Is life of being famous good or bad? Let’s look at celebrities here in Rwanda

Many people often wonder whether the life of fame is good or bad. The truth is, it is difficult to fully understand unless you ask experts, closely follow the daily lives of celebrities, or experience fame yourself. In this article, we take a closer look at both the advantages and disadvantages of being famous.

After speaking with different groups—including celebrities, fans, and people who observe the lives of stars—we found that fame brings both rewards and challenges. Sometimes the negative side can even overshadow the positive, making the glamorous lifestyle more difficult than it appears.

To begin with, fame brings recognition. When many people know your name and your work, it becomes easier to gain attention and admiration. Your talent is shared widely, your social media grows, and people begin to respect and appreciate what you do. Fame also creates opportunities that would otherwise not be available. Once you are known, people actively seek you out, whether for collaborations, business partnerships, or employment. A music producer, for example, will find that artists prefer to work with them simply because their reputation increases the chances of success.

Financial rewards are another strong aspect of fame. Well-known people can earn more than the average professional in their field. Companies often pay celebrities to promote their brands, and some fans are even willing to spend large sums just to meet or take a photo with them. Fame, in this sense, can become a powerful source of income and financial security.

Beyond money, fame allows a person to have a lasting impact. A celebrity can inspire fans, influence culture, and even use their platform to raise awareness for important causes. Even after death, many stars remain alive in people’s memories through their work and achievements. Their legacies continue to shape society and even support their families long after they are gone.

There are many examples of people whose lives have changed because of the benefits of fame.
The first example is comedian Nyaxo. For those who knew Nyaxo before, you can see that the life he used to live is very different from the one he has today. He was able to earn money, buy a house, a car, and other things.

Another example is film translator Rocky Kimomo. When you look at his old pictures and compare them to how he lives now, you clearly see how much his life has changed.

It’s not just them—there are also journalists like Anitha Pendo and Rusine Patrick, as well as film actors such as Kibonke, Papa Sava, and many others.

However, the glamorous side of fame comes with a heavy cost. One of the greatest challenges is the loss of privacy. When you are famous, it is nearly impossible to hide your personal life. Family matters, relationships, and even past experiences can become public, sometimes shared by people close to you who reveal private details.

It also becomes difficult to move freely. Simple activities like shopping or dining out may attract crowds of fans or paparazzi. Some people may even target celebrities out of jealousy, mockery, or malice. This constant attention can create fear and stress in daily life.

Another burden of fame is emotional pressure. Every mistake or hardship a celebrity faces is quickly exposed and spread across social media. Rumors, gossip, and harsh criticism can damage a person’s reputation and mental health, sometimes leading to depression or worse. The pressure to always appear perfect often forces many celebrities to live inauthentic lives, showing only their best side while hiding struggles or financial difficulties.

Fame also brings expectations and responsibilities. Families, friends, and even distant relatives may depend on the celebrity for financial support. When those expectations are not met, relationships can break down, with people accusing the celebrity of being selfish. At the same time, fame attracts jealousy and hatred from others who resent success. In some cases, enemies can even emerge from among close acquaintances.

There are many examples of how fame has affected people, and for some it’s even very visible. Do you remember what happened to Miss Muheto Divine? The way people talked about her whenever she drank and got drunk? And whenever the police arrested her, the news would spread everywhere immediately. Such things can push someone into living a life of hiding.

Do you also remember what happened to the artist Meddy? Do you recall how rumors once spread on social media claiming that he was being beaten by his wife? And the words he later posted on his social platforms that showed he was not happy about it?. There are also many others who have faced negative effects because of being famous. But at the same time, they had no other option because it is fame that brought them success.

Is it possible to be a celebrity and still avoid most of the negative consequences of fame? Yes, it is possible, but you can never achieve it 100%. A good example is the way Producer Clement and his wife Butera Knowless live. Both of them are well–known celebrities, yet their private family life never appears on social media. Since they got married, no pictures of their children have ever been posted online, no one knows the exact dates their children were born, and people have no idea what other work they do outside their careers as celebrities. They keep many of these things hidden.

However, even with this level of privacy, you should remember that Knowless once experienced a period when she was frequently talked about in the media. At one point, rumors spread claiming she was HIV-positive, though she later came forward to deny those allegations. Many people also still recall her past relationship with Safi Madiba, and they often try to bring it back up in her life. That’s why it is so difficult to completely avoid the downsides of fame.

There are also other celebrities who try hard to keep their personal lives private, but it’s never easy. This is because there are always people who know their past, and that makes it very difficult for them to live without facing the negative effects of being famous.

Despite all these challenges, many people still chase fame. The reason is simple: fame offers money, influence, and a large audience. For some, it is the quickest way to success. People pursue fame through different paths—music, film, sports, or other talents—while others rely on education and skills such as filmmaking, music production, or writing. In today’s world, social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram have made fame more accessible than ever before.

In the end, no one can decide for you whether to pursue fame or not. The choice is yours alone. You can follow the path of celebrity, with all its rewards and struggles, or choose the peace of living a normal life away from the spotlight.