Author: Jane Babirye

Since its Global inception in 2018, TikTok has taken the digital world by storm, feeding users a wide range of videos, from dance challenges and lip-syncs to educational content and viral trends. For newbies, however, particularly those in Rwanda, a quick recommendation of who to follow won’t harm. To achieve this goal, we’ve solicited the help of Gaju Gatera alias @Techstalli, a Rwandan TikToker based mostly in Seattle. With 31.2k followers and 341.2k likes, Gaju recognised fellow countrymen whose content creation has shaped the country’s culture, music and fashion spheres. @sunshinetsatsi Username: @Tsatsi Rugege, Followers: 1766Specialty: Sober-friendly vlogs and sobriety…

Believers affiliated with the Vatican City of Rome were, this week, blessed with a ‘sigh of relief’ after their sovereign leader clarified his stand on same-sex marriages. Pope Francis stressed his take on queer marriages during an interview with the popular CBS News TV show ‘60 Minutes’, stating that “the blessing is for everyone,” contrary to what he allegedly stated last year. “What I allowed was not to bless the union. That cannot be done because that is not the sacrament,” he told Norah O’Donnell, adding that he could never do so because the Lord made it that way. As…

Joseline moved to Kigali in 2022 from Nyaruguru-Northern Province, in a bid to find employment and fend for herself. Having no education, her options for employment opportunities were limited to domestic work. Fortunately, she was able to secure a job at one of Kigali’s commercial buildings where she works as a housekeeper-cleaning the premises, washing, office messaging (if clients or staff need lunch in Camelia or any other place, she’s the one they send), among other things. Working for a ‘small’ private company, Joseline earns 60,000frw a month, pay that comes with no benefits: lunch, transport, insurance, annual leave-basically any…

Although she now stands out as one of the most prominent figures on Rwanda’s modelling scene, having captivated both local and international audiences on Runways in: Uganda, Congo, Paris, Germany and Milan, Linda Umuhoza aka Linda Muh was once told by her peers that unless she lost 10kgs, her career was off the hooks. SENS brings you an exclusive Q&A, with the model/fashion designer/stylist, uncovering her essence in the modelling industry while exploring insights into her thoughts on Rwanda’s evolving fashion landscape. How did your journey into modelling begin, and when did it start? What was the modelling scene like…

Seventeen year old Phiona Twizere Cyuzuzo is not only employed, but she also signs more than ten paychecks every month. While at that age most teenagers are preoccupied with school and social activities, this ambitious youngster defied the norm when she ventured into the entrepreneurial domain, founding Esaias Collection-an online christian clothing brand. Officially launched on 7th, July, 2023, the clothing line came to life as a result of passion and creativity combined. For Phiona, the word style meant business idea, social media pastime-potential market, and church sermons-an innovative way of spreading the gospel whilst making a living, hence her…

While roaming social media streets recently, SENS landed on the following 2024 jewelry ins and outs. Although we’re already four months into the year, it’s never too late for you fashion enthusiasts to shape and redefine your accessories. Kick-starting off the list are chunky mental earrings recommended by Paige Lorentzen a 186.5 thousand followed TikTok influencer. In her words, “Chunky mental earrings are still in,” as fashionistas everywhere flaunt these statement-making pieces. If you don’t have a pair yet, it’s high time you add them to your list the next time you go shopping. Mixing metals comes second on the…

In March 2024, Ethiopian sisters Selam and Blen Tesfalem redefined Kigali’s food culture with an addition of culinary street food. Right in the heart of Africa’s cleanest city, in the renowned Imbuga city walk, is where the duo set up “Quick Bites”, a fast-food stall. Situated at the extreme end of the car free zone – as you trek from Bank of Kigali or M-Peace Plaza, and at the forefront if you’re coming from Executive Suites and Apartments or Norrsken, the black and gold rectangular compartment specializes in shawarma and smashed burgers, made and served by the two beautiful sisters.…

Slated to take place from 24th May to 1st June 2024 at BK Arena in Kigali, the Basketball Africa League (BAL) fourth season is to serve the game fanatics more than just sports. Right from the opening ceremony to the close-offs, a lineup of artists, including Nigeria’s Gold Adekunle have been curated to keep the attendees entertained whilst cheering on their favourite teams. Adekunle, well known for his tracks; ‘Sade’ and ‘It Is What It Is’, and who previously performed in Rwanda in 2021, is set to perform on Friday, May 24th at the half-time of the second game as Egypt’s Al Ahyl SC faces FUS Rabat from Morocco. Earlier that day,…

In the wake of the ongoing war in the Middle East, social media users have taken to their accounts to threaten blocking celebrities who aren’t using their platforms to speak out against Israel’s breakout attacks in Gaza. Termed ‘The Blockout 2024’, the exertion was implemented two days after the world’s most prestigious and glamorous fashion event, “Met Gala” took place, graced by notable figures in the fashion and entertainment industry worldwide. Users, since then, have begun to unfollow celebrities who, instead of adding their voice to the fight for ‘Peace’, are flaunting the latest fashion trends and expanding their fleet, among other things. “Block them until they support Palestine. We control celebrities’ money, their currency is our attention…

Lately, social media has become a mine for everything. In fact, young people have turned to TikTok for answers they usually had to Google. This week, while scrolling through TikTok, we came across profound marriage advice from married women towards single ladies. The incepting question from TikToker @Thais radiant_ng stated: “Married women, what’s your greatest regret about marriage? Advise the single girls. It could be anything.” The users were quick to comment. Having scrolled, found and picked the most interesting replies, pluck your seats and enjoy a good read. “Never Marry a Narcissist” came among the most liked responses, with 15.3k reactions. The English dictionary defines narcissism as an…