Renowned Rwandan funnyman Merci Ndaruhutse, also known in comedy as Fally Merci, has landed prize money of Rwf 10 million as the best performer in the Art Performing category at the 2025 Youth Connekt Awards.

Ndaruhutse became the first to win the prize in the new segment which was introduced in the competition this year to acknowledge the contribution that young creatives make in promoting Rwanda’s growing creative industry.

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The recognition, announced on Tuesday, February 18, comes at a time his bimonthly concept ‘Gen Z Comedy Show’ has been making significant strides in unearthing, promoting new talents in the comedy sector.

Accepting the award, Ndaruhutse said that the prize will help him accelerate his work.

"This helps young people a lot in terms of financial support. There are things we used to spend money on, but now we will own our resources. What would have taken me five years, hopefully, I am going achieve it in just two years,” the comedian told The New Times.

Ndaruhutse also praised the inclusion of Art Connekt, which provides artists with financial support to invest in their craft, ultimately strengthening Rwanda’s creative industry.

"The fact that they added Art Connekt will help artists to secure capital to invest in their work which I hope will contribute to the growth of the creative industry,” he said.

Ndaruhutse attributes his victory to the consistency and impact of the Gen Z Comedy Show, which hosts events twice a month—which seemed to be a rarity in Rwandan comedy back in the days.

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The show also features unique segments like ‘Meet Me Tonight,’ where celebrities are hosted to shared their inspirational journey to becoming successful, among other entertainment-driven activities which serve as stress-relief platforms for audiences.

"I’m so grateful that Youth Connekt has recognized Gen Z Comedy. We don’t just give a platform to comedians, but also to upcoming artists from different fields. On top of that, we help people relieve stress, where they come and laugh for four straight hours and they go back home feeling a lot better,” he said.

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Ndaruhutse, a member of the first cohort of Art Rwanda Ubuhanzi, plans to use the Rwf 10 million prize to invest in essential resources like lighting and sound equipment, which are major cost factors for event organizers.

By reducing these expenses, he hopes to increase earnings for comedians and improve the overall quality of performances.

"I believe talents can generate income. All we have to do is use our talents wisely, think outside the box, and create opportunities for ourselves. And, parents, please do not be a barrier to your children, let them do what they feel like children,” he said.

He also envisions an even brighter future for Rwanda’s comedy industry, inspiring more young creatives to turn their talents into thriving careers.

This year, Youth Connekt is supporting 260 entrepreneurs with funding, offering top prizes of Rwf 25 million, 20 million, 15 million and 10 million.

Additional awards ranging from Rwf 5,000,000 to Rwf 1,000,000 will also be distributed. There was also special recognition for women and youth with disabilities, who will receive Rwf 5,000,000 each.