In a world glued to screens, YouTube has emerged as the undisputed king of digital content. Millions of smartphone users, from every corner of the globe, are tuning in daily. It’s no longer just a video-sharing site; it’s a dynamic hub where individuals of all ages are launching their own channels and building communities, transforming how we share information and stories.
Mount Kigali University students are also actively embracing the digital landscape, particularly within the Mass Media and Communication program. This engagement is helping them refine their communication skills and effectively share their content and perspectives with a broader audience.
A notable example is Rwanda Ink and Ink, a YouTube channel co-owned by second-year Mass Media and Communication students Buhiga Ezra and Giramata Ange Livie (popularly known as Amata) and Imena Gislain. They’ve shared insights into the challenges they face in establishing and growing their channel.
Giramata Ange, who co-runs the YouTube channel Rwanda Ink and Ink with Buhiga and Imena, started the channel because an aspiring journalist believes information is key in today’s world. ” I wanted a platform to kick-start my career, and YouTube made that possible,” she added
The channel is helping us achieve our dream of communicating with many people at once, and we are learning a lot about media as future communicators. Like any new venture, we face challenges: critics, limited funds, attracting viewers as beginners, competing with bigger channels, and balancing YouTube with school deadlines.
Despite this, she sees Rwanda Ink as a huge opportunity to share new information with a wide audience and get their feedback.
Tusemezane: A platform for contemporary issues
Launched in September 2024, Tusemezane (meaning “let’s talk”) is a YouTube channel founded by Denish Ondieki Bundi. Denish created the channel to address contemporary issues impacting individuals. Initially, his content focused on child upbringing, as well as the well-being and challenges faced by teenagers.
Ondieki was motivated to engage with young people through a widely accessible platform, and he successfully utilized the resources available at his university studio. He expressed, “The joy of talking to people made me feel good and excited.” He recognized YouTube as a highly suitable and easily accessible platform for reaching a broad audience, a realization reinforced by his experience.
However, Denish encountered several challenges in developing the channel, including securing initial funding for shooting and editing and attracting a limited number of subscribers and viewers. Despite these obstacles, he has continued to produce content aimed at informing his audience. Denish aims to expand his reach, attract a larger audience, and eventually monetize the channel.
Sostene Nkurunziza, a third-year Mass Media student, runs a YouTube channel called SOSTFIRE TV. He started on 27th June 2017 to share real-life stories, inspire change, and give a voice to the unheard, especially Rwandan youth. He sees media as a tool to educate and uplift, fulfilling his goal as a journalist to create impactful digital content.
His own life, where people invested in him, inspired him to give back through storytelling. He also noticed a lack of local content reflecting realities, especially rural vs. urban lifestyles, and wanted to fill that gap.
Running the channel is exciting but challenging. He loves the freedom to create meaningful content and has learned a lot about production and audience engagement. Challenges include limited resources, internet costs, and low engagement at times, plus balancing YouTube with school. Despite this, he persists because his vision is greater than the obstacles.
Sostene plans to grow SOSTFIRE TV into a platform reaching all of Africa and beyond. He wants it to be a place for impactful conversations, creativity, and truth, showing young people possibilities and collaborating with other creators for global storytelling.
The reporter can be reached at:
X @OndiekiDen11880
Fb/ Jeremiah mogire
http://www.youtube.com/@DenishOndieki
