November kicks off with a lot going on in Rwanda’s showbiz and entertainment watchers are here for it.
Miss Rwanda 2022 Divine Nshuti Muheto was arguably the topic of the week since Rwandan police announced her arrest over alleged charges related to drunk-driving while Rwandan gospel artiste Israel Mbonyi is making headlines in Tanzania after selling out his maiden concert in the country that took place on Saturday, November 2.
The New Times rounds up other stories that made headlines in Rwandan showbiz over the week.
Miss Rwanda 2022 Muheto faces 20 months in jail
Prosecution wants Miss Rwanda 2022 Divine Nshuti Muheto to spend one year and eight months behind the bars over alleged multiple charges including driving without a license, driving under excessive influence of alcohol, damaging public infrastructure, and fleeing the scene.
Muheto, 20, became the talk in town since Tuesday, October 29, when police confirmed that they arrested which was followed by a pre-detention hearing at Kicukiro Primary Court 48 hours later.
She committed the alleged crimes in the night of October 24. She was on her way from a bar located in Kicukiro District, City of Kigali, heading home to Kimironko where she resides. She was, however, driving her car under influence of alcohol before she hit an electricity pole and a palm tree, the prosecutor told the judge.
ALSO READ: Miss Rwanda 2022 Muheto charged with drink-driving
Presenting her defence, the beauty queen admitted that she committed the two charges of drink-driving and damaging infrastructure, but denied fleeing the scene. Her lawyers objected the prosecution’s jail-term and requested the court to slap her with a fine.
The verdict of the hearing is scheduled Wednesday, November 6.
Mbonyi lights up Tanzania with two big shows
Rwandan gospel music star Israel Mbonyi has made history again by selling out his maiden Tanzania VIP show which took place in Dare es Salaam at Mlimani City on Saturday, November 2.
The Icyambu hit maker is in Tanzania alongside his music band and management team for two major concerts regarded by many music listeners and critics as the best gospel concerts to stage in Dares Es Salam this year.
The artiste had his second show in the country on Sunday tonight at the Leaders Club.
ALSO READ: Israel Mbonyi confirms concert in Kenya
Glitz and glamour at The Stage Fashion Showcase
Local fashion industry was hot last week with designers from different parts of the world traveling to Kigali for the second edition of The Stage Fashion Showcase which took place on Friday, November 1 at Mundi Center.
Organized by renowned Rwanda top model Sandrine Mucyo, also known as Ssanduina, this year’s event brought together regional designers, emerging young talent, renowned and rising models for an electrifying evening that celebrated both Rwandan and international fashion.
Among the highlights of the showcase were collections from local designers who have been leading the fashion industry for a couple of years now. Mateo and Safa were among top designers who captivated the audience with their latest creations.
Musicians Davis D and Bwiza as we all as socialite Isimbi Model were among celebrities who hit the red carpet clad in their unique attires.
Trace Awards 2025 to stage in Zanzibar
Afro-urban music and culture platform Trace, on October 30, announced that the next edition of the Trace Awards and Summit, celebrating Africa’s cultural powerhouse, will take place at the Mora 5* Resort in Zanzibar from February 24-26, 2025.
Following a successful inaugural edition held in Rwanda in October 2023, captivating over 500 million viewers globally, organisers say that the 2025 awards edition will not only celebrate Africa’s top artists but also spotlight the rich cultural stories that shape their artistry.
The prestigious awards will feature 28 categories of the most popular African music genres like Afrobeat, Amapiano, Bongo Flava, and Gospel and artists, with live broadcasts in over 200 countries in English, French, and Portuguese.