Naomie Nishimwe, celebrated as Miss Rwanda, is preparing to release her highly anticipated first memoir titled "More Than a Crown" in November 2025. In an announcement shared on Thursday, August 7, 2025, via her X account (formerly Twitter), Naomie revealed exciting details about the inspirational book poised to empower readers worldwide.
The memoir offers a poignant account of Naomie’s life before and after winning the Miss Rwanda title, highlighting the challenges she faced such as coping with fame, dealing with emotional scars, and navigating the complexities of personal struggles. "More Than a Crown" aims to inspire readers to embrace their true value, particularly young Rwandans and Africans.
The book further delves into her transformation from pageant queen to mental health advocate, capturing her journey with raw authenticity. Published by Imagine We Publishers, a Rwandan-based publisher dedicated to uplifting local voices, the memoir will officially launch in November 2025.
Naomie Nishimwe is making history as the first Rwandan Miss Rwanda winner to publish a personal memoir. She follows trailblazers like Sonia Rolland, Miss France 2000, and Peace Kwizera, the first runner-up in Miss Rwanda 2016, who leveraged their platforms to create impactful narratives.
Naomie profoundly stated, “This book is what I wish I had heard when I was younger. It’s for anyone who has ever questioned their worth within Rwandan society or beyond. It's a story for every Rwandan, African, and especially women, reminding them they’re never alone.”
"More Than a Crown" intricately touches on key themes such as identity, family dynamics, coping with fame, emotional healing, and finding life’s purpose, providing relatable experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.
The memoir is filled with untold stories, never-before-seen photographs, and reflective sections that discuss how Naomie overcame depression, handled the pressures of being in the spotlight, and rekindled her sense of hope and faith.
Reflecting on the writing process, Naomie shared, “Accepting the journey of authoring this book took a great deal of courage and time. Initially, I struggled to share some parts, but I realized they were integral to this new path of self-expression I had embarked on. This book encapsulates joy, tears, and above all, hope. My wish is for readers to find renewed faith in their own journeys.”
Her husband, Michael Tesfay, expressed heartfelt admiration, noting, “Witnessing Naomie pour her soul into this book was extraordinary. 'More Than a Crown' serves as a mirror for many Rwandan youth searching for courage, healing, and trust in themselves.”
Naomie plans to leverage her social media platforms, boasting over 500,000 followers, to fuel meaningful conversations surrounding mental health, conquering personal challenges, and fostering self-acceptance. Notably, the memoir incorporates a special section titled #crownwork designed to empower readers with exercises to boost self-confidence, personal development, and future visioning.
Dominique Uwase Alonga, founder of Imagine We Publishers and Naomie’s collaborator on the book, remarked, “The journey of working with Naomie on this memoir took months but resulted in an authentic and hopeful narrative. She champions a generation ready to amplify conversations once deemed taboo. This achievement marks a tremendous milestone for our publishing house, and we hope her story reaches far beyond Rwanda’s borders.”
"More Than a Crown" is not merely a book—it symbolizes a transformative path to self-discovery and audacious storytelling. Naomie envisions it as an invitation for Rwandans to reflect on their past, embrace their identities, and confidently write their futures. The memoir will be available in Rwanda and internationally starting November 2025.
Miss Naomie expressed that the book conveys lessons she wished someone had imparted to her earlier in life, particularly addressing young Rwandan women yearning for assurance and a sense of belonging.
“It took courage and time to share my story publicly” – Miss Naomie reflects on her debut memoir, More Than A Crown
Michael Tesfay applauded Miss Naomie’s remarkable bravery in sharing her heartfelt journey through this memoir.
“More Than A Crown mirrors the resilience and hope needed by youth striving to heal and rebuild themselves” – Michael Tesfay recognized the significance of his wife’s story.
Details of Miss Naomie Nishimwe's press statement were shared on August 7, 2025, setting the stage for the unveiling of her memoir.