When it comes to Rwandan showbiz and television, one name has consistently stood out for the past three decades: Gratien Niyitegeka. Many know him as Papa Sava, others as Seburikoko, while an older generation might remember him as Sekaganda or Ngiga. These aren’t just nicknames—they're iconic roles he has embodied throughout his 30-year career in the entertainment industry. Now 46, Niyitegeka remains a dominant force in Rwanda’s creative scene. He commands a massive following across social media, streaming platforms, and television, where his content continues to draw millions of views, and significant earnings. This year, the man more widely recognised by his characters than his real name is celebrating three decades of unwavering dedication to the arts, or, as the younger generation might put it, “30 years of standing on business.” His success has been anything but accidental. From his beginnings as a local performer, Niyitegeka has grown into a national cultural icon. He has mastered theatre, radio, and film, all while keeping his work deeply rooted in Rwanda’s history, traditions, and social realities. His journey is a powerful testament to resilience, an artist who turned challenges into opportunities and continues to redefine relevance in a rapidly evolving industry. In an exclusive interview with The New Times, Niyitegeka shared the secrets behind his longevity in a creative landscape shaped by digital platforms and shifting audience preferences. Early life and roots in Rulindo Born in the hills of Rulindo District, Northern Province, Niyitegeka defied the odds, overcoming difficult conditions to discover his talent at a young age and build a name that resonates across Rwanda and beyond. “I was born on November 25, 1978, in Kiyanza, now known as Ntarabana sector, Rulindo District,” Niyitegeka begins, grounding his story where it all started. ALSO READ: Seburikoko: The actor making Rwandans talk He is the second of six children – two boys and four girls. “We’re all still here, and my father is still alive. It’s my mother who passed away,” Niyitegeka shares. From a young age, he discovered his talent for acting and making people laugh, drawn to performance and storytelling. At village gatherings, church events, and school plays, he experimented with different characters and skits, often leaving audiences laughing or deep in thought. “From the beginning, I understood that art could be more than just fun. It could teach, pass on lessons, and preserve our culture,” he explains. This early exposure laid the foundation for a career spanning over three decades – fueled by persistence, discipline, and a deep belief in storytelling. “I was just a child, maybe a bit mischievous, but naturally drawn to performing,” he recalls. By secondary school, Niyitegeka was already involved in theatre and writing, inspired by Rwanda’s recent history and the national need for unity and reconciliation after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “My journey in the arts has been long. Thirty years in this field isn’t something you can easily summarise in thirty minutes. My first piece was created in 1996, which is why I see this milestone as deeply significant,” he adds. The first steps in art and education Niyitegeka’s first creation was a poem centred on unity and reconciliation following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. ALSO READ: Papa Sava, Killaman top 2024 MAFF’s Iziwacu awards nominations While pursuing his secondary education in Rutongo, Niyitegeka balanced academics with his passion for the arts. At times, he repeated school years to catch up academically, all while actively participating in competitions focused on genocide remembrance, human relationships, and social themes. His first poem won a prize, sparking a pattern of recognition and encouragement. “I competed at the national level again, not just in poetry, but also in theatre, and won,” he says. “My work in youth initiatives around HIV/AIDS campaigns and reconciliation projects gave me exposure and helped me understand the power of engaging communities through creativity.” Turning challenges into opportunities, Niyitegeka used his long daily commute to train as an athlete. After showcasing his talents in both drama and athletics, the school awarded him a scholarship and accommodation, sparing him the grueling 30-kilometre trek each day. In A-Level, he was assigned science subjects; biology, geography, and chemistry – far from his passion for acting and writing. At university, he studied teaching in those same fields. “I always made time for performances. Balancing science with my creative passion was challenging, but it taught me discipline,” he recalls. Despite focusing on science at the Kigali Institute of Education, where he studied biology and geography, his involvement in the arts flourished. He joined performance groups like The Brothers, sharing the stage with artistes such as Danny Vumbi and Victor. These experiences sharpened his skills while keeping him rooted in tradition. By his early twenties, Niyitegeka had launched his own one-man shows, which quickly gained popularity. “I called it the ‘One Man Show’ because it allowed me to merge storytelling, poetry, and traditional dance into a single performance,” he explains. “These shows were not just entertainment; they were a form of education, reflecting Rwandan culture, history, and social commentary.” Expanding horizons and earning regional recognition Niyitegeka’s talent soon crossed borders, earning him opportunities to perform in Uganda, Kenya, and at universities across the Great Lakes region. He also took part in festivals like FIAB, which brought together young performers from multiple countries, allowing him to share the stage with diverse talents and hone his craft. “Every performance was a chance to learn, connect with different audiences, and improve my skills,” he reflects. “People often suggested I focus on English or French, but I chose to combine science with art. Though unconventional, it worked for me.” ALSO READ: Storytelling: Using YouTube to change Rwanda’s narrative and record history High-profile performances, including those during Genocide commemorations, allowed him to blend educational content with entertainment. These events helped him hone his craft in storytelling, theatre, and poetry, while also preserving cultural knowledge. “Performing in front of dignitaries, including the President, on multiple occasions was nerve-wracking but humbling. It taught me the power of art to convey messages that words alone cannot,” he adds. Through radio and video projects like Seburikoko, he began expanding his reach, using digital platforms to connect with wider audiences. The experience reinforced a key lesson: meaningful storytelling transcends mediums. The birth of Papa Sava The Papa Sava series embodies Niyitegeka’s philosophy of entertainment that educates and inspires. Launched with limited resources, it has grown into a cultural touchstone, reaching millions through television, online platforms, and social media. “I approached this series not just as entertainment, but as a platform for social and cultural messages,” he explains. “Many think you need huge resources to make an impact, but my goal was to create meaningful work that raises awareness and reaches audiences like a film would, even with limited means.” Through Papa Sava, he addressed societal issues often overlooked – such as child vaccination in rural areas, health interventions, and community development. By weaving these themes into stories audiences loved, the messages resonated more effectively than traditional campaigns. Art as education and social impact Beyond raising awareness, Niyitegeka highlights the tangible impact of art. His projects have employed hundreds of young actors, technicians, and creatives, providing opportunities to gain professional experience and develop skills. “Performing for three hours on stage, managing production, and mentoring youth is serious work,” he says. “Art is not just entertainment; it’s education, service, and a way to create livelihoods.” His productions blend traditional Rwandan elements – poetry, songs, storytelling – with modern techniques, creating a style that is both culturally rooted and globally accessible. This approach has inspired a new generation of creatives to appreciate both heritage and innovation. Discipline, resilience, and longevity When asked about the secret to sustaining a career for three decades, Niyitegeka points to discipline, innovation and being consistent in what he does. ALSO READ: Shuwa Dilu series: A fresh take on Rwandan sitcom “Success demands sacrifice. You must prioritise your craft over leisure, comfort, and instant gratification. Public exposure carries responsibility, you are always being observed,” he says. What sets Niyitegeka apart is his ability to adapt in a rapidly changing media landscape. “The world changes quickly,” he says. “To keep audiences engaged, I had to move from live theatre to radio, video, and digital platforms.” He also stresses the importance of mentoring young artists. “I want them to see that it’s possible to follow creative passions while making a meaningful impact. Art is both a profession and a service.” Today, Niyitegeka continues to work across film, radio, and stage, capturing Rwanda’s stories for global audiences. “Cinema has no boundaries,” he says. “It explores history, politics, culture, and imagination like no other medium.” He envisions a thriving Rwandan creative industry that fuses tradition with modernity. “We have rich stories waiting to be told. If nurtured, they can create jobs, educate, and preserve our heritage,” he emphasises. Overcoming challenges Niyitegeka’s journey has not been without challenges. Early on, financial constraints and societal expectations threatened to pull him away from his artistic path. “There were moments when I wondered if I should abandon performance and focus on science,” he admits. “But each time I hesitated, I remembered that art was my voice, and my stories mattered.” He also faced difficulties organising performances with limited resources and navigating institutional bureaucracy. However, these obstacles often sparked creativity. “Constraints sometimes shaped the art itself, pushing me to blend traditional storytelling with modern formats like radio and video,” he notes. On a personal level, he carried the responsibility of supporting his family and helping improve his siblings' lives – something he says may be why people often question why he isn’t married yet. Still, he remains committed. “Even when life gets in the way, the work persists. Art has its own life, and my dedication to it has never wavered,” he says. Art as legacy Three decades into his career, Niyitegeka’s work stands as a testament to the transformative power of art. His characters continue to resonate, his productions generate both cultural and economic value, and his unique blend of humour, social commentary, and tradition remains influential. “Art heals, educates, and inspires. Through poetry, drama, radio, or film, we connect with our past, reflect on the present, and imagine a better future. That’s why I continue this work,” he concludes. ALSO READ: Nuts and Bolts: How do Youtubers make money? For Niyitegeka, innovation, discipline, and creativity are not just buzzwords – they are the pillars that have sustained his storytelling for thirty years, keeping Papa Sava and his other creations relevant. Philosophy and Impact Niyitegeka believes that art is both personal and communal. “Every performance begins with my own experiences and emotions, but it must connect with others,” he explains. This mindset has brought him recognition, awards, and invitations to international festivals yet he remains grounded. “Even when I’m acknowledged, I know the real reward is the impact – when someone says, ‘Your story helped me understand my own,’ or when a community reflects and envisions reconciliation,” he says. He also highlights the role of discipline and sacrifice. “There were times I missed family events and avoided distractions to focus on my craft. Success requires that kind of commitment,” he adds. Advice for young artists Reflecting on his journey, Niyitegeka offers practical advice for aspiring creatives: “You cannot achieve mastery without focus and dedication. You must be willing to forgo immediate pleasures for long-term growth,” he says, highlighting the value of discipline and sacrifice. He also stresses the importance of adaptability: “The world changes, and so must your methods. Embrace new platforms and technologies while respecting traditional forms,” he adds, noting that art flourishes through collaboration. Over three decades, Niyitegeka has grown from a small-town performer into a national figure in Rwandan arts, something he does not take for granted. “I’ve been fortunate to keep evolving, to stay relevant, and to continue telling stories that matter,” he reflects. His journey illustrates how passion, resilience, and social responsibility can form a blueprint for lasting impact in the creative industries. “Ultimately,” he says, “art is not just what you create. It’s what you leave behind, the lives you touch and the culture you help preserve.”
