Rwanda's showbiz
February is indeed proving to be the month of love, regardless of the new coronavirus pandemic that has continued to disrupt lives but as they say love conquers even where things seem impossible.
Such has been the case of some celebrity couples, who this week made a bold step to take their relationships to the next level by not just proposing to their loved ones but also said ‘I Do’ under the national flag.
Amavubi Captain, Jacques Tuyisenge, proved that not even the knee injury he sustained in the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2020) in Cameroon, last month, could not stop him from getting on one knee to propose to his long-term girlfriend only identified as Jordin.
Several hours after proposing on February 18, the former Gor Mahia, Petro De Luanda and now APR FC player took to his Twitter account to share pictures of himself and his boo getting legally married in a civil wedding.
"Forever begins” posted Tuyisenge, on February 19, as both of them held the national flag with their left hand and swore to become one at Kimihurura Sector offices.
Some reports in local media outlets suggested that the two had been living together for some time and were just formalising their relationship. According to sources, his girlfriend, now wife is Rwandan but was based in Uganda, where her family lives.
The 29-year-old couldn’t have chosen a better time to do it, against a backdrop of a not so bad CHAN campaign he captained which came with financial bonuses from the Ministry of Sports and President Paul Kagame, who hailed the team for putting up a spirited fight.
It is not only Tuyisenge who enjoyed the tidings of love this week, as singer Clarisse Karasira also legally formalised her relationship with Sylvain Dejoie Ifashabayo in a civil ceremony which took place in Rusororo.
The lovestruck couple who got engaged in January swore before a civil officer on February 18 to stick together in good or bad times. The two met in 2017 and developed a bond which led to Ifashabayo taking over management responsibilities of the then-budding singer.
"To love and to be loved is a special blessing in life. I am so happy that yesterday I promised to stick with the King of my heart Dejoie. Long live Rwanda which raised for me the one who is better than them all,” Karasira tweeted.
The couple looked elegant as they posed for photos at Intare Conference Arena in Rusororo but as Covid-19 measures dictate, there was no ceremony thereafter. However, they have both said that they will proceed with the religious and traditional ceremonies when conditions allow.
Former beauty queen off the shelf
Remember Jordan Mushambokazi who emerged among the top 20 in Miss Rwanda 2018? She is also off the shelf. The bubbly beauty formalised things legally with Karim Mbonyumuvunyi on February 18, also revealing that she had to change her religion as a sign of commitment to her boo.
Mushambokazi and Mbonyumuvunyi were able to do the Muslim traditional wedding ‘Nikah’ on January 30 but could not host any reception due to COVID-19 measures.
The popular Instagram beauty queen said that when she met Mbonyumuvunyi, she knew he was the one and not even religion could get in their way. Previously she used to pray from Christian Life Assembly (CLA).
Mushambokazi and Mbonyumuvunyi are officially married. / Courtesy
Singer Karasira and Ifashabayo swore to remain together under the law. / Courtesy
Tuyisenge proposed at about the same time he said civil vows. / Courtesy