Villagers Rising To Fame Country Wide

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 By: Buhiga Bos


 

Rwandan Villagers Find Social Media Spotlight


In a surprising twist  villagers in rural Rwanda are gaining fame and income through social media platforms, using smartphones to share their daily lives and traditions with a growing global audience.


From traditional cooking videos to community projects and cultural storytelling, rural content creators are capturing attention far beyond their villages. Platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram have become powerful tools, enabling these creators to turn simple village routines into viral content.


One such creator is Claudine Uwimana, a 28-year-old woman from Nyamasheke District, who has become a TikTok sensation. Known for her short videos on farming and traditional Rwandan cooking, Claudine now has more than 200,000 followers.


“I started by sharing how we prepare local dishes like isombe and urwagwa,” she said. “People loved it. Some even send me messages saying they feel connected to their roots through my videos.”


In Gicumbi District, a youth group known as “Abakora Neza” has also found success. The group films its community service activities—repairing roads, assisting the elderly, and cleaning local spaces—and uploads the content to YouTube. With thousands of subscribers and hundreds of thousands of views, their channel has become both a source of income and social impact.


“We didn’t expect this at first,” said group leader Jean de Dieu Nkundimana. “We were just doing good work, but then people started watching, supporting, and encouraging us to keep going.”



The trend has extended to older generations. In Rutsiro, 65-year-old Esperance Mukamana, popularly known online as “Bibi w’Ibanga” (Grandma of Secrets), shares advice on herbal medicine, family life, and traditional songs. Her wisdom and humor have drawn a loyal following, particularly among the Rwandan diaspora.


Government and development organizations are now taking note. The Ministry of ICT and Innovation has expressed support for rural digital creators, citing their role in cultural preservation and rural development. Some NGOs have already begun offering digital literacy training in selected districts to empower more villagers to use social media safely and effectively.


Experts say this movement is reshaping the narrative of rural life in Rwanda. “It’s not just about entertainment,” says media analyst Eric Musoni. “It’s about economic empowerment, preserving culture, and bridging the gap between rural and urban populations.”


With increasing internet access and mobile penetration in the country, the number of rural content creators is expected to rise. For many Rwandan villagers, social media has become more than just a tool for fun—it is now a pathway to opportunity, recognition, and transformation.



As these digital stories continue to unfold, Rwanda is witnessing a new chapter of rural empowerment—one upload at a time.



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