Since she launched her career in 2014, actress Nadege Uwamwezi has progressed in the field— thanks to her creative acting skills, which earned her a number of awards over the course.

She may have made a name for herself in films like, "Rwasibo” and "Catherine”, but Uwamwezi’s is mostly popular for her acting role as ‘Nana’ in TV series, ‘City Maid’. The name went on to become a brand for her boutique, Nana Fashion Shop.

She spoke to The New Times’ Eddie Nsabimana about her passion for acting, how rewarding it is, and her future plans for her career.

Who is Nana?

Nana is a character role in City Maid TV series, who does not know what she wants and lives in confusion.  She’s the kind who waits for opportunities to come to her, takes advantage of some and misses out on others. Nana never plans her day and never has serious friends around her.

How does Nana differ from Uwamwezi?

The two are totally different. Uwamwezi is a 27-year-old single mother of one, and fashion designer. I’m also shy but sociable.

However, Nana is an actress, and my character is often perceived as being different from my perceived real-life persona. Meaning that, I do not portray an extension of myself, but rather a character different from my off-screen persona. Quite often, though, people associate us (actors) with the characters we play in movies, instead of who we’re off-screen.

How can you describe your journey as an actress?

The journey has been okay. But of course, there are quite a number of challenges here and there, but I’m not complaining. I was introduced into acting by Kennedy Mazimpaka, a seasoned actor, who was our mentor at Kwetu Film Institute, after he noticed my acting skills. He told me that he wanted to give me a small role in "Rwasibo” film. I was so excited and immediately jumped at the opportunity. This was a big deal for me, because the movie exposed my passion and power on-screen, and I was able to work with talented actors like Daniel Gaga Ngenzi.

I panicked in the beginning every time we would be shooting a movie, but later I got used, and now cinema is my second home. I’m really grateful to be part of Rwanda’s growing film industry.

You’re considered as one of the best actresses in Rwanda, what do you attribute this to?

It’s just God. Acting has been my calling since I was a little girl. I enjoyed acting so much that I couldn’t wait to complete secondary and embark on professional training in acting. But overall, I credit discipline to making it this far because I try to do my things with discipline.

Can acting earn you a decent living?

Acting was a passion which later turned into a source of living. Yes, filmmaking can earn you a decent life. But our industry still has a long way to go in terms of making it a profitable business.  There is a need for diversity and creativity in cinema to expand our content beyond borders and earn a bigger market for our films.

Does your name have any impact on your fashion business?

Yes, it does. Most of my fans come to the shop to buy clothes, and to see me. Cinema has really helped push my business.

Uwamwezi in one of her shops in Kigali. Courtesy.

What future plans do you have for your career?

I grew up with a passion for acting and fashion, and I fell in love with both. Unfortunately, there are no schools in the country that focus exclusively on film or fashion. So, most of the things we learn them on the job.

It is so sad to see filmmakers bringing film projects in Rwanda and you never see any Rwandan in their team, because we don’t have enough skills in filmmaking, and that really hurts.

That’s why I have a dream to one day establish a school and fashion school. I know it's not too late, I could still make it.