MIAP.GIF

The State of East African Fashion and Sustainable Practices

The Man Behind the Kigali Fashion Week: The Story of John Bunyenshuri [ PHOTO IN] The Man Behind the Kigali Fashion Week: The Story of John Bunyenshuri [ PHOTO IN]

The Man Behind the Kigali Fashion Week: The Story of John Bunyenshuri

john bunyeshuli uzwi muri kigali fashion week yahagaze ari mu bayoboye iki gikorwa 1b0b3John Bunyeshuli CEO and founder of the Kigali Fashion Week [PHOTO IGIHE]

 Since the inception of Kigali Fashion Week, one man has stood as the driving force and mastermind behind this thriving brand. With a friendly demeanor that exudes cultural sophistication and goodwill toward others, John Bunyenshuri embodies the essence of a true cosmopolitan gentleman.

Kigali Kampala Fashion Week orga ized by Bunyeshili [PHOTO KFW]

Growing up in Uganda, Bunyenshuri was known as the class clown, always bringing joy and laughter to those around him. His fondest memories include lively outings with friends, painting the town red with wine, laughter, and dancing. 

At Namasagali College in Eastern Uganda, Bunyenshuri led his dance group, the “Creative Dance Troupe,” on memorable trips to the Capital Kampala to then popular Suzanna Night Club.

Even in his formative years, he recognized that showbiz was his true calling. Fate intervened when his family, facing persecution during Obote’s regime, relocated to Vancouver, Canada. 

Second from [RIGHT]; John Bunyeshuli with his team [PHOTO KFW]

 

ALSO READ: "Kigali Fashion Week is Still Running": Interview with the CEO and Founder John Bunyeshuli.

 

He pursued his studies at San Antonio Community College before venturing to London to study at the London City Lit College for the Creative Arts, specializing in Camera Acting and Theater.

“I may be shy by nature, but acting allows me to transform into a whole new persona. When I’m in front of the camera or on stage, I become extroverted, embracing my alter-ego,” John reflects his love for acting.

His journey led him to New York in 1993, where he embarked on a career in the entertainment industry. It was during this time that he discovered a passion for jazz music, mentored by a Jewish-Scottish saxophonist. 

Additionally, he found success working with Suzan Scott of the Suzan Scott Agency, portraying a Luther Vandross look-alike for gigs and commercial advertisements.

“With earnings from my work as Luther Vandross, I made a down payment on an apartment in Brooklyn. Around that time, I was in my first relationship and had my first daughter. She, too, has found her place in the entertainment industry,” Bunyenshuri shares.

Although the relationship didn’t last, he found love again and had his second born daughter, also pursuing a career in entertainment. 

Motivated by his experiences, John Bunyenshuri made it his mission to advocate for young talents in the industry, ensuring they receive fair treatment and opportunities.

KFW 2023 [PHOTO KFW]

In 2011, Bunyenshuri came to Rwanda and founded Kigali Fashion Week, aiming to support local talent and generate employment opportunities for youth both locally and internationally. 

Today, Kigali Fashion Week has expanded to major cities like London, New York, Amsterdam, and Tokyo, showcasing Rwandan creativity on a global scale.

Looking ahead, Bunyenshuri has exciting plans, including partnering with Bella Flowers to launch Kigali Flower Festival in February next year. Additionally, he’s forming a jazz band, Twilight Jazz Groove, poised for a forthcoming launch, further enriching Rwanda’s cultural landscape.

BunyeshuliJohn Bunyeshuli CEO & founder of the Kigali Fashion Week, during the conference in Kampala - Kigali Fashion Week 2023 fashion discussions [PHOTO KFW]

20057040735 f2da23ba5d c[PHOTO KFW 2015]

20062362911 9a4ba942c8 c[PHOTO KFW 2015]

19434365324 50681c3e50 c[PHOTO KFW 2015]

Snapinsta.app 29415938 381574892309490 8155531858696732672 n 1080[PHOTO KFW 2018]

 Snapinsta.app 30085675 161056861244142 1762057861292097536 n 1080

[PHOTO KFW 2018]

RCFS'S MEDIA 

 

Read 3273 times Last modified on Monday, 22 April 2024 17:59
Rate this item

LATEST NEWS

What is Regenerative Fashion? Expert Lisa JK from ReFaCE

07 February 2025 178 hits

What is Regenerative Fashion? Expert Lisa JK from ReFaCE At the recent Nairobi Fashion Week 2025, Lisa JK, founder of…

Fashion Designer To Watch In Ethiopia: Bold Apparels By Elshaday Berhanu #Inclusiveinterview

30 January 2025 477 hits

Fashion Designer To Watch In Ethiopia: Bold Apparels by Elshaday Berhanu In a groundbreaking fashion exhibition that debuted five days…

What Will Fashion Entrepreneurs Gain from the African Fashion Development Initiative?

27 January 2025 418 hits

What Will Fashion Entrepreneurs Gain from the African Fashion Development Initiative? The African fashion sector stands at a pivotal moment,…

Who are 13 Fashion Designers to Take Part in the Nairobi Fashion Week 2025? Their Instagram Accounts

27 January 2025 479 hits

Who are 13 Fashion Designers to Take Part in the Nairobi Fashion Week 2025? Their Instagram Accounts The seventh edition…

Will Kuza Africa Unite and Sustainably Transform Rwanda's Fashion Industry?

27 January 2025 467 hits

Will Kuza Africa Unite and Sustainably Transform Rwanda's Fashion Industry? As Rwanda's fashion industry continues to evolve, Kuza Africa has…

Kenyan Fashion Businesswoman Wandia Gichuru among the Forbes' 50 over 50: Global 2025 list

24 January 2025 552 hits

Kenyan Fashion Businesswoman Wandia Gichuru among the Forbes' 50 over 50: Global 2025 list "Woke up to the incredible news…

FASHION SHOPS

​ADVERTISEMENT

visitrwanda

PodCast

RFCS.jpeg

mark