you ready for it? Here’s our lineup. Red Lipstick & Red Cups Party If you had a blast at the first edition of…

Alright, hear me out—I know we all say we love love. But in real life? That’s a whole different story. Real love can be messy, complicated, and way too much to handle sometimes. But when two perfect people, with the kind of chemistry that makes you sit up, light up the screen? Now that is something I can 100% be there for! If you’ve just watched all 10 episodes of Nobody Wants This on Netflix, then you totally get it. The show blew up last month, and it’s easy to see why. The love story, the banter, the heart-melting moments……

Movies have a way of taking us on wild adventures and leaving us with something to think about by the end. I love watching them, but even more, I enjoy hearing people talk about the films they’ve seen—it always makes me want to check them out. September and October 2024 have brought a wave of new releases, each grabbing attention for different reasons. With the cooler weather rolling in, it’s the perfect excuse to cozy up and explore something new. We’ve curated a list of seven recent releases that are making waves. Some you’ll love, others might not be your…

Several international brands ship to Rwanda. Off the top of my head, there’s Kikuu, Yollanda, Boohoo, Alibaba, Amazon, Zara, ASOS, Fenty Beauty—you name it. But before you get too excited, there’s a catch: most of these brands come with hefty price tags and equally steep shipping fees. For example, Fenty Beauty, for some reason, adds crazy taxes when you set your location to Rwanda. So, if their foundation costs $40, at current exchange rates that should be around RWF54,237.16, but their website lists it at RWF67,100, and that’s before you add custom tariffs when it arrives in Rwanda. For the…

Maybe you’ve just moved to a new city, started a new job, or switched schools—life’s always throwing changes our way. And now you’re wondering, “How do I actually make friends?” As the saying goes, humans are social creatures (or something like that). In search of some social interaction, you’ve probably scrolled through Instagram, watched countless TikToks, but somehow, making friends still feels harder than finding a parking spot downtown. I remember going to this party with a friend, and the moment we walked in, he said, “Hey Cynthia, I’m gonna go check things out. Call me when you’re about to…