Bill Nyirimihigo. Having experienced several cultures growing up because his parents moved around a lot, Bill developed an outgoing persona and learnt to assimilate new ways while embracing his roots at the same time.

Bill was only eight years old in October 1994 when his family — parents and an older brother — moved back to Rwanda from Canada.

Then in 2000, his father got a job in Niger and the family had to move again. Bill spent two years studying at the American School of Niamey before proceeding to Canada a year later, joining his brother who was already attending school in Toronto.

After high school, Bill joined the University of Toronto to study international relations with a minor in French.

After five years of college and a year after his brother had made contact with friends in Rwanda, Bill relocated to Rwanda in 2011, joining his family who were settling in. The family had decided to settle in Rwanda.

Bill started out by finding things to keep himself busy and enrolled at the Mount Kenya University in Kigali where he pursued a second degree in mass media and communications. He was interested in journalism, marketing and events. Through the course, he met people in the music and events industry and got himself work on some of their projects.

A seeming jack-of-all-trades, Bill started working with Rwanda’s celebrated event organisers Bruce Ntore and Casey Zvenhamo, and went on to manage bars around the city such as Le Must, where he introduced the Thursday Night to liven up Kigali’s quiet weekday night life. Through social media, it turned out to be a major success.

After several successful projects for clients, he decided to work for himself and came up with A Billouxe Production in 2015 with the help of friends and family. His first gig was the launch of Isamaza, a Rwanda-distilled liquor. It was this event that cemented his presence on the events scene.

He has since created A la Brunch, a weekend social event that brings people together from early afternoon to late night for food, drinks and indoor games at various venues. He is in the process of opening a restaurant in Kigali’s car-free zone.

Bill holds a full time job at a construction company owned by his father.

-------------------------------------------

What’s your off-duty passion?

I’m not really sure how to qualify it but over the years I’ve come to realise that there are three things I totally immerse myself in: Food, music and having a good time with people, be they friends or strangers.

If you hadn’t turned into who you are now, what would you have been?

I believe I’m still in the process of becoming who I’m meant to be. Working with my father teaches me a lot on a daily basis but my dream is to own a “sandwicherie,” to own or a run a recording studio as well as a barbershop. I think I would be quite fulfilled if I achieve two of these three goals.

What signifies your personal style?

Comfort over everything. I prefer subtle colours and simple patterns. But I also keep my look interesting by adding a dash of colour particularly with my socks or pocket-squares when dressed formally.

How do you manage your wardrobe?

It’s a struggle because it is hard to find quality clothes in Rwanda. I have a few resellers (trading who deal in second-hand clothes) and tailors that I’ve got to know over the years who know what I like and give me a call when something new comes around.

When in East Africa, where are you most likely to be whiling away your time on a Saturday afternoon?

I’m always in East Africa because it is home, but when in Kigali you can find me around the pool at Pili Pili hotel playing scrabble.

Describe your best destination yet in East Africa?

There is something about Bujumbura (when there is no civil unrest). I was born there so it’s always a pleasure going back. I have yet to meet people who are as welcoming and as friendly as Burundians.

Anywhere on your must-visit list?

There are too many to name. But Zanzibar, Marrakesh, Dakar and Cape Town make the list for Africa.

What do you see as East Africa’s greatest strength?

Our sense of community. I think we are starting to really believe that our strength comes from our numbers and working together. Opening up borders and allowing free movement will bring prosperity to the masses.

What’s your best collection?

Jewellery that I own, which is basically bracelets and chains.

What’s the best gift you have received?

An old-school portable boom box and a collectible card of a Liverpool FC Player (my favourite football club). 

What’s the best gift you have given?

A gold necklace with the profile of Queen Nefertiti of Egypt as a pendant to my girlfriend.

Your last great read?

Gulliver’s Travels, which is an in-depth look at human nature told through one man’s journey in surreal lands.

Which movie had an impact on you?
Gladiator. I’ve probably seen this movie over 50 times.

What’s your favourite music?

Anything by Sade, she is the love of my life.

Your favourite website?
www.vice.com and its subsidiaries.

What is a constant in your fridge?
Eggs, milk, Fanta Citron and some marinated ready to cook beef chops. I can survive a war with just these items.