You may have seen the person hypying spectatators inside the BK Arena at this year’s Basketball Africa League (BAL) or styling celebrities across the continent, but Rocky. Try is no overnight sensation. Angolan-born and UK-raised, the creative blends talent, vision, and vulnerability, having made Kigali home since 2023. ALSO READ: Fashion: Kigali Kaftan completes groundbreaking US pop-up tour The multitalented figure opens up about art, healing, and the power of doing it scared. Excerpts: Who is Rocky.Try? My name is Raquel Jaribu. I’m Rwandan, Angolan, and Nigerian, and I’ve been based in Rwanda since 2023. I’m a fashion consultant first, but I’m also an emcee, a host, and an actor. I wear many hats, but they all tie back to the arts. You’ve lived in several countries. Where did your story begin? I was born in Uige, Angola. At 10, I moved to the UK, where I spent most of my life. I studied theatre, modeled professionally, worked in hospitality and corporate jobs. Each experience shaped me in some way. But when I visited Rwanda in 2020 for the first time, something clicked. I felt at home. I felt called. Tell us about how you got into modelling Growing up, I was a chubby kid. People would say, “You’re so pretty, you could model if you lost weight.” I brushed it off for a while. Then at 21, after I had my daughter, I knew a 9-to-5 wouldn't work. I signed with an agency and things moved fast. I did music videos, major campaigns. Modeling found me, and I ran with it. How did you transition into being an emcee and host? That actually started way back. From the age of 8 to 14, I was a child preacher in church. I spoke, danced, performed poetry, led youth vigils. Theatre school later gave me tools, but the stage was never new. Emceeing felt natural—it was just another form of performance, of storytelling. What’s the artistic lane that holds your heart most? Fashion. Always. It’s my language. I'm not great with my hands, I don't sing chart-toppers, but I speak through clothes. When I style, I tell stories. My next love is presenting—I love being a voice for the people, being funny, connecting. And now acting. I’ve grown more confident in that space since coming to Rwanda. I’ve got a major film coming and I can’t wait. You’ve styled some notable names. Tell us about that side of your work. Fashion brought me to Rwanda. I co-founded a fashion tech start-up called Project Sufuri. Though we’re on hiatus, I continue as a fashion consultant. I've styled artists like Bien of Sauti Sol and worked on Adekunle Gold’s “Wahala” video. I’ve produced fashion shows for Africa Soft Power Summit and curated events during the BAL and even Formula One. From makeup to set design, I’m involved in every step. And you’re also a mum. How do you balance that with your career? I’m a mother who is single, not a single mother. My daughter’s dad is present. My daughter gave me back my confidence. The world tried to dim my light, but through her I saw my younger self and decided to do everything I ever dreamed of—so I can one day say, “Your mother did it all.” She’s currently in the UK. I chose not to disrupt her life until I have everything in place here. It's hard doing long-distance parenting, but I trust the process and I trust God. That kind of strength usually comes with pain. What have been the hardest parts? I had postpartum depression for three years. I was dealing with mental health issues I had ignored for too long. My daughter is autistic. I have ADHD. We were both undiagnosed at first. Some days we’d just cry together. I finally went to therapy and started medication. It’s taboo in our culture, but I needed to show up better for both of us. And I have. What would you tell other mothers going through similar situation? Love your child, then love yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s okay to be overwhelmed, and it’s okay to ask for help or even consider letting others raise your child if you can't. That doesn’t make you a bad parent. But if you’re doing this, do it with care, and give yourself grace. Let’s talk BAL. You were the voice on that stage this year. How was it? Terrifying at first. Day one, I was too focused on the script. Then Teta—shouting out to her—pulled me aside and said, “Act like you belong there.” From then on, I was me. And it worked. BAL was a huge moment for me. It showed me the power of being yourself. Kids wanted selfies. The President was in the audience. That kind of platform reminds you of why you do what you do. What did BAL teach you? Trust your worth. They hired you for a reason. Be present, think on your feet, smile even when it’s nerve-wracking. Also, have fun. That first time only comes once. I soaked up every second. You’ve lived many lives. What’s been your proudest moment? Becoming a mother. Running a half marathon this year after just picking up running in February. Getting styled across Europe in a Body Shop (British cosmetics, skin care, and perfume company) campaign. Being on set with Joeboy and Bruce Melodie, who represent both sides of my heritage. Curating Asante’s fashion show during Formula One. Every moment has felt like a breakthrough. What are you chasing next? Freedom to create. Money is great, but only so I can build more. I’ve had a dream since I was five to open a children’s home. My mom grew up in the streets, and I want to build a space where kids can thrive. That’s my north star. How do you view Rwanda’s entertainment scene? Rwanda is still young. There’s talent, but we need to take pride in our work and push for excellence. Too often it’s about getting things done quickly rather than doing them right. I’d love to see more collaborations—creatives pooling their own resources and building together. That’s how we grow. What does it mean to be Rwandan to you? It means being resilient, having pride, striving for peace. I’ve never felt at home anywhere until I came here. People say I look Rwandan and treat me like I belong. I’ve never been patriotic, but now if you talk badly about Rwanda, we’ll fight. What’s your message to the world? Be scared. But do it anyway. Lead with joy, lead with love. Treat others the way you want to be treated. And as my mother says, it too shall pass. Always. Lastly, who are you wearing? I'm all about showcasing Rwandan talent. My skirt is by Umuheto Designs, the vest is Charm by Lee, my jewellery is from Mela Lux and Svet Jewellery. These designers are brilliant, and we should all support them.
