TikTok was named the most downloaded app in 2020 with its stream of videos. This is quite obvious given how much Rwandans have become fond of it. While some people have fun watching these videos, many are making names and money by entertaining their audience via TikTok.
In no particular order, we look at the top four TikTok users in Rwanda who became famous because of TikTok and the impact it had in their lives.
Tito Kimenyi
Kimenyi started out posting comedy skits online and later grew his fanbase with over 25,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram. The first video he made was with his friend Philippe Tugirumuremyi, who helped Kimenyi to record a video that was inspired from a video he saw on WhatsApp.
"It was like a call because I have always enjoyed making people laugh so when I saw TikTok I was excited to try it out and I later on became addicted. I had to be creative and innovative for my videos to be great and funnier and it worked out well.
It brought me into spotlight that is currently helping me to sell my products online since I can easily get attention. It is also helping me to showcase my talent in comedy, which I believe will bring more opportunities. I am overwhelmed by how many people are now becoming familiar with using TikTok because getting 20,000 views before was unusual but now I get 100,000 views.
Grace Ayinkamiye Teta
Teta started making TikTok videos in 2019 just for fun and in 2020 her videos went viral so, she decided to make it serious
"My inspiration has always been making people happy through my videos. TikTok gave me different opportunities like being a brand ambassador, advertising and being able to meet different people who appreciate my work. It is a big pleasure because the feedback from people who watch my comic videos is amazing.
First born in a family of 4 children, Teta was born and raised in Rwanda and currently lives in Canada. She is pursuing law in college.
Ravanelly Twahirwa
The young comedian has won the attention and admiration of many for mimicking different people but mostly grandmothers. Clapton Kibonke was among those who admired his talent, and he recruited him to join his comedy crew ‘Daymakers Edutainment’. He now has over 12,000 thousand followers on TikTok and over 82,000 on Instagram.
"I got inspiration from a friend in high school but I always had passion for acting because I used to participate in different plays at school. It motivated me to do TikTok videos and I enjoy it a lot.
Doing TikTok videos gave me a chance to be recognized by Clapton, helped in boosting my talent and opened many doors. I have signed many contracts with different companies like a language teaching school based in Kigali, Ahobite TV and Sweet Addicts that offers cooking training, among others.
Promesse Kamanda
Kamanda’s funny TikTok videos while mimicking and imitating different celebrities has taken TikTok and Instagram by storm. Professionally, she is a photographer whose work has been appreciated by many. She is currently an official photographer of musician Bruce Melodie.
"I am usually a person who likes fun and enjoys that funny life, so when I first heard of TikTok I tried it and the feedback was great. People liked what I did so I kept doing it and I really enjoy doing the videos.
Through these videos many people got to know what I do besides making TikTok videos, which was a good thing. I started receiving calls from business people who wanted me to advertise what they do. This spotlight gave me different connections and in all of that of course I made money.