RCFS
“Music is as art as fashion, and fusion of artwork makes better output. Today’s music needs fashion to boost quickly and engage as well as hire a lot of related artists both in fashion designing and creative”, said Kageruka Wilson, the CEO & Founder of Tarama Rwanda Initiative
Mr. Wilson KAGERUKA received an award as the best entrepreneur of 2022, an award given by His Excellence Ambassador Dr. Ron Adam; the ambassador of the state of Israel in Rwanda, on behalf of Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village.
Fashion and Music Historical Background
Looking back at Rwanda's history, music and fashion have been together. Historically, fashion plays a big role in the development of Rwandan traditional dance and cultural performances.
PHOTO INTERNET: Rwanda Tradition troupe, male dancers wearing cultural outfits
During the ceremony at the King’s palace known as Imbwami, when male dancers known as Intore were dancing and performing for the King and Queen used to wear traditional outfits known as Inkindi made out of animals skin or backcloths and Ibikubwe or Ibitako made out of beads. Right hand holding a speaker and another left hand a shield and covering their heads with Umugara made out of fibres. While female dancers and singers used to wear outfits known as Umucyenyero or Umushanana made out of animals' skin or backcloths.
PHOTO INTERNET: Rwanda Tradition troupe/ Urukerereza, female dancers wearing cultural outfits made out of backcloths called "Inshabure "
PHOTO INTERNET: Rwanda Tradition troupe/Urukerereza, female dancers wearing cultural outfits ( umushanana & Umucyenyero & Umwitero)
In the modern world, the role of fashion in Rwanda’s music was recognized during and from the colonial time when Rwandans started to adopt some other African styles and Western and European styles. From the independence of 1962, the Rwanda national troupe known as Urukerereza developed its fashion styles, especially during performances at the President's family and government events. Other local artists dancers and singers like impala orchestral and Amasimbi n’ Amakombe choir and culture troupe founded by Rugamba Cyprien and his wife Daphrose Rugamba also are among others who proved the role of fashion in the development of Rwanda Music
PHOTO INTERNET: Rwanda Tradition troupe is known by the name Urukerereza, male dancers wearing cultural outfits holding spears and shields and covering their heads with "Umugara"
PHOTO INTERNET: Rwanda Tradition troupe is known by the name Urukerereza, female dancers wearing cultural outfits made out of modern fabric. They are carrying baskets on their heads called " Agaseke"
PHOTO INTERNET: Orchestral Impala wearing fashionable clothes during their performances
Cyprien und Daphrose Rugamba 1992 in ihrem Garten in Kigali
Fashion and Music Today: What is Tarama Rwanda Initiative and its Role?
15 years ago, there are tangible changes in the music industry because of fashion. However, many local artists continue to struggle by missing their uniqueness and creativity while preparing outfits to use in their video shooting and on their stage during their concerts.
PHOTO INTERNET: Singer and songwriter Mr Mani Martin wearing a traditional outfit called "Umucyenyero"
To tackle this challenge, Tarama Rwanda Initiative in partnership with the Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show (RCFS) organized the discussions with the topic “The role of fashion in the development of Rwandan Music” to show local artists the role of fashion in the music industry and to share the opportunity available in Rwanda to improve their fashion styles.
Mr. NKUBA Patient from Tarama Rwanda Community playing, the Rwandan traditional musical instrument called "Inanga"
Tarama Rwanda Initiative is an organization founded by Kageruka Wilsom in August 2020. It aims to cultivate and enrich the pool of talented young individuals in Rwanda and empower them to play an active and impactful role in driving the social, cultural, and economic progress of the nation with a particular focus on the fields of arts, education, and health. Tarama Rwanda Initiative was aspired to organize a webinar about “The role of fashion in the development of Rwandan Music” to put together different stakeholders in the music and fashion industry and discuss various strategies to support each other. That will also reveal the contribution of each part in the development of the other. Kageruka Wilson, CEO& Founder of the Tarama Rwanda Initiative, wants to remind local artists how beautiful it is to wear locally made to promote made in Rwanda.
Some of The members of the Tarama Rwanda Initiative during the workshop in Rwamagana District
Among the Tarama Rwanda Initiative members, they are women as the sign of empowering young and upcoming women artists
Tarama Rwanda Initiative has 25 team members and an entire community of artists, creative designers, and entrepreneurs where more than 400 people are a part of this leading platform. Tarama Rwanda organizes mentorship programs, incubation programs, both local communities and high school Tours countrywide, National arts Competitions, and Music concerts with the purpose of nurturing Rwandan Hidden Talents. “We did a lot, so far 5 mentorship-based events that gathered more than 8000 youths have been organized, 3 Tarama Rwanda Night events and 8 High school Tours have been conducted,” said Mr Kageruka.
The members of the Tarama Rwanda Initiative with their partners including His Excellence Ambassador Dr. Ron Adam; the ambassador of the state of Israel in Rwanda
How far is Tarama Rwanda Initiative?
Since Tarama started, its founder Mr. Wilson KAGERUKA received an award as the best Entrepreneur of 2022, an award given by His Excellence Ambassador Dr. Ron Adam; the ambassador of the state of Israel in Rwanda, this award was given on behalf of the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village. Mr Wilson is happy for what his organization had done so far but he sees no collaboration at all “The industry lacks collaboration among the artists in both fields and this will impact the rate of creativity and productivity in Outputs”.
Mr. Wilson KAGERUKA received an award as the best Entrepreneur of 2022, an award given by His Excellence Ambassador Dr. Ron Adam; the ambassador of the state of Israel in Rwanda, on the behalf of Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village.
He believes that collaboration and flexibility to learn from each other and share experiences is the key for musicians and fashion designers to develop their careers. This coming webinar is the opening point to the big projects and sustainable partnerships between musicians and fashioners.
The event of 26th March 2023 will start at 4pm and it will discuss:
- The success journey of both Rwanda's fashion and music sectors,
- Effect of Covid-19 on both Music and fashion related creative,
- The impact of quality music videos on the international market,
- How better music artists can collaborate with fashion designers and dancers to produce high-standard videos and
- The Visit Rwanda / Made in Rwanda campaigns in artists through usic masterpieces.
Anyone who is willing to participate in the event can visit here to register. Tarama Rwanda together with the Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show together and other partners will make sure that the event went smoothly and will share the key takeaways with everyone.
Read more about What Makes Traditional Dances in Rwanda Unique?
By Florence Niyigena I Content creator : Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show
Over the last decade, Africa’s fashion industries have come into the spotlight and their potential for powering economic growth and development continues to be evident. The desired development of Africa’s fashion industries also places a demand on countries, to build the capacity to achieve growth. With that in mind, the quantity, and more importantly, the quality of available labor supply becomes a crucial factor for African economies to reap full benefits from their fashion industries. In this week’s edition, we take a look at the current state of skills in Africa’s fashion industries and explore potential remedies.
The Current State of Skills in Africa’s Fashion Industries
Limited competencies
There is a lack of managerial competencies across the labor force available in Africa’s fashion industries. Most workers in these industries are therefore concentrated at the entry level, or floor management. Due to the nature of training opportunities available, there is often a need for substantial training even for line workers. A report on Kenya’s fashion industry noted that the country has the lowest value added per worker, owing to factors such as long change over times i.e. the time required for a line worker to adjust to a new production run.
Limited educational opportunities
Educational opportunities available for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs are quite limited. The African fashion education sector is fragmented, highly informal and lacks regulation. As such, a majority of African fashion schools that are operating are not accredited. They are also characterized by poorly structured curricula, outdated equipment and under qualified instructors. Underinvestment in technical vocational education institutions is also observed, further narrowing down the opportunities of building capacity of African fashion businesses.
Lack of on-job training
Availability of training opportunities is linked to the level of development of the industry and consequently of the economy. A key feature of most African countries is high informality which also speaks to the limited availability of decent and gainful employment opportunities, which are pivotal in providing learning opportunities. Resultantly, on the job training opportunities are not readily available for the development of professionals in the fashion industry.
Difficulties adhering to quality standards
Due to the convergence of a myriad of factors, most of Africa’s fashion industries are not sufficiently capacitated to produce while adhering to the industry standards. To meet the quality requirements, a lot of training needs to be provided for workers after being recruited otherwise, the products fall below market requirements.
Limited Supply Chain Management Skills
Africa’s fashion industries lack skills in the areas of sourcing and production, and consequently securing the needed quality and quantities of materials is difficult for most fashion businesses in the industries. This challenge has also been attributed to lack of sector specific training which contributes to entrepreneurs’ limited understanding of the demand volatility and cyclical nature of most fashion products. As such, poor sourcing and supply chain management skills introduce high costs through failure to meet demand in time. Resultantly, it affects the value of products sold.
Skills Mismatch
According to a survey done by CIAFE, 90% of fashion schools in Africa provide fashion design courses only and do not focus on other parts of the fashion value chain. This is against a background of targeting export markets in Europe and the United States of America, where companies prefer doing their fashion design in–house. As such, the skills that the labor force has are not in tandem with the market requirements. For fashion entrepreneurs who have sights on owning their own brands, recruiting a team is also difficult for them because of the low supply of other technical skills required in the fashion business.
Bridging the Skills Gap in Africa’s fashion Industries
Investment in Fashion Education
Africa’s fashion industries are in need of a ‘big push’ type of capital injection. Pouring vast resources in the industries will build competitiveness in numerous ways, which includes making it possible to deliver effective training and capacity building. It will also contribute to value chain development which will ensure that there are backward and forward linkages across the textile and apparel value chain. Such a scenario will motivate training institutions to update their training material to meet the needs of a well-developed domestic value chain, which would have been facilitated by a significant capital injection.
Collaboration between industry, academia and government
Learning institutions should have relationships with market leaders in their domestic fashion industries in order to stay updated on market requirements. In that way, their training material can be forward looking, incorporating the requirements needed along every step of the textile and apparel value chain, with the consideration of the extent to which the country’s value chain is developed. In the same manner, they should also be closely linked to the government to make it easy to garner financial and non-financial support for training in the fashion industry.
Linking the fashion industry with other sectors of the economy
The ministries under which fashion education falls should be closely linked to other ministries such as tourism, art, sports and culture. The connection between the industries needs to open up opportunities for fashion students to design, and manufacture garments for key events hosted by these respective ministries. A move like that will push training institutions to provide skills which enable their students to rise up to the commercial requirements of clothing production, in a bid to fill a gap in a readily available market. With such an increase in market opportunities, the demand for labor and availability of on-job training will also rise.
Organizing market expos
Export markets are a critical source of revenue for Africa’s textile industry. To support the development of skills in Africa’s fashion industries, the government can facilitate opportunities for fashion businesses and training institutions in Africa to interact more with export market leaders. This allows them to have adequate information on the product requirements of export markets and so align their taught skills with the reality of the market.
Source: Fashionomics Africa
Over the last decade, Africa’s fashion industries have come into the spotlight and their potential for powering economic growth and development continues to be evident. The desired development of Africa’s fashion industries also places a demand on countries, to build the capacity to achieve growth. With that in mind, the quantity, and more importantly, the quality of available labor supply becomes a crucial factor for African economies to reap full benefits from their fashion industries. In this week’s edition, we take a look at the current state of skills in Africa’s fashion industries and explore potential remedies.
The Current State of Skills in Africa’s Fashion Industries
Limited competencies
There is a lack of managerial competencies across the labor force available in Africa’s fashion industries. Most workers in these industries are therefore concentrated at the entry level, or floor management. Due to the nature of training opportunities available, there is often a need for substantial training even for line workers. A report on Kenya’s fashion industry noted that the country has the lowest value added per worker, owing to factors such as long change over times i.e. the time required for a line worker to adjust to a new production run.
Limited educational opportunities
Educational opportunities available for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs are quite limited. The African fashion education sector is fragmented, highly informal and lacks regulation. As such, a majority of African fashion schools that are operating are not accredited. They are also characterized by poorly structured curricula, outdated equipment and under qualified instructors. Underinvestment in technical vocational education institutions is also observed, further narrowing down the opportunities of building capacity of African fashion businesses.
Lack of on-job training
Availability of training opportunities is linked to the level of development of the industry and consequently of the economy. A key feature of most African countries is high informality which also speaks to the limited availability of decent and gainful employment opportunities, which are pivotal in providing learning opportunities. Resultantly, on the job training opportunities are not readily available for the development of professionals in the fashion industry.
Difficulties adhering to quality standards
Due to the convergence of a myriad of factors, most of Africa’s fashion industries are not sufficiently capacitated to produce while adhering to the industry standards. To meet the quality requirements, a lot of training needs to be provided for workers after being recruited otherwise, the products fall below market requirements.
Limited Supply Chain Management Skills
Africa’s fashion industries lack skills in the areas of sourcing and production, and consequently securing the needed quality and quantities of materials is difficult for most fashion businesses in the industries. This challenge has also been attributed to lack of sector specific training which contributes to entrepreneurs’ limited understanding of the demand volatility and cyclical nature of most fashion products. As such, poor sourcing and supply chain management skills introduce high costs through failure to meet demand in time. Resultantly, it affects the value of products sold.
Skills Mismatch
According to a survey done by CIAFE, 90% of fashion schools in Africa provide fashion design courses only and do not focus on other parts of the fashion value chain. This is against a background of targeting export markets in Europe and the United States of America, where companies prefer doing their fashion design in–house. As such, the skills that the labor force has are not in tandem with the market requirements. For fashion entrepreneurs who have sights on owning their own brands, recruiting a team is also difficult for them because of the low supply of other technical skills required in the fashion business.
Bridging the Skills Gap in Africa’s fashion Industries
Investment in Fashion Education
Africa’s fashion industries are in need of a ‘big push’ type of capital injection. Pouring vast resources in the industries will build competitiveness in numerous ways, which includes making it possible to deliver effective training and capacity building. It will also contribute to value chain development which will ensure that there are backward and forward linkages across the textile and apparel value chain. Such a scenario will motivate training institutions to update their training material to meet the needs of a well-developed domestic value chain, which would have been facilitated by a significant capital injection.
Collaboration between industry, academia and government
Learning institutions should have relationships with market leaders in their domestic fashion industries in order to stay updated on market requirements. In that way, their training material can be forward looking, incorporating the requirements needed along every step of the textile and apparel value chain, with the consideration of the extent to which the country’s value chain is developed. In the same manner, they should also be closely linked to the government to make it easy to garner financial and non-financial support for training in the fashion industry.
Linking the fashion industry with other sectors of the economy
The ministries under which fashion education falls should be closely linked to other ministries such as tourism, art, sports and culture. The connection between the industries needs to open up opportunities for fashion students to design, and manufacture garments for key events hosted by these respective ministries. A move like that will push training institutions to provide skills which enable their students to rise up to the commercial requirements of clothing production, in a bid to fill a gap in a readily available market. With such an increase in market opportunities, the demand for labor and availability of on-job training will also rise.
Organizing market expos
Export markets are a critical source of revenue for Africa’s textile industry. To support the development of skills in Africa’s fashion industries, the government can facilitate opportunities for fashion businesses and training institutions in Africa to interact more with export market leaders. This allows them to have adequate information on the product requirements of export markets and so align their taught skills with the reality of the market.
Source: Fashionomics Africa
The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5ºC highlights the urgency and scale of action required to keep the planet safe. On the brink of dangerous climate change, immediate action is required for the fashion sector too, to be aligned with the goals of the Paris Climate Change Agreement and move towards net-zero emissions by 2050.
UN Climate Change has initiated a broader climate action work program, convening fashion stakeholders to develop a coherent, unified position on climate. The work program aims to connect the diverse stakeholders in the fashion industry, including raw material producers, textile producers, apparel manufacturers and brands, to identify new areas for action and to scale up existing initiatives that connect the value chain.
PHOTO: Towels
Meetings among fashion industry representatives convened by UN Climate Change have revealed a consensus that a concerted effort from across the sector could lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and could put the fashion industry on track to implement the goals of Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
UN Climate Change intends to complement with a clear focus on climate the work of existing environment and sustainability related initiatives in the fashion sector. It will do this by facilitating information sharing, collaboration and coordination through inclusive partnerships built on principles, values and shared goals.
Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action
In 2018, fashion stakeholders, under the auspices of UN Climate Change, worked to identify ways in which the broader textile, clothing and fashion industry can move towards an holistic commitment to climate action. They created the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, containing the vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
PHOTO: Models catwalk
Source: United Nations-Climate Change
Teamwork as a tool toward Success: Rwanda Fashion Models Union Official Launch
PHOTO 2015: Rwanda Modesl at the Hotel des Mills Collines in Kigali
It is now confirmed that Sunday, 26 March 2023, from 6pm is the official launch of this newborn organization the RFMU. This organization is expected to bring solutions to support modeling industry in Rwanda which is already struggling with no jobs and no respect according to RFMU. The RFMU is a non-government organization founded by Kabano Franco in collaboration with other models with a primary mission of working with models and Agencies to help them in Advocacy, Education, and Promotion. The organization was founded in partnership with Rwanda Arts Council (RAC), and it has other partners such as Berwa Rwanda Federation, Tarama Rwanda, Supra family, pax press, brilliant Africa entertainment, etc.
Franco Kabano is the founder of the Rwanda Fashion Models Union, and he is the CEO & Founder of the Webest Models Management
Even though Mr Franco contributed a lot to establish this organization, later on, he resigned from being the Legal Representative of the RFMU. He was replaced by Mr Mutabazi Ally who came when the models were having conflicts related to who should be the leader of the union. Mutabazi was elected as the Legal Representative of the RFMU. According to Mutabazi, they have everything now and it is time to support modelling as well as modeling agencies across the country.
Ally Mutabazi is the CEO & Founder of Rwanda Modeling Academy
Putting models and agencies together as one is the key to future progress because the modeling industry requires hardworking, connections and performance moreover the modeling industry of Rwanda targets international agencies which require hand-to-hand support to get there. “We all want you (Models) to be treated with respect at work, get paid well, and be protected with legal support if anything goes wrong" according to RFMU.
Logo of RFMU
The RFMU believes that models need a voice and need to be heard in their modeling career " Models are too often expected to be seen but not heard. We believe that workers are always stronger together, and our Models Network gives models a collective voice to make sure their views are heard by politicians, the industry and the media. Rwanda Fashion Models Union regularly give evidence to government and parliamentary inquiries and are consulted by the media and industry bodies on a wide range of subjects" by RFMU
Female Model during the RCFS casting
According to the RCFMU Sexual Harassment is also an issue that the organization will deal with" following the recent media coverage of sexual assault and harassment in the fashion industry, RFMU wants to reiterate that the union is here for models should they have any concerns regarding their treatment in the workplace. Sexual harassment at work is not acceptable. Models deserve to be treated with the same respect as other workers and RFMU will continue to challenge employers who abuse them. The union recognises that individuals may not report harassment because they fear losing work. Every model should be reassured that they can talk to the union in complete confidence. RFMU officials are experienced in dealing directly with employers on these issues and will act on behalf of members who have experienced inappropriate behaviour at work" by RFMU
Female -Kid Model during the RCFS casting
On March 12th, 2023, Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show (RCFS) signed a partnership agreement with Rwanda Fashion Models Union (RFMU). The Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show is putting much effort into joining forces with all stakeholders in the Rwanda Fashion Industry to reinforce the collaboration between agencies and work together to recover from Covid-19’s impacts on this fashion industry. Rwanda Fashion Models Union’s partnership comes after that of Rwanda Modesty Fashion Show, Ri Kon Finest Fashion Agency, Tarama Rwanda, and UNO Fashion Agency. RCFS believes that collaboration is a bridge toward the development of the Rwanda Fashion Industry. The RCFS will keep investing more in working with all fashion beneficiaries to boost creativity and innovation overall in the fashion industry.
Moniah Uwimbabazi the Assitanct and Operation Manager at the RCFS, Between the CEO & Founder of the Tarama Rwanda Initiative and CEO & Founder Uno Fashion Agency after signing MOU
The RFMU and its partners, RCFS included, are organizing the official launch scheduled on March 26 2023 from 6pm, in Kigali city, at Century Park Hotel- Chillax, in Nyarutarama. It will be the best opportunity to let everyone know its existance and mission. The head of the RFMU said that the entrance is for booking as they have limited numbers and due to the space prepared to host the event. Read more about the RMFU.
Shortly, the RFCS alone can’t develop the Rwanda Fashion Industry and put it o the worldwide standard. However, working with others in this industry will add value to the culture, fashion, and entertainment. Though the signed agreement has some timelines, RCFS wishes to keep working with fashion agencies and models unions until the fashion industry is recognized, appreciated, and known.
Female Model during the RCFS casting
The model shares his ideas on what to be done for the development of modelling during the conference
Models participate in different government activities. In the photo, models were on a walk to remember the victims who were killed during the Tutsi Genocide of 1994
By Florence Niyigena: Click here to visit the RFMU's website
Teamwork as a tool toward Success: Rwanda Fashion Models Union Official Launch
PHOTO 2015: Rwanda Modesl at the Hotel des Milles Collines in Kigali
It is now confirmed that Sunday, 26 March 2023, from 6pm is the official launch of this newborn organization the RFMU. This organization is expected to bring solutions to support modeling industry in Rwanda which is already struggling with no jobs and no respect according to RFMU. The RFMU is a non-government organization founded by Kabano Franco in collaboration with other models with a primary mission of working with models and Agencies to help them in Advocacy, Education, and Promotion. The organization was founded in partnership with Rwanda Arts Council (RAC), and it has other partners such as Berwa Rwanda Federation, Tarama Rwanda, Supra family, pax press, brilliant Africa entertainment, etc.
Franco Kabano is the founder of the Rwanda Fashion Models Union, and he is the CEO & Founder of the Webest Models Management
Even though Mr Franco contributed a lot to establish this organization, later on, he resigned from being the Legal Representative of the RFMU. He was replaced by Mr Mutabazi Ally who came when the models were having conflicts related to who should be the leader of the union. Mutabazi was elected as the Legal Representative of the RFMU. According to Mutabazi, they have everything now and it is time to support modelling as well as modeling agencies across the country.
Ally Mutabazi is the CEO & Founder of Rwanda Modeling Academy
Putting models and agencies together as one is the key to future progress because the modeling industry requires hardworking, connections and performance moreover the modeling industry of Rwanda targets international agencies which require hand-to-hand support to get there. “We all want you (Models) to be treated with respect at work, get paid well, and be protected with legal support if anything goes wrong" according to RFMU.
Logo of RFMU
The RFMU believes that models need a voice and need to be heard in their modeling career " Models are too often expected to be seen but not heard. We believe that workers are always stronger together, and our Models Network gives models a collective voice to make sure their views are heard by politicians, the industry and the media. Rwanda Fashion Models Union regularly give evidence to government and parliamentary inquiries and are consulted by the media and industry bodies on a wide range of subjects" by RFMU
Female Model during the RCFS casting
According to the RFMU Sexual Harassment is also an issue that the organization will deal with" following the recent media coverage of sexual assault and harassment in the fashion industry, RFMU wants to reiterate that the union is here for models should they have any concerns regarding their treatment in the workplace. Sexual harassment at work is not acceptable. Models deserve to be treated with the same respect as other workers and RFMU will continue to challenge employers who abuse them. The union recognises that individuals may not report harassment because they fear losing work. Every model should be reassured that they can talk to the union in complete confidence. RFMU officials are experienced in dealing directly with employers on these issues and will act on behalf of members who have experienced inappropriate behaviour at work" by RFMU
Female -Kid Model during the RCFS casting
On March 12th, 2023, Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show (RCFS) signed a partnership agreement with Rwanda Fashion Models Union (RFMU). The Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show is putting much effort into joining forces with all stakeholders in the Rwanda Fashion Industry to reinforce the collaboration between agencies and work together to recover from Covid-19’s impacts on this fashion industry. Rwanda Fashion Models Union’s partnership comes after that of Rwanda Modesty Fashion Show, Ri Kon Finest Fashion Agency, Tarama Rwanda, and UNO Fashion Agency. RCFS believes that collaboration is a bridge toward the development of the Rwanda Fashion Industry. The RCFS will keep investing more in working with all fashion beneficiaries to boost creativity and innovation overall in the fashion industry.
Moniah Uwimbabazi the Assitanct and Operation Manager at the RCFS, Between the CEO & Founder of the Tarama Rwanda Initiative and CEO & Founder Uno Fashion Agency after signing MOU
The RFMU and its partners, RCFS included, are organizing the official launch scheduled on March 26 2023 from 6pm, in Kigali city, at Century Park Hotel- Chillax, in Nyarutarama. It will be the best opportunity to let everyone know its existance and mission. The head of the RFMU said that the entrance is for booking as they have limited numbers and due to the space prepared to host the event. Read more about the RMFU.
Shortly, the RFCS alone can’t develop the Rwanda Fashion Industry and put it o the worldwide standard. However, working with others in this industry will add value to the culture, fashion, and entertainment. Though the signed agreement has some timelines, RCFS wishes to keep working with fashion agencies and models unions until the fashion industry is recognized, appreciated, and known.
Female Model during the RCFS casting
The model shares his ideas on what to be done for the development of modelling during the conference
Models participate in different government activities. In the photo, models were on a walk to remember the victims who were killed during the Tutsi Genocide of 1994
By Florence Niyigena: Click here to visit the RFMU's website
The Role of Fashion in the Development of Rwandan Music: Why are we discussing this?
Rwandan music is quickly evolving. It implies that even Rwandan musicians are urged to use caution when Shooting their songs. One of the elements that makes a song conceivable is fashion. Being loved has significance for the song's lyrics as well as for the dancers. The value of organizing what to dress to the dance and selecting what to wear when dancing imagery in their songs is only partially understood by some in the industry.
BE A PART OF THE VIBRANT DISCUSSION THAT WILL REVIEW;
- The Success Journey of both Rwanda's fashion and Music sectors
Effect of Covid-19 to both Music and fashion related Creatives - The Impact of Quality Music videos on the international Market
How better Music artists can collaborate with fashion designers and dancers to produce high standard video. - The Visit Rwanda / Made in Rwanda campaigns in artists through Music masterpieces
ORGANIZER: TARAMA RWANDA INITIATIVE
Tarama Rwanda Initiative is a dynamic and forward-thinking platform that supports emerging talent in the creative arts within Rwanda and among Rwandan diaspora communities. Creating Rwanda's leading hub that enriches the creative entrepreneurship-arts centered industry is the vision.
Logo of Tarama Rwanda Initiative
WEBINAR SPEAKERS
PARTNERS
- Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show(RCFS) which is a forum for local and international fashion designers to showcase their designs.
RCFS is strategically placed to support and strengthen sustainable fashion, and creative business development in the textiles and manufacturing industries in Rwanda. We are striving to create opportunities for artists to thrive professionally in the country by supporting artistic projects and organizing workshops, fashion shows, and sharing knowledge with the art community in Rwanda.
For more information about the webinar contact via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Mobile phone: +250 787 759 316
RCFS WEBINAR: COLLABORATION IS A KEY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FASHION INDUSTRY IN RWANDA
- OVERVIEW
Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show (RCFS) is a forum for local and international fashion designers to showcase their designs. Celestin Ntawirema founded RCFS in 2013. The RCFS will on March 30, hold a virtual conference during which players in the fashion industry will discuss the current state of the Rwandan fashion industry and will discuss the collaboration between fashion stakeholders.
February 28, 2023, from 10am to 1pm, RCFS hosted an open webinar on the future of the fashion industry in Rwanda. Guests’ speakers included the president of the Berwa Rwanda Federation (fashion &beauty), Ms. Dukuzumuremyi Marie Chantal, president of Rwanda Designers Association, Ms Karen Uwera, Mr Eddie Nsabimana, a journalist at The New Times, president of Rwanda Fashion Models Union (RFMU), Mr Willy Mutabazi, Franco Kabano, CEO & Founder Webest Models Management, different media journalists and fashion stakeholders in general. During the discussion, the words “uniqueness” “quality” and “Collaboration” came back many times which caught our tension to prepare another webinar about how collaboration among fashion stakeholders can be a key to the development of the Rwanda fashion industry.
The webinar will bring together different stakeholders of the fashion industry to share experiences and discuss how private and public institutions can support Rwanda’s growing fashion industry. The webinar will include discussions which will be in the form of a series of a thought-provoking panel.
Keynote speakers of the event will include renowned fashion designers, fashion promoters, modeling agencies, experts in textiles, and some government representatives from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Private Sector Federation (PSF), Ministry of Youth and Culture (MYCULTURE), Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA), Rwanda Arts Council (RAC) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM).
- OBJECTIVES
- To establish collaboration between fashion stakeholders in Rwanda
- To strengthen communication between institutions that support the arts and creative industry specifically the fashion sector
- To put together people in the fashion industry and promote new talents and help them to have access to the platform which can guide them toward their dreams.
- To create a space for developing and exploring creativity in designing clothes, new styles, and forms.
- Purpose
To reinforce the collaboration between fashion agencies in the Rwandan fashion industry and work together to recover from Covid-19’s impacts on this fashion industry.
- Events Details
Where: Zoom App
Date: Thursday, 30th March, 2023
Time: 10am to 12:30pm
- BACKGROUND FASHION AND MODELING AGENCIES IN RWANDA
PHOTO: Models with fashion designers at the Chez Lando hotel after a 1-day conference organized by the RCFS in partnership with the Rwanda Academy of Language and Culture (RALC) and Private Sector Federation (PSF) in 2020
The Rwanda Fashion Industry has been through different ups and downs, but it kept developing because fashion is part of our culture and who we are. It was a long way to go, and many thanks to the fashion agencies in collaboration with public institutions who made it possible and put more effort to fashion fun and memories. Through various events like Kwita Izina Ceremony and the Visit Rwanda campaign, we have seen different superstars purchasing products from local designers that make the Rwandan flag stand in Western countries. It is fifteen years now when Rwandan entrepreneurs continue to invest in Fashion and Modeling businesses.
PHOTO: Models and fashion designers at UTEXIRWA with the RCFS team after the Kigali Fashion Tour 2020 organized by the RCFS in partnership with SAMSUNG 4G –Rwanda and UTEXIRWA LTD
Rwanda is doing its best to promote locally-made products like other African countries. The government continues to develop the business sector by encouraging entrepreneurs to promote made-in-Rwanda products in fashion, modeling, and textiles.
PHOTO: Models at the Hotel des Milles Collines showcasing Fathia Creations at the RCFS 2015, 3rd Edition
In 15 years ago, many things happened in the Rwanda fashion industry. For example, we have more than 20 known and established fashion designers. We also have more than ten (10) modeling agencies; more than five (5) textiles and manufacturing industries across the country. We also have about five (5) big annual fashion shows in the country.
PHOTO: Models showcasing culture outfits at the RCFS 2018 at Kigali Cultural Village (KCV), 8th Edition
Even though things seem to be working with the fashion industry, models and upcoming fashion designers struggle to join the fashion scene as they continue pushing their businesses and pursuing their dreams.
One of the reasons that is blocking good performance and creating these struggles to fashion stakeholders in Rwanda, is the lack of collaboration and communication. Instead of working as a team, fashion designers and models work as serious competitors even though Rwanda’s fashion sector doesn’t have much to offer at the moment. Furthermore, the covid-19 pandemic impacted fashion entrepreneurs, both fashion designers and models because fashion events were canceled and postponed. The pandemic also affected fashion designers who used to offer advertisement jobs to the runway models.
PHOTO: Kids models at the RCFS 2018, Kigali Cultural Village, 8thEdition
Conclusion
The RCFS is much more concerned about the development of the fashion industry in Rwanda and it wants to reinforce “collaboration” among fashion and modeling agencies as well as engaging government institutions to support the arts and creative industry in Rwanda. That is why the RCFS sees collaboration as the key to this development as we continue to build a stronger fashion sector. The outcomes from the described above will spotlight the key considerations, and the recommendations will be put into reality.
- OVERVIEW
Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show (RCFS) is a forum for local and international fashion designers to showcase their designs. Celestin Ntawirema founded RCFS in 2013. The RCFS will on March 30, hold a virtual conference during which players in the fashion industry will discuss the current state of the Rwandan fashion industry and will discuss the collaboration between fashion stakeholders.
February 28, 2023, from 10am to 1pm, RCFS hosted an open webinar on the future of the fashion industry in Rwanda. Guests’ speakers included the president of the Berwa Rwanda Federation (fashion &beauty), Ms. Dukuzumuremyi Marie Chantal, president of Rwanda Designers Association, Ms Karen Uwera, Mr Eddie Nsabimana, a journalist at The New Times, president of Rwanda Fashion Models Union (RFMU), Mr Willy Mutabazi, Franco Kabano, CEO & Founder Webest Models Management, different media journalists and fashion stakeholders in general. During the discussion, the words “uniqueness” “quality” and “Collaboration” came back many times which caught our tension to prepare another webinar about how collaboration among fashion stakeholders can be a key to the development of the Rwanda fashion industry.
The webinar will bring together different stakeholders of the fashion industry to share experiences and discuss how private and public institutions can support Rwanda’s growing fashion industry. The webinar will include discussions which will be in the form of a series of a thought-provoking panel.
Keynote speakers of the event will include renowned fashion designers, fashion promoters, modeling agencies, experts in textiles, and some government representatives from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Private Sector Federation (PSF), Ministry of Youth and Culture (MYCULTURE), Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA), Rwanda Arts Council (RAC) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM).
- OBJECTIVES
- To establish collaboration between fashion stakeholders in Rwanda
- To strengthen communication between institutions that support the arts and creative industry specifically the fashion sector
- To put together people in the fashion industry and promote new talents and help them to have access to the platform which can guide them toward their dreams.
- To create a space for developing and exploring creativity in designing clothes, new styles, and forms.
- Purpose
To reinforce the collaboration between fashion agencies in the Rwandan fashion industry and work together to recover from Covid-19’s impacts on this fashion industry.
- Events Details
Where: Zoom App
Date: Thursday, 30th March, 2023
Time: 10am to 12:30pm
- BACKGROUND FASHION AND MODELING AGENCIES IN RWANDA
The cultural fashion industry in Rwanda is on the move.
Celestin Ntawirema, a man who has been at the helm of promoting Rwandan culture through fashion is optimistic that the future of the local fashion industry is bright. Ntawirema is the chief executive officer of Rwanda Cultural Fashion Show (RCFS), established in 2013 with the aim of promoting cultural fashion.
Models clad in a variety of collections depicting Rwandan culture. File.
He has worked with talented designers, both on the local and international scene to boost growth of the cultural fashion industry in Rwanda.
Ntawirema says that collaborating with designers locally and internationally has helped in sharing skills and experiences. Today, cultural material such as backcloth is being used in weddings, and local artistes like Mani Martin and Urban Boys, among others, have expressed their desire for the contemporary fashion designs. “It is a sign that there has been good reception of our cultural creations and this is all thanks to our hard work.
“We can still be stylish and modern in our own designs even when we dress up in what people call off,” says Ntawirema. Ntawirema admitted that there is an improvement in cultural fashion in the country, compared to when he had just started. “At fashion shows, looking at people who wear locally made clothes versus clothes from abroad and designers who have come on board, there has been growth and acceptance of fashion generally in the country,” he adds.
He added that his recent trips to the US made him realise the importance of learning from people, who are experienced in fashion and organising fashion shows.
He explained that through attending different fashion shows and meeting different people abroad, he has been able to learn event management skills, as well as being creative on how to push this business to the front as this will help his brand grow.
Ntawirema has taken Rwanda Cultural Fashion show to different parts of Kigali. He says his objective is to expand his brand as well as inspire new designers and models in the industry.
Models clad in a variety of collections depicting Rwandan culture. File
He seeks to see Rwanda’s cultural designs compete globally, although he points out the need for our own fabrics from which the country can be identified with, just as we are familiar with Ghana’s inkara and other fabrics from Italy and China. His efforts have also been boosted by other stakeholders. Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and other organisations like Red Rock actively support the annual Rwanda Cultural Fashion show.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
LATEST NEWS
The Tanzania Fashion Festival 2024: Runway Built on Water [PHOTOS]
07 October 2024 309 hitsThe Tanzania Fashion Festival 2024: Runway Built on Water The Tanzania Fashion Festival 2024 has reimagined the traditional fashion show…
Virtual Conference: THE STATE OF EAST AFRICAN FASHION AND SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
07 October 2024 181 hitsVirtual Conference: THE STATE OF EAST AFRICAN FASHION AND SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES In the photo, these are shoes made by UZURI K…
What Will Tanga Designs Gain from Moscow Fashion Week 2024? African Presence Makes Waves
07 October 2024 443 hitsWhat Will Tanga Designs Gain from Moscow Fashion Week 2024? African Presence Makes Waves" The fashion world is abuzz with…
Kwanda Season 1 and Moshions: Inzozi Fashion Experience 2024 in the Heart of the Forest
29 September 2024 693 hitsKwanda Season 1 and Moshions: Inzozi Fashion Experience 2024 in the Heart of the Forest Across Africa, established fashion designers…
What Fashion Entrepreneurs Will Benefit from the Kuza Africa and RP-IPRC Kigali Partnership?
26 September 2024 751 hitsWhat Fashion Entrepreneurs Will Benefit from the Kuza Africa and RP-IPRC Kigali Partnership? In a significant move for Rwanda's fashion…
Who are the 10 Confirmed Fashion Designers at the 17th Edition of Swahili Fashion Week & Awards 2024?
25 September 2024 888 hitsWho are 10 Confirmed Fashion Designers at the 17th Edition of Swahili Fashion Week & Awards 2024? The 17th Edition…