The following article was suggested by one of our readers—if theres an idea you would like us to cover, please submit it here. Carine Maniraguha, 26, is a poet, author and actress. As a child, she longed for a career on TV or in movies, locally and internationally. After completing school, she auditioned for a local series known as Seburikoko that airs on RBA, and got the part. Being in the series, she says, has given her acting skills a boost. She has so far acted in three series; Seburikoko, Makuta on YouTube, and Ejo si kera that shows on RBA currently. Maniraguha is making the right steps towards accomplishing her dreams, and hopes to star in many more movies. She says she has gained experience, and understands how the movie industry works much better. After completing school, Maniraguha auditioned for a local TV series known as Seburikoko and got the part. Photo/Net Maniraguha believes that with her talent and dedication, nothing is going to stop her from achieving her dreams. “I don’t take for granted that I appear on people’s screens and connect with other known actors,” she says. The graduate of business and information technology also has a burning desire for writing. Having a secondary diploma in languages and literature is proof of her writing passion. Writing, to her, comes with ease. “It is something I do with very little effort, and I just write about happenings in day-to-day life. I started writing at the age of 12. It started with one poem that my friends liked and commended me for,” she says. Carine Maniraguha during a performance. Photos/Courtesy She has been writing ever since and is also comfortable writing in Kinyarwanda. She writes poems and books. Her poems are captivating because of how the words rhyme. She yearns to leave a legacy that younger generations can learn from. The writer works with ‘Imbuto y’inganzo’ for publishing. She has written books such as, Abana b’imico myiza, Abana b’imico mibi, Amarira ya Kagabo igice cya1, Rwema, Uruyuki n’isazi and Sinzongera. She has also written more than 50 poems including, Birabe ibyuya, Nsa n’umusazi, Isi ya None, Slay Queen, Byuka tuganire, Garuka I wanjye, Ni umugabo nawe, Impore Rwanda nkunda, Ndi Africa, and many more. Maniraguha has performed at events like Iwacu Muzika Festival, Ubumuntu Festival, Kigali Up Festival, commemoration events, weddings and other ceremonies. “Since my work is mostly in Kinyarwanda, it is challenging for those that don’t speak the language to understand the message I’m trying to put across, in acting and writing,” Maniraguha says. “I also still find it hard to promote myself as an author locally as not many people buy books.” Maniraguha says she hopes to address some of the issues that society faces and battles silently, like hate, through her work. Her advice to the youth is to get out of their comfort zone, and focus on what they can do because people who might want to offer support will only do so after seeing one’s ability and effort. She has achieved many poetry awards including ‘Transpoesis Trophy’ and Best Poet at the Art Rwanda Ubuhanzi awards. She also participated during the monthly poetry forum, Kigali Vibrates with Poetry, in 2017, and Heroes Competition in 2019.
