In the vibrant and fast-paced world of fashion and entertainment, some figures work behind scenes to shape talent, build confidence and connect with purpose. One of them is Maurice Niyigena, well-known as Matteo, a former model that turned a talent manager whose story reveals the power of style, self-awareness and mentorship
During our conversation, Matteo spoke openly about his experience navigating the fashion industry and how he grew into the influential figure he is today. “Fashion is one of the growing industries,” he said, reflecting on its rising significance in modern culture. “Fashion is going well”, he added, his tone filled with certainty, as someone who has witnessed its transformation firsthand.
But Matteo’s passion for fashion didn’t start in boardrooms or backstage at runaways. It began years ago, as a high school student. He remembers being stylish even back then. “I don’t remember myself not being a good dresser,” he said with a smile. The spark that would later guide him into modeling was already glowing in his teenager years.
His early involvement in modeling offered him a firsthand look at how powerful personal image can be. It also helped him build confidence and understand the importance of appearance, not as vanity but as a firm of self-expression. Matteo mentioned was a model in high school but more than that, he was someone deeply in tune with how the fashion industry impacts identity and opportunity.
When asked about where he draws his inspiration from, Matteo’s answer was simple but telling: “My dad and His Excellency Paul Kagame.” His father’s influence appears to have laid the foundation for his discipline, creativity, and vision. In an industry often driven by trends and fleeting fame, Matteo credits his roots as the steady compass that guides his work.
Like any industry, fashion is not without its struggles. He highlighted some of the struggles, which one of them was is the “Market”, where as he mentioned that bringing something new to the market is one thing and convincing people to like it is also another thing.
Answering the question of do you see Rwandan styles growing he mentioned confidently that it is absolutely growing in all kinds of designing, because if you compared today’s fashion designs in Rwanda and last year’s, there is a big change. “The only thing I can say is that there’s only the challenges of convincing people about Rwandan stylist and also having more investments in the fashion industry because it is an industry that promises growth.” Matteo mentioned
Matteo’s message to young fashion designers is clear: “This is a business industry not an entertainment industry, which most of the people confuse. He mentioned if you do this as entertainement, your’re not going to get money. He also added: “you need to pay attention to what you want, listen to people but let 90% of ideas come from you because at the end of the day you know what you are creating.”
When asked where he sees the fashion industry in Rwanda five years from now, Matteo paused thoughtfully.
“I see more young people embrace style not just for looks, but for identity. I believe in five years, Rwanda will have its own strong fashion exports, designers, stylists, and even brands that speak to African pride but global elegance.”
His story is a reminder that behind every confident model, performer, or artist, there are unseen mentors, personal stories, and moments of transformation. For Matteo, fashion has always been more than clothing, t’s a language, a passion, and a platform for empowerment.
As Rwanda’s creative industries continue to grow, voices like Matteo’s offer wisdom and leadership, helping shape not just how people look but how they see themselves.
Brenna AKARABO
RADIOTV10
