RWANDA INFLUENCER AWARDS organised by KCN Ltd that took place this weekend, after being postponed due to covid-19, targeted various categories of influencers.
The categories included social media influencers, journalist influencers, lifestyle influencers, and content producer influencers.
Despite the two-year hiatus, various winners are now revelling in their success after winning in different categories.
Emmanuel Mugisha, best known as Clapton Kibonge who won best comedian influencer, hailed this initiative and appreciated the recognition among other benefits.
"Being celebrated on the national or international level is always good. It shows people like me that whatever we do is being recognised in a nice way and it’s not only about being recognised, it is also a form of encouragement,” he said.
Speaking about his way forward after winning this award, he said that he will keep on giving all fans and Rwandans in general good and quality movies and inspiring the young generation who wish to be like him and even more in the future.
In addition, he advised upcoming comedians to stick to their dreams and have discipline.
"It might sound like a dream today but you should always remember that everything started as a dream. Step up and do it. However, in everything, you try to do always have some sort of discipline because talent, hard work, and discipline should work hand in hand for someone to shine,” he said
Gratien Niyitegeka known as Seburikoko, the Cinema Influencer award winner in the interview with The New Times said that the award is the reflection of his hard work as well as motivation for future content.
"It is also an outcome symbol of my artistic work, and as a way forward working hard to win it again this is my ambition,” he said
In addition, he urges the upcoming and young people joining the film sector to be creative, work hard, and be responsible people to handle different challenges.
Commenting on his victory, Innocent Nyarwaya known as Yago said that this award means a lot and it was unexpected since he started this journey only a few years ago.
In addition, he said that being recognized is an honor because it’s rare to be recognised in Rwanda and it’s a form of motivation, plus the award is a new beginning to long-term success.
He advised upcoming content creators to believe in themselves and be unique as well.
Speaking to this paper Christian Kalisa, creative producer at KCN LTD said that the event was successful and he promised a better show next year as it is an annual event.
"Our main purpose was to recognise people who have a positive impact on society through their platforms and we distinguished them into 10 categories so as our first-ever event I can say that it was successful and lesson as well,” he said
However, he added that as the first event, people did not participate at the level they wanted and partners weren’t enough, among other challenges.
"The lessons have been learned so next year we will improve,” he added
Other winners include Shadia Mbabazi known as Shadyboo for the Instagram influencer award, Pamella Mudakikwa, for the Twitter title while Journalist Influencers TV were Luckman Nzeyimana and Radio Anne Marie Niwemwiza.
Content Creator Influencers (YouTube) Innocent Nyarwaya known as Yago, Art and Creative influencer was Jeanne D’arc Butera known as Knowless, while
Lifestyle influencers in the category of Beauty was Miss Jolly Mutesi and Olivier Niyitanga aka Tanga, for Fashion.