IMAGIN8 with Serrah Galos

Christiane Boukuru is a Rwandan Afro-soul artist who made the courageous decision to leave her corporate job and pursue music full-time. In this episode of Imagin8 with Serrah Galos, she opens up about her unplanned journey—from singing in her church's Sunday school choir as a child to performing on major festival stages across Africa.Boukuru shares the raw, honest details of growing up in a disciplined military household, discovering her distinctive vocal sound, and navigating the fear of telling her strict father about her musical aspirations. She talks about making it to the top 10 finalists of Rwanda's prestigious Art Rwanda Ubuhanzi competition in 2018, the years she spent balancing corporate work with her growing passion for music, and the pivotal moment she decided to commit fully to her artistic vision.But this conversation goes deeper than just career milestones. Boukuru explores her relationship with faith and spirituality, how prayer shapes her creative process, and her philosophy that "God is my agent"—the belief that divine orchestration has guided her to stages and opportunities she never could have engineered alone. She discusses the responsibility that comes with having a platform, how she stays grounded amid growing recognition, the importance of collaboration and genuine generosity in the music industry, and her commitment to using her voice to address meaningful social issues.This is a conversation about alignment—doing things the right way, staying true to yourself, and understanding that the most sustainable success comes when your work serves something larger than yourself. Whether you're dreaming of leaving your job to chase your passion, navigating faith and ambition, or wondering what it really takes to build an authentic creative life, Boukuru's story will shift how you think about your own journey.

Serge Rwigamba goes to work every day at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. His family is buried there.For over two decades, Serge has served as a guide, head guide, and memory keeper at one of the most significant historical sites in Africa — walking visitors through the history of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, managing their emotions, and bearing witness on behalf of more than a million people who were killed in 100 days. In this episode of Imaginate, recorded on-site at the memorial in Kigali, Rwanda, Serge sits down for one of the most detailed, honest, and deeply human conversations this history has received.He does not speak from a textbook. He speaks from inside the events themselves.This conversation is for anyone who wants to understand how genocide actually happens — not as an abstract historical event, but as a process built over decades inside schools, radio stations, economic systems, and ordinary neighborhoods. It is for young Rwandans who are inheriting this history. It is for people outside Rwanda who want to understand why commemoration matters. And it is for anyone who has ever asked: how do ordinary people become capable of extraordinary violence — and what does it take to come back from that?Guest: Serge Rwigamba — Survivor, Guide & Head Guide, Kigali Genocide Memorial Recorded at: The Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kigali, Rwanda #Kwibuka #Rwanda #GenocideAgainstTheTutsi #KigaliGenocideMemorial #NeverAgain #AfricanHistory #RwandaHistory #Genocide1994 #Survivor #Imaginate #AfricanPodcast #BlackHistory #HumanRights #MemoryAndJustice #Podcast

In this episode, Rwandan artist Nicole Musoni shares the personal story behind her journey into music. Raised in Canada by Rwandan parents who intentionally preserved their culture, Nicole reflects on growing up deeply connected to Rwanda despite living abroad. She speaks about the influence of her family, especially her father, musician Evariste Musoni, and how music, dance, and tradition shaped her identity from an early age.Nicole also opens up about the courage it took to pursue music seriously and the reality of navigating an industry that can often be challenging for women. She talks about the importance of learning the technical side of music, knowing her worth as an artist, and refusing to wait for someone else to create opportunities for her.The conversation explores her decision to return to Rwanda, the meaning of reconnecting with her motherland, and how collaborating with local artists is shaping her sound and artistic vision. Nicole also reflects on the persistence required to stay committed to music even before seeing a breakthrough, the people who encouraged her along the way, and the aspirations she holds for the future.This episode offers an honest look into Nicole’s story of identity, courage, culture, and the determination to follow a creative calling.

Addiction is often misunderstood as a lack of discipline or morality. In this episode, Edmond, a certified group practitioner with 14 years of clinical experience in mental health, explains why addiction is a biopsychosocial condition that affects the brain, behavior, and emotional life.We discuss self medication, why many people use substances to feel normal, the drugs currently being used in Rwanda, the difference between addiction and psychosis, and what recovery truly requires. Drawing from years of work with trauma survivors, psychiatric patients, and individuals struggling with substance abuse, Edmond offers clarity, context, and compassion.This conversation is for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of addiction and the path toward healing.

Mani Martin’s journey is not just about music, but about becoming human in public. Born the 7th of 17 children in a small village in western Rwanda, his gift emerged early through church and community. Following that calling created deep family and religious tension, but his mother stood by him, leaving him with words that would guide his life: “Follow the star of music wherever it goes.” By age 11 he was traveling the country singing, by 15 he had written Mfite Urukumbuzi, and by 16 he received Rwanda’s first music award after the genocide. Fame came early, but it cost him playfulness, privacy, and the freedom to simply be a child. As he grew, Mani’s music evolved into a fusion of culture, faith, and lived experience. With no mentors and no established industry, he built his path alone, choosing authenticity over trends. When he stepped beyond church music to sing about unity and shared humanity, backlash followed. Growth was mistaken for betrayal. The pressure of public expectation eventually pushed him to step away from the spotlight, study contemplative leadership, work as a researcher, and rediscover himself beyond the image of the singer everyone thought they knew. A flood destroyed his home while he was inside, wiping out everything he owned instruments, awards, degrees, memories. Surviving that moment stripped life down to its essence and became what he calls his rebirth. Music, once again, became medicine. His album Rebirth was created not for performance or validation, but for healing and meaning. It carries a simple truth that runs through this conversation: every breath is rebirth, and when everything external falls away, what remains is who you truly are.

Makeup artist and photographer Ivan Mugemanyi sits down with Serrah for a deep and honest conversation about identity, creativity, beauty, and the courage it takes to live authentically. Born in Rwanda and raised in Brussels, Ivan’s journey spans fashion magazines, early experimentation with makeup, returning to Kigali to build a studio, and navigating a world that often misunderstood him. He shares openly about coming out, embracing his feminine energy, and finding confidence through fashion and beauty, while helping others see themselves in a new light. This episode explores: • Growing up in Brussels and discovering style • Building a makeup career from passion to business • Bringing professional makeup to Kigali • Self acceptance and the freedom of authenticity • The evolution of beauty trends in Rwanda • Identity, labels, and expressing yourself boldly A powerful conversation on what it means to define yourself instead of letting the world do it for you. Listen, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this.

In this episode, we sit down with Amalon, one of Rwanda’s most soulful voices, to trace his journey from humble beginnings to national recognition. He opens up about his early days in music, how the name Amalon came to life, the creative process behind his sound, and the realities of being an independent artist in Rwanda. We unpack what artists should look for in contracts, how he connects with his fans, and what’s next on his musical horizon. A grounded and revealing conversation for anyone passionate about music, purpose, and creative freedom.

In this inspiring episode, Clarisse, co-owner of Lavana, a vibrant bar and restaurant in Kigali and shares the powerful story behind the brand. From learning how to cook Mexican food abroad to discovering its surprising connection to Rwandan flavors, Clarisse opens up about her passion for food, culture, and community. She dives into the heart of Lavana’s mission: creating a welcoming space for people to gather, eat, and be entertained. Clarisse also speaks about her unconventional approach to hiring, believing in people before they have experience and how that belief helps uplift those who just need a chance. Through a journey of courage, partnership, and vision, Clarisse reminds us that a dream needs a team. This episode is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Tune in for a story about food, belief, resilience, and building something beautiful together.

In this episode, I sit down with Khalil Rahman, also known as 63, the creative director behind Kigali-based agency 63 Inc. Khalil shares his journey of self-discovery—how understanding his strengths as a graphic designer and creative director helped him focus, grow, and build a team that complements his gaps. He talks about learning to delegate, the importance of collaboration, and knowing when to step back so others can shine. We dive into his reflections on the turning point for his agency during the CHOGM business forum, and what it meant to see his team’s work featured on national platforms. Khalil also opens up about childhood memories, the lasting influence of his father and brother, and how he uses hope for the future as a tool to manage mental health. It’s an honest and grounded conversation about creativity, leadership, and staying true to who you are.

In this episode, Paul Rukesha, a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, shares his powerful story of survival, memory, and healing. He reflects on how the genocide didn’t start in 1994 but was preceded by years of discrimination against Tutsis. Paul also explains genocide ideology and denial, emphasizing the importance of confronting them through education.Now the Director of Communication and Outreach at MINUBUMWE, Paul has dedicated his life to preserving memory and promoting reconciliation. He urges the youth to seek knowledge intentionally—questioning what they see online and engaging with resources like libraries and genocide memorials as tools for education and peacebuilding.