In a creative scene often defined by polished releases and highlight reels, a new storytelling series is slowing things down and asking a different question. Who are Rwanda’s creatives when the work stops? That question sits at the heart of Layers, a new long-form series that is quietly carving out space for musicians, designers and cultural figures to show up as people first, artists second. ALSO READ: When Rwanda’s creatives hit a wall, Uwineza builds them a door Rather than focusing on output, the project leans into conversation, environment and vulnerability, bringing audiences closer to the lives behind the art. Created by Kigali-based creative Tecla Teta, Layers takes an unconventional approach. Each episode follows an artist in a setting of their choice, whether that is a familiar hangout, a workspace or somewhere tied to memory. There is no rigid format, no scripted questioning, just space for honest reflection. ALSO READ: Why investing in creative industry value chains matters The result is a cinematic, unscripted series that feels more like spending time with someone than watching an interview. Teta says the idea had been forming for a while, even before it had a clear structure. “Layers is an idea that had been brewing for some time, but I knew I could not act on it then because it did not fully make sense to me,” she says. “It eventually came together around two things. Sharing stories authentically and revealing who someone truly is.” Those two pillars guide every episode. All 10 guests in the first season are people Teta already knew personally, a decision she says helped unlock deeper conversations. “I already know them on a personal level. There are things about them I am privy to that not everyone is, and that makes peeling the layers back easier,” she says. “If it were people I did not know, I would probably end up asking the same questions everyone else does.” That intimacy fills a noticeable gap in Rwanda’s creative ecosystem. While releases, concerts and visuals often take center stage, there are few platforms dedicated to long-form storytelling about the emotional labor, discipline and uncertainty that come with creative work. “My main objective was to create something genuine,” Teta says. “We do not usually see the person behind the art, the real person. And we rarely see how much goes on behind the finished product we all get to love.” By foregrounding process, insecurity and growth, Layers allows audiences to connect with creatives beyond performance. It is an approach that, globally, has proven to build stronger fan loyalty and open new opportunities for artists. The series also benefits from shared audiences. “I am keeping it real,” Teta says. “My friends have an audience, and so do I. When we come together, both worlds meet. If my audience resonates with my friend, they gain a new fan and vice versa.” Despite its growing traction, Layers remains a self-funded passion project. Teta handles everything herself, from planning and filming to editing and publishing. “Being self-run and funded, I truly did not know how I was going to finish a whole season, let alone a reunion,” she says. “I still cannot tell you how I found the time to plan, film and edit all those episodes.” Feedback, however, has been encouraging. “I have heard from people whose opinions I really value telling me they love the series,” she says. “That tells me I must be onto something.” Teta is candid about the challenges of creating content in Rwanda, particularly when it does not fit familiar formats. “There is a certain type of content audiences here are used to, and mine does not fall into that category,” she says. “I could spend days working on a video and get 30 likes. You just have to keep it pushing.” For her, purpose matters more than metrics. “If it is what you want to do, go for it,” she says. “But also ask yourself why you are doing it. Would you still create if there was no audience? That is how you know.” Beyond Layers, Teta has spent about five years immersed in Rwanda’s music ecosystem, supporting artists through networking, event planning and behind-the-scenes industry work. That experience shows in the trust her guests place in her. With more than 15 potential guests already lined up and growing interest from viewers, Layers is positioning itself as more than a series. It is becoming a space where Rwanda’s creatives can tell their stories on their own terms, one layer at a time.
