CELEBRITY COUPLES are often stereotyped when it comes to relationships. While many celebrity relationships around the world are cut short way too soon, in Rwanda, some celebrities have proved that love—in the spotlight—can go the distance. In this article, we look at some of the couples that have managed to stay afloat for years now—from dating to tying the knot.
Meddy and Mimi
Medart Jobert Ngabo, commonly known as Meddy, recently tied the knot with Mimi Mehfira in a glamorous ceremony attended by friends, relatives and different Rwandan celebrities.
The newlyweds started out in 2016. After five years of dating, he officially proposed to Mimi as they celebrated her birthday on December 18, 2020. They got married on May 22 this year.
Knowless and Clement Ishimwe
Jeanne Ingabire Butera, better known as Knowless, and her husband Clement Ishimwe have, like many couples, made it through many ups and downs, but their bond is too tight to break. The couple started dating in 2013 and eventually tied the knot in 2016 in a luxurious wedding that was graced by many celebrities and politicians. Later that year, they were blessed with their first child.
Ally Soudy and Carine Umwiza
Ally Soudy, a renowned MC, radio presenter and entertainer, is celebrated for his charming personality, great sense of humour and music talent.
In 2002, he started dating Carine Umwiza Warris, and the couple then got married in 2011, they will be celebrating their ten-year anniversary in November. They have three children. Soudy, who now hosts an Instagram live show called ‘Ally Soudy On Air’, says that for a relationship to be successful, love and effective communication are of great importance. Also, knowing how to deal with the challenges you face because that is what makes the relationship stronger. All this, he says, has kept his family and marriage intact.
Tom Close and Ange Tricia Niyonshuti
Thomas Muyombo, commonly known as Tom Close, a Rwandan recording artiste and professional physician, and his wife Niyonshuti Ange Tricia, started dating in 2010 and tied the knot in 2013. God blessed them with their first child in 2014. "My advice to have a successful marriage is to listen to your heart before getting married, respect your partner and build your love around true friendship and honesty,” he says.
Yannick Mukunzi and Joy Iribagiza Rukundo
Famous Rwandan footballer Yannick Mukunzi and his wife Iribagiza Rukundo Joy make a striking couple. Three years into marriage, the couple has had its share of ups and downs. They started dating in 2013 and tied the knot in 2019. "Get married to the person you truly love and learn how to forgive each other and also pray together, everything else will fall in place,” says Mukunzi in an interview with The New Times. They have a son.