Soleil shines as one of the leading actresses in the acclaimed Rwandan film series Bamenya. Her stunning portrayal of Kanimba's wife, a woman grappling with childlessness, has cemented her role as a pivotal character. Throughout the show, her compelling on-screen conflicts with both her husband and domestic worker, Beniman Ramadhan, aka Bamenya, add depth to the plot.
The drama intensifies when Kanimba decides to introduce a second wife, Kecapu, into the household. These captivating twists have solidified Bamenya's place in the hearts of fans, making it a standout production in Rwanda's entertainment landscape.
First released in 2018, Bamenya found further prominence during the Covid-19 lockdown as it served as a source of solace and fun for audiences dealing with isolation.
This groundbreaking series has not only showcased extraordinary storytelling but also elevated its cast's profile, earning them various award nominations, including some of the most prestigious in Rwanda.
In an exclusive interview with InyaRwanda, Soleil revealed that Bamenya became a life-changing opportunity: helping her uncover a talent for acting she never realized she had.
Reflecting on her journey, Soleil shared, “First and foremost, Bamenya helped me discover my gift for acting. I'd never imagined I could convincingly play the role of a married woman. Through this series, I learned insights into family dynamics and the struggles many households endure.”
Beyond personal growth, Soleil explained how the series opened doors in her life: “It has helped me forge friendships and meet diverse individuals. It expanded my horizons both locally and internationally. The relationships I developed during this journey have greatly shaped my personal and professional growth.”
Before 2018, Uwase "Soleil" had little interest in stepping into the world of cinema despite being an avid viewer of action films. It was her close friends, Benimana Ramadhan (“Bamenya”) and Manibu, who inspired her to try acting.
The behind-the-scenes planning of Bamenya, which began in 2018, involved almost a year of meticulous preparation and lengthy discussions. Soleil revealed that unforeseen challenges during production led to notable changes, including the replacement of the actor for her on-screen husband. “Kanimba joined later due to circumstances that made it impractical for Manibu to carry on with the role,” Soleil explained.
Formerly working as a journalist for Flash Radio/TV, Uwase decided to pursue acting independently, without seeking advice from her family. Her relatives only discovered her new path after watching the first three episodes. She recalled, “The turning point was a scene where I was wearing a traditional wrap, demonstrating anger towards a worker. That went viral. Another scene involved me teaching karate as self-defense for a worker retrieving winnings. After that, my family started noticing and embracing my career shift.”
Since her breakout role, Uwase "Soleil" has become one of the show’s most recognizable faces. Currently, she is competing at the Mashariki African Film Festival in the hotly contested ‘People’s Choice’ category, where winners are decided via online voting to receive a car.
She said, “I know I’m performing well in the online voting, but I urge everyone to continue voting for me so that I can secure the car as the prize.”
Additionally, Soleil is vying for the prestigious Best Actress award, which will be determined by an experienced judging panel.
Uwase "Soleil" is a testament to how encouragement from close friends and sudden opportunities can radically reshape one's life and career pathways.
Through her journey, Soleil exemplifies why Bamenya transcends typical storytelling; it’s a series that has deeply impacted not only its cast but also the viewers who have followed its powerful narrative.
CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR SOLEIL IN THE ‘PEOPLE’S CHOICE’ CATEGORY
Uwase "Soleil" expressed gratitude to friends Benimana Ramadhan (‘Bamenya’) and Manibu for introducing her to cinema despite her initial lack of dreams in acting.
She credits her ability to use authentic Kinyarwanda phrases in the series to her mother, who has been her supporter from the beginning.
Soleil emphasizes that Bamenya gave her a new vision for her life experience, something she never imagined prior to transitioning from her journalism career on Flash Radio/TV.
“I’m currently competing in the Mashariki African Film Festival and invite everyone to keep voting for me to help secure the car” — Uwase Soleil.
CLICK TO WATCH OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ‘SOLEIL’