Miss Nishimwe Naomie, crowned Miss Rwanda in 2020, has shared that while her mother was pregnant with her, she believed she would give birth to a boy and even planned to name him Kevin. Naomie also revealed that she did not grow up in the affluent lifestyle that many might assume.
She reflected on these experiences in her upcoming book titled “More than a Crown,” set to be released later this month, which explores her ordinary life, journey as Miss Rwanda, courage to face challenges, and lessons for young girls.
Excerpts from the first nine pages, which will be available in the book scheduled for release on November 14, 2025, reveal intimate details of her upbringing. The 184-page book recounts her experiences and addresses misconceptions about wealth and privilege.
Naomie shared an instance when someone tweeted about her, saying, “Those rich kids never face real problems.” She recalled that the comment made her laugh and brought tears to her eyes.
She explained, “I laughed and tears welled up as I saw that tweet. If only they knew. I was born well, but the world I found myself in was not perfect.”
She further described how her mother, nine months into her pregnancy, told family members that she expected a boy. Her mother even prepared blue clothes, hand-knitted booties, and a baby cap labeled “Baby Boy” for the anticipated name Kevin.
Naomie, who got married in late 2024, emphasized that she has always done things her own way, often surprising others. “I came into this world doing things my way. My name was supposed to be Kevin, but I am Naomie Nishimwe. There is a Rwandan proverb that says, ‘No one hates someone for being called badly,’ but the meaning of Nishimwe is clear: ‘Thanks be to God.’ Even though I didn’t start life on my parents’ terms, the name I was given showed me that they would love and support me in every path I take,” she said.
