The celebrations will culminate in a major concert scheduled for August 30, 2026, at BK Arena.
Ahead of the event, the choir has already rolled out a series of community outreach activities, including a tree-planting campaign in Rusororo Sector, Gasabo District, as well as visits to youth rehabilitation centres in Iwawa and Gitagata.
The visits are part of a broader awareness campaign aimed at combating drug abuse and other harmful behaviours affecting young people.
The choir also plans to organise activities dedicated to comforting and supporting survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Founded in 1996, Ambassadors of Christ Choir rose to prominence through gospel songs focused on faith, spiritual resilience, devotion to God, and patriotism. Over the years, the choir has built a strong following in Rwanda and beyond, staging concerts both locally and internationally.
Former members describe the choir as more than a music group, saying it has served as a platform for mentorship, personal growth, and talent development, while also fostering lasting friendships and values that continue to shape their lives.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the choir is preparing a range of activities that will reflect on its history, feature testimonies from former members, and highlight its contribution to the growth of gospel music in Rwanda over the past three decades.
The celebrations will culminate in a major concert scheduled for August 30, 2026, at BK Arena.Founded in 1996, Ambassadors of Christ Choir rose to prominence through gospel songs focused on faith, spiritual resilience, devotion to God, and patriotism. Over the years, the choir has built a strong following in Rwanda and beyond, staging concerts both locally and internationally.
The celebrations begin on Friday, May 29, with the highly anticipated return of Strictly Soul, Africa’s biggest R&B link-up. Known for its smooth atmosphere, soulful classics, and carefully curated vibes.
Guests can expect an elevated Friday night experience with performances by the renowned DJ Akio and expected special performances by Bensoul from Kenya and Rwanda’s very own Mike Kayihura. But the excitement doesn’t stop there.
On Saturday, May 30, Heineken House shifts into full gear with a massive UEFA Champions League Final Viewing Party. Football fans will gather at the rooftop venue to witness Europe’s biggest football showdown live on giant screens as the kings of Europe are crowned in front of an electrifying crowd (Arsenal FC Vs Paris saint Germain FC).
Immediately after the final whistle, the rooftop transforms into the ultimate nightlife destination with the explosive energy of OBI’s House all the way from Nigeria, with an exciting lineup featuring DJ AKIO, top local and regional DJs; Sheilah GASHUMBA from Uganda, Rwanda’s own DJ Niny & DJ Muun, to keep the celebration going deep into the night.
Organisers said Heineken House is intended to serve as a cultural platform blending entertainment, music, sports, and social experiences under the Heineken brand.
Limited tickets are available via Sinc.events and through the 6692833# mobile platform. The two-night event is being promoted as a rooftop entertainment experience combining music, nightlife, and football viewing.
Heineken also reminded attendees to consume alcohol responsibly, noting that alcohol is not sold to persons under 18 or pregnant women, while discouraging drinking and driving.
Kigali’s entertainment scene is about to reach new heights as Heineken House introduces an unforgettable two-night experience set to take over the iconic KCC Rooftop on May 29 and 30.
Professor Hamo, whose real name is Herman Gakobo Kago, is one of the comedians who gained widespread recognition through the Churchill comedy platform. Besides comedy, he is also a musician and media personality.
The 46-year-old entertainer was born into a military family and is a father of six children.
The event he will attend has been specially dedicated to Muhinde, a fast-rising Rwandan comedian who built his reputation through the Gen-Z Comedy platform.
Organizers say the show is intended to celebrate and recognize Muhinde’s recent academic achievement after successfully completing his undergraduate studies.
Muhinde graduated from RP Musanze, where he studied E-Commerce. Prior to joining university, he completed his secondary education in 2022 with a specialization in Software Development.
He has since enrolled for a master’s degree at the University of Kigali as he continues to pursue both education and comedy.
According to the organizers of Gen-Z Comedy, Muhinde’s dedication to education while simultaneously growing his career in comedy inspired them to dedicate the event to him in appreciation of the remarkable progress he has made in his life and career.
Kenyan Comedy Star Professor Hamo of ‘Churchill Show’ is expected in Kigali.
Sharing the news on social media, M. Iréné revealed that the wedding ceremony is scheduled to take place on August 15, 2026.
Details surrounding the wedding remain limited, although sources close to the couple indicate that the ceremony is expected to be a private event attended by a select number of invited guests.
M. Iréné is a well-known journalist and content creator who previously worked for several media houses, including Isango Star and Isibo TV. He currently manages his own YouTube channel known as “MIE.”
In addition to journalism, he has also worked closely with several Rwandan musicians, including Niyo Bosco and gospel duo Vestine & Dorcas, among others, helping support and promote their careers.
Recently, M. Iréné ventured into the film industry with the release of his movie titled “Isereri,” which has become one of the most-viewed productions on YouTube in recent weeks.
The film features notable actors and actresses including Aisha Inkindi, Nyabitanga Nicole, and several other popular performers.
A few days ago, M. Iréné traveled to visit his fiancée.M. Iréné has officially proposed to Nishimwe Liliane as the couple prepares for their wedding.M. Iréné and Nishimwe Liliane are set to tie the knot after officially getting engaged.M. Iréné Officially has announced their Wedding Date.
DJ Toxxyk was arrested on December 21, 2025, following a traffic accident that occurred in Nyarugenge District during the early hours of the previous day. The accident claimed the life of a police officer.
During the investigation that followed, authorities also reportedly discovered cannabis at his residence.
Prosecutors charged him with involuntary manslaughter, engaging in activities related to narcotic drugs and similar substances, fleeing the scene after causing an accident, and refusing to undergo an alcohol test.
On May 4, 2026, the Kicukiro Primary Court convicted DJ Toxxyk on all charges and sentenced him to three months of community service, suspended for six months, along with a fine of Rwf 1.05 million.
Following the ruling, DJ Toxxyk was released from Nyarugenge Prison in Mageragere. However, the prosecution expressed dissatisfaction with the sentence and immediately decided to appeal.
On May 6, the prosecution officially filed its appeal before Nyarugenge Intermediate Court. During the hearing held on May 15, prosecutors argued that the Primary Court failed to properly consider the gravity and consequences of the offenses committed by DJ Toxxyk, while also overlooking the purpose of criminal punishment and the relevant provisions of the law.
According to the prosecution, the sentence imposed did not meet the legal objectives of punishment, which are intended not only to rehabilitate offenders but also to serve as a warning and deterrent to others. Prosecutors maintained that the penalties handed down were insufficient to achieve those goals.
The prosecution further argued that the court failed to correctly apply Article 49 of the law, which requires judges to determine sentences based on the seriousness of the offense, the damage caused, and the circumstances surrounding the crime.
Prosecutors stressed that DJ Toxxyk’s actions resulted in severe consequences, including the death of a police officer who was on duty at the time of the accident. They therefore argued that the fines and community service sentences imposed by the Primary Court were disproportionately light.
As a result, the prosecution asked the intermediate court to review the sentence and impose a five-year prison term along with a fine of Rwf 2.21 million, citing the accumulation of multiple offenses.
Appearing before the court, DJ Toxxyk expressed remorse for all the offenses he committed and stated that he believed the sentence delivered by the Primary Court was fair and proportionate to his actions.
His lawyer, Marie Josée Uwamahoro, defended the ruling of the primary court, arguing that the penalties imposed were fully in accordance with the law and contained no legal irregularities. She urged the court to dismiss the prosecution’s appeal as baseless.
She explained that for the charge of involuntary manslaughter, her client received the legally prescribed fine of Rwf 1 million, while the offense of fleeing after causing an accident carried the legal fine of Rwf 30,000.
Regarding the refusal to undergo alcohol testing, DJ Toxxyk was fined Rwf 10,000, while the sentence of community service related to the drug-related offense was also provided for under Rwandan law, according to the defense.
Another defense lawyer, Faustin Murangwa, argued that judges have discretionary powers to impose the minimum penalties provided by law and, in certain circumstances, may even issue lighter sentences where justified.
He also criticized the prosecution for introducing harsher sentencing demands during the appeal process, arguing that such requests amounted to new claims that should not ordinarily be presented at the appellate stage.
The Nyarugenge Intermediate Court is expected to deliver its verdict on May 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Prosecution requests five-year prison sentence for DJ Toxxyk as he seeks to retain initial ruling.
Nearly 50 years since its finale, fans continue to wonder about the lives of its beloved cast members and their journeys after the show.
Mary Tyler Moore, the star who played Mary Richards, became a cultural icon through her portrayal of an independent woman focused on her career.
Moore’s career flourished post-show, with notable roles in films like Ordinary People, earning her an Oscar nomination. She also became a passionate advocate for diabetes awareness. Moore passed away in 2017, but her legacy as a trailblazer for women in the media continues.
Ed Asner, who portrayed the gruff but caring news director Lou Grant, enjoyed a long career after the show. He starred in the spinoff Lou Grant and voiced beloved characters in movies like Up. Asner remained active in television and was known for his activism. He passed away in 2021 at 91, leaving behind an influential career.
Gavin MacLeod, who played the kind-hearted Murray Slaughter, found continued success on The Love Boat. His role as Captain Merrill Stubing solidified his place in TV history. MacLeod also authored a memoir and remained involved in show business until his death in 2021 at 90.
Cloris Leachman portrayed Phyllis Lindstrom, Rhoda’s quirky mother, and brought a unique comedic touch to the show. Leachman went on to have a distinguished career in both television and film, winning nine Emmy Awards throughout her life. She passed away in 2021 at 94, leaving behind a rich legacy.
Betty White, known for her role as the sweet and manipulative Sue Ann Nivens, continued to capture hearts with her portrayal of Rose Nylund on The Golden Girls. White’s career spanned decades, and she remained a beloved figure in Hollywood until her death in 2021 at 99.
Other cast members like Ted Knight, Valerie Harper, and John Amos also enjoyed fruitful careers. The Mary Tyler Moore Show made significant contributions to television, and its cast continues to be celebrated for breaking barriers and creating iconic, timeless characters.
Five decades after The Mary Tyler Moore Show first aired, the cast’s influence on television, comedy and American pop culture continues to resonate across generations.
Amahoro Stadium, which was reopened in 2024 after a major renovation costing more than $160 million, has a seating capacity of 45,000 people. BK Arena, completed in 2019 at a cost of $104 million, can host up to 10,000 spectators.
The two venues have become central to Rwanda’s ambition of positioning itself as a destination for international conferences, sports and entertainment events. They have hosted major events including the FIFA Congress, the Basketball Africa League, Move Afrika and Giants of Africa.
However, despite their growing importance, event organizers and members of the public have repeatedly raised concerns over what they describe as expensive rental fees and restrictive operational requirements.
In an interview with IGIHE, John Ntigengwa, the Country Director of QA Venue Solutions which managed both facilities, addressed the concerns and defended the company’s management approach.
Ntigengwa explained that QA Venue Solutions operates the facilities under an agreement with the Government of Rwanda, with responsibilities that include maintaining the venues and ensuring they generate revenue.
He said one of the biggest challenges remains the fact that many people still cannot afford to use the facilities.
According to him, operating and maintaining such large infrastructures comes at a high cost, making it impossible to lower prices beyond a certain level.
“For BK Arena, the average base price over the last five years has been around Rwf5 million,” he explained, noting that this amount only covers the minimum operational requirements for an event.
He added that the actual daily operational cost for events at BK Arena reaches about Rwf9 million before additional expenses such as security, protocol staff and cleaning services are included.
Regarding Amahoro Stadium, Ntigengwa revealed that the initial minimum operational fee had been estimated at Rwf16 million.
However, after discussions with stakeholders including the Rwanda Premier League, the base price was reduced to around Rwf3 million in an effort to make the stadium more accessible, especially for football clubs.
He said the company is also seeking more partnerships, particularly with advertisers and sponsors, to further reduce operational costs and make the venues more affordable.
John Ntigengwa says maintaining BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium comes with high operational costs.
Addressing complaints that BK Arena is more expensive than Amahoro Stadium, Ntigengwa argued that when all operational costs are considered, the expenses are nearly similar.
He also explained that most event organizers rely heavily on sponsorships because the local market alone is often not sufficient to cover the costs of staging large events.
Another issue frequently raised by organizers concerns the requirement to use venue-approved protocol staff, security teams and, in some cases, sound equipment providers.
Ntigengwa said those policies are primarily aimed at ensuring professionalism and safety.
He explained that protocol and security personnel assigned to the venues receive specialized training and are familiar with the infrastructure, making it risky to allow untrained teams to manage crowds in the facilities.
On technical equipment, he said the company only requires service providers who meet specific professional standards, especially for complex installations such as suspended lighting and sound systems.
However, he denied claims that QA Venue Solutions works exclusively with one supplier, saying organizers with smaller technical needs are sometimes allowed to work with their preferred providers.
The company also responded to complaints from event promoters who accuse the venue management of generating additional revenue from food and beverage sales during events without sharing profits.
Ntigengwa said food and drinks sold at the venues must meet strict safety and quality standards, which is why the company limits who can operate inside the facilities.
He added that the company intentionally keeps rental fees below actual operational costs and compensates through other revenue streams such as concessions and commercial activities inside the venues.
“If an event at BK Arena costs us at least Rwf9 million to operate but we charge the organizer Rwf5 million, it does not mean we are choosing to make losses,” he said. “We look for other ways to generate revenue while keeping the venue accessible.”
On VIP suites at BK Arena, Ntigengwa explained that out of the 14 available suites, organizers typically receive only two because the others are reserved for clients who lease them on annual contracts.
He also addressed criticism over ticketing fees, where organizers have complained about a 15 percent deduction on ticket sales.
According to him, QA Venue Solutions only takes 3 percent, while ticketing service providers receive 12 percent, with the remaining amount going to the event organizer.
Despite the criticisms, Ntigengwa said the company remains open to dialogue and welcomes suggestions from clients and partners on how operations can be improved.
“We encourage people not to rely only on rumors that these venues are too expensive,” he said. “Anyone interested in using them should come and discuss their project with us because every case is different.”
He also acknowledged that attracting international artists remains costly, although the company hopes to organize at least two major concerts annually at BK Arena and one at Amahoro Stadium.
Ntigengwa dismissed reports suggesting that negotiations to host major artists such as Chris Brown and Burna Boy for a grand Amahoro Stadium inauguration concert had been finalized, saying discussions remain at an early stage.
He nevertheless confirmed preparations are progressing for the upcoming concert by UB40 featuring Ali Campbell scheduled for June 9, 2026, at BK Arena.
Ntigengwa also praised King James after tickets for the artist’s concert reportedly sold out within three days, describing it as proof of the musician’s strong fan base and hinting that discussions for a second day show were ongoing.
BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium have become key venues for Rwanda’s international sports and entertainment ambitions.
Nearly five years after the original Spanish series ended in 2021, the streaming giant has officially hinted at a continuation of La Casa de Papel, sparking speculation about what form the next chapter will take.
New teaser reignites the franchise
Ahead of the release of Berlin Season 2, titled Berlín y la dama del armiño (Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine), set to premiere globally on May 15, Netflix dropped a teaser titled “The World of ‘Money Heist’ Continues.”
The trailer revisits key moments from the original series, including the Royal Mint and Bank of Spain heists, while teasing that the story is far from finished. A dramatic message in the teaser states that after money, gold, and treasure, “the revolution isn’t over yet,” hinting at new heist-driven adventures.
Familiar elements such as red jumpsuits, Dalí masks, and the anthem “Bella Ciao” feature prominently, reinforcing the show’s rebellious identity.
“Bella Ciao continues to echo”
The announcement was also shared on Money Heist’s official social media pages, featuring red-and-black visuals of masked figures, money, and gold. The caption declared that “Bella Ciao continues to echo” and that the universe of La Casa de Papel continues to expand.
Netflix took the reveal further with a large-scale event in Seville, Spain, on May 9. Thousands of fans gathered along the Guadalquivir River to witness a boat filled with performers dressed in red jumpsuits and Dalí masks sailing past as “Bella Ciao” played.
The spectacle confirmed to fans that the Money Heist story will continue beyond Berlin Season 2, reinforcing Netflix’s tradition of theatrical, high-impact marketing for the franchise.
What comes next?
While Netflix has confirmed the expansion of the universe, it has not revealed whether the next chapter will be a spin-off, a continuation of the original story, or a new heist entirely. Possibilities remain open, including further stories involving existing characters or new global spin-offs.
Created by Álex Pina, Money Heist remains one of Netflix’s most successful non-English series, turning its red jumpsuits, Dalí masks, and anthem “Bella Ciao” into global cultural symbols.
Nearly five years after the original Spanish series ended in 2021, Netflix has officially hinted at a continuation of La Casa de Papel, sparking speculation about what form the next chapter will take.
Speaking about her past, Shakira revealed that her troubles began when she was just 20 years old after being impregnanated by a Burundian footballer who later became a well-known figure in Rwandan football. Although she once considered him the man of her dreams, their relationship eventually turned toxic.
“He made me pregnant before we got married. At that time, he left for Kinshasa to play for AS Vita Club while I was four months pregnant. By the time he returned, our child was already one year old,” she said.
According to Shakira, the footballer later married her and initially treated her well. However, life in marriage soon became unbearable due to his repeated infidelity, emotional mistreatment, and violence.
“I truly loved him, and I believe he loved me too because he would not have married me otherwise. But after taking me into his home, life became extremely difficult,” she explained.
She said she struggled emotionally after constantly hearing reports that her husband was spending time with other women, including girls featured in popular music videos. The rejection she faced from her in-laws only made the situation worse.
“For me, moving to Dubai felt like an escape because I wanted to get far away from him. People were always calling me saying they had seen him with another girl in a car or with some famous video vixen. It reached a point where I felt like my heart would explode,” she said.
At the time, Shakira was still attending university. She recalled how difficult life became, explaining that even after returning home late from classes, her husband refused to eat food prepared by a housemaid, forcing her to cook for him late into the night.
Eventually, the footballer demanded that they begin sleeping in separate rooms and instructed her never to question where he went or what he was doing.
Exhausted by the toxic relationship, Shakira decided to leave the marriage despite criticism from her own family, who accused her of destroying her home.
“After we separated, I had a group of friends who were also Slay Queens. They helped me arrange a flight to Dubai,” she said.
Before leaving Rwanda, she entrusted her child to one of her close friends.
Life among celebrities in Dubai
In 2012, Shakira moved to Dubai, where she spent the next seven years. Upon arrival, she was welcomed by acquaintances who had already settled there, and she initially lived with another woman who also had a child.
After becoming familiar with the city, she entered the nightlife industry through a job commonly known as “hosting,” which involved entertaining and receiving guests in clubs and bars.
Through that work, she interacted with wealthy and influential individuals, including international celebrities, many of whom became part of her social circle.
Shakira recalled that shortly after suffering a miscarriage and while still struggling emotionally, she met a foreign man on her first day working in Dubai who took interest in her and gave her $1,300, money she says helped her begin rebuilding her life.
“I used to host celebrities like Davido and Kizz Daniel. Many people knew me there,” she said.
“I lived a life surrounded by influential people. I met children of presidents, musicians, and other powerful individuals almost every day while working there. There were also several well-known girls from Rwanda involved in the same lifestyle, but I cannot mention their names.”
Among the celebrities Shakira says she interacted with during her time as a “Slay Queen,” she mentions Nigerian music star Davido as one of the famous artists she met and hosted.
How she connected wealthy men with escorts in Dubai
Mukaruziga revealed that although she became part of the high-end escort lifestyle often associated with “Slay Queens,” she personally tried to avoid becoming deeply involved in prostitution despite being surrounded by wealthy and influential men in Dubai.
Instead of sleeping with the celebrities and rich clients she met through nightlife hosting, she said she chose to introduce them to other women.
“In order to maintain that lifestyle and keep my connections, I avoided becoming sexually involved with them because I knew that once a celebrity sleeps with you, the next day he may never speak to you again,” she explained.
“So instead, I connected them with other girls. The man would meet the girl he wanted, they would do whatever they wanted together, but afterward he would still continue calling me and keeping in touch with me because I had protected myself from getting directly involved.”
Shakira said one of the reasons she managed to avoid going too deep into prostitution was because she was in a relationship with a Kenyan man during her years in Dubai. According to her, he often accompanied her to hosting events and nightlife venues, which limited opportunities for her to become intimate with other men.
“While I was in Dubai, I dated a Kenyan man who was financially stable. During the time I worked in hosting, he was always by my side, and that helped me avoid getting deeply involved in prostitution. We went everywhere together,” she said.
‘Slay Queens’ and the illusion of luxury
After spending nearly a decade living the “Slay Queen” lifestyle, traveling between countries and entertaining wealthy clients who paid enormous sums of money, Shakira says many women involved in that world begin to believe there is no better life outside of it.
However, looking back today, she says she eventually realized that much of the money earned through that lifestyle brought no real value or lasting happiness.
According to her, the experience made her question whether there was something spiritually dangerous behind the extravagant wealth and gifts some men freely offered to young women.
“When you are living that kind of life, you feel like there is no other life better than it. Someone can simply hand you $50,000 for what seems like nothing,” she said.
“It was only after leaving that lifestyle, even after falling into drug abuse, that I started thinking deeply about it.”
She questioned how a man could give a woman tens of thousands of dollars after spending only one night with her, suggesting that such situations may sometimes hide darker motives.
“How can someone sleep with you for one night and give you $50,000? Isn’t there something hidden behind it? Sometimes I feel like people may be trying to gain something spiritually or personally from those interactions,” she said.
She added that despite receiving large amounts of money during those years, very little of it brought meaningful progress to her life.
“Even the huge amounts of money I received never truly benefited me in any meaningful way. Most of it disappeared without changing my life for the better, and many other Slay Queens know exactly what I mean and how that money is usually spent,” she explained.
Concerns about spiritual manipulation
Shakira also claimed that many of the men she encountered who lavishly spent money on Slay Queens sometimes without even engaging in sexual relations were foreigners, particularly Nigerians. She said some of the experiences left her suspicious that certain individuals may have been involved in spiritual practices or hidden agendas.
“You are not that special for a man to simply give you huge amounts of money or buy you expensive cars without expecting something in return,” she said.
“Most of the people who did that were foreigners, especially Nigerians. Since childhood, we have watched movies about spiritual practices and rituals, and sometimes some situations I witnessed felt very suspicious.”
Although she acknowledged that these were her personal reflections and beliefs, Shakira warned that many women involved in transactional relationships with wealthy foreigners often do not end up with happy lives in the long run.
“We should call things by their real names. Some people go looking for what they call ‘stars’ or special blessings and powers. They may be given instructions to do certain things while you are with them, without you even realizing what is happening,” she said.
Here, she was pictured alongside Vincent Kigosi, the renowned Tanzanian film actor.
Former Kigali ‘Slay Queen’ linked to Nigerian Billionaire and Husband of Actress Regina Daniels
Shakira has revealed that during her years living in Dubai, she was once introduced to Nigerian billionaire and politician Ned Nwoko, the husband of Nigerian actress Regina Daniels.
Ned Nwoko is widely known in Nigeria for his luxurious lifestyle and for being married to multiple women at the same time. His marriage to Regina Daniels attracted major media attention, partly because of the nearly 40-year age difference between them.
According to Shakira, she was invited to travel to Nigeria to meet the billionaire for what was allegedly expected to become a sexual relationship.
“I arrived and found a private jet waiting for me,” she recalled. “When I got there, I found around 10 other girls who had also been brought there the same way I had.”
She said the group included women from different African countries, including South Africa and Kenya.
“At night, they would prepare a very long dining table where all the girls sat in a line, while he sat in the middle. The atmosphere looked almost royal, like something you only see in movies about kings and wealthy families,” she explained.
Shakira described the environment as luxurious and highly organized. The women were reportedly treated well, each having her own room, access to recreational facilities like tennis courts, and other forms of entertainment.
However, she claimed that despite the assumptions surrounding the gatherings, the billionaire did not pressure every woman into a sexual relationship.
“He never came and announced that he had brought the girls there for sex,” she said. “There was usually one girl who spent the night in his room, although I cannot confirm what happened there. Personally, he never touched me, and there were other girls I knew he never approached either.”
According to Shakira, although she never had a sexual relationship with Ned Nwoko, he still gave her a large amount of money, the biggest sum she had ever received at one time in her life.
“He liked spending time with me and preferred sitting with me in the car even though there was another woman he was closer to,” she said.
She also described being taken to what she believed was a mysterious underground location that appeared luxurious and unusual.
“We were taken to a place that looked like a huge underground structure. Inside, there were strange decorations, traditional-looking carvings, and small woven baskets. Some of the objects looked unusual, almost symbolic,” she explained.
According to her, the billionaire later gave her $15,000.
She added that after returning to Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, he reportedly gave her an additional $30,000 along with a smartphone worth around $2,000.
“That was the largest amount of money I had ever received at once in my entire life,” she said. “Looking back now, I can say that was the moment my life truly began falling apart.”
Drug addiction and financial collapse
Shakira admitted that although she had experimented with drugs before, receiving such a huge amount of money pushed her deeper into addiction.
She said that immediately after returning to Rwanda, she contacted a drug supplier she already knew and arranged to buy cocaine.
“I had used cocaine before, but after getting that money, I called someone I knew and told him to make sure he had enough prepared for me,” she recalled.
She claimed that within just three nights, she had spent nearly $16,000 on drugs. During that period, she was also robbed of another $10,000.
From that point onward, her addiction worsened rapidly. She exhausted the remaining money she had received from the Nigerian billionaire, spent her personal savings, and eventually sold nearly everything she owned in order to continue buying drugs.
Shakira said the addiction completely destroyed her life and reputation.
“Drugs took me to a terrible place,” she said. “I reached a point where I was constantly begging people for small amounts of money, stealing, and even selling small personal belongings just to survive.”
She added that some of the same “Slay Queen” friends she once socialized with including women who are now prominent figures in Rwanda’s entertainment industry eventually abandoned and ignored her.
After realizing the seriousness of her addiction, Shakira voluntarily sought rehabilitation, but her initial attempts failed. She was later arrested by security authorities and taken to Gikondo Transit Center, where she spent seven months.
Shortly after giving birth, she was eventually transferred to Gitagata Rehabilitation Center for further rehabilitation and recovery.
Shakira is among the women who were widely known as part of Rwanda’s “Slay Queen” scene between 2013 and 2022.
Former ‘Slay Queen’ warns Rwandan women living double lives on social media
Shakira has claimed that some women and girls who have built large followings and glamorous reputations on social media in Rwanda are secretly living the same lifestyle she once lived receiving large sums of money through transactional relationships while presenting different public careers to hide the reality behind their wealth.
According to Shakira, many of these women use other businesses or professions as a cover to make it appear as though their luxurious lifestyles are financed entirely through legitimate work.
She said that women who have already gone through such experiences should use whatever money they earned to build stable and respectable businesses instead of continuing in a lifestyle she now believes is destructive.
“If you have already lived that life and managed to gain even a small amount from it, use it as capital to build a better future,” she said.
“What happened cannot be erased, and you cannot go back in time to change it, but you can still transform your life. Instead of pretending that your side business is your only source of income, make it become your real and honest work.”
Shakira warned that refusing to leave the lifestyle behind can eventually destroy a person’s life, reputation, and future.
“If you refuse to use the opportunity you already have to change your life, one day you may end up like me or someone else who lost everything,” she said.
“I would never wish that kind of life on anyone because, in the end, it is not worth it.”
Mukaruziga Shakira is currently undergoing rehabilitation at Gitagata Rehabilitation Center after being admitted for drug abuse treatment.
The event will take place at Zaria Court and is anticipated to attract a diverse audience of music enthusiasts, particularly fans of Afrobeat and Nigerian hip-hop who will be in the city for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) games.
Olamide is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential artists. He rose to prominence in 2011 following the release of his debut album Rapsodi, which quickly positioned him among the leading figures in Nigeria’s music industry.
Known for hit tracks such as Wo! and Rock, Olamide has built a reputation for blending multiple genres, including rap, street pop and Afrobeat. His versatility has earned him a strong following across the continent and beyond.
Beyond his music career, Olamide is the founder of the record label YBNL Nation, through which he has played a key role in developing emerging talent. Among the artists he has supported is Fireboy DML, further solidifying his influence in shaping Nigeria’s contemporary music scene.
The Kigali performance forms part of a broader lineup of entertainment activities planned alongside the BAL games, which are set to begin in the Rwandan capital on May 22, 2026.
Organisers say the concert will provide an opportunity for both music and basketball fans to experience a vibrant mix of sport and entertainment during the BAL season in Kigali.