IMAGIN8 with Serrah Galos

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.