In Rwanda, film dubbing took on a unique form known as Agasobanuye, a style that brought foreign films to life in Kinyarwanda. Central to this development was Nkusi Thomas, widely known as Yanga, who pioneered a new way for Rwandans to experience international cinema.
Born in 1980, Yanga developed an early interest in movies, music, and storytelling. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, as imported films became more common in Rwanda, Thomas recognized a language barrier preventing many Rwandans from fully understanding them.
Instead of traditional translation, Nkusi Thomas created a distinct approach. He became a voice-over narrator, explaining storylines, translating dialogue into Kinyarwanda, and adding his own humor and commentary. This format became known as Agasobanuye, meaning “the explained one.” It offered a localized interpretation of cinema.
The voice that defined a style
Yanga’s narrations were distinctive. His voice was expressive and often humorous. He reinterpreted characters, making them relatable to a Rwandan audience. An action hero might speak with the tone of a village elder, and a martial arts master could offer advice in a familiar Rwandan manner.
Using basic audio equipment, Yanga recorded his narrations directly over film soundtracks. The resulting dubbed versions quickly gained popularity in video libraries, roadside kiosks, and local movie screenings. These became widely known as “Yanga movies.”
His narrations covered various genres, including American action films, Indian love stories, and Chinese kung-fu dramas. Audiences were drawn to his work, and his name became widely recognized across Rwanda, particularly among youth who appreciated his witty and localized commentary.
As Yanga’s style gained traction, others were inspired to adopt the Agasobanuye format, adding their own contributions. Narrators such as Junior Giti, Master P, Sankara Da Primer Kappo KIRIMBUZI, and Rocky Kimomo emerged, each developing their own following. This marked the beginning of a new era of localized film dubbing. Yanga, however, remained a respected figure, known for his originality, consistency, and connection with his audience.
Agasobanuye evolved beyond simple entertainment, becoming a notable part of Rwanda’s urban and rural pop culture. Yanga influenced a generation’s media experience, and his style even found its way into education, with some teachers using dubbed films as a creative method for teaching languages and storytelling.
With the advent of social media and platforms like YouTube, Agasobanuye found new avenues for distribution. Today, digital platforms continue to share and celebrate Yanga’s work, introducing his style to new generations of Rwandans.
Tragically, Nkusi Thomas (Yanga) passed away in 2022. His death marked the end of an era, but his voice and influence continue to resonate through the Agasobanuye films still circulating across the country.
