Nelly Wilson Misago: The architect behind Rwanda’s TV series revolution

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Some spend a lifetime chasing a legacy, while a few transform entire industries in a matter of years. In just 15 years, Wilson Misago (Nelly) has reshaped Rwanda’s television—building its foundations, creating its most beloved series, and placing it on the global stage. His story is not just about the past but the future unfolding.

Wilson Misago (born 14 December 1985, Gisagara, Rwanda) is a filmmaker, writer, and producer best known for television dramas like Inshuti (Friends), Seburikoko, City Maid, Indoto, Ishusho ya Papa, The bishop family, Igeno ryanjye, Kaliza wa Kalisa, Shuwadilu, etc. He is also the Founder and CEO of Zacu Entertainment, a production powerhouse now part of the Canal+ Group.

Early life and education

Born in Gisagara District, Misago graduated in 2009 with a degree in finance from the School of Finance and Banking (now the University of Rwanda’s College of Business and Economics – UR-CBE).

Career

Misago began his career in 2009 as a journalist for Inyarwanda.com, quickly rising to Marketing Manager and later Managing Director of Inyarwanda Limited. By 2012, he was also a radio presenter at City Radio, balancing media work with a growing passion for storytelling.

His first attempt at scripted television came in 2013 with Ubu n’ejo. Though it struggled to gain traction, it laid the groundwork for what was to come. A year later, he hit a milestone with Inshuti Friends, Rwanda’s first locally produced sitcom, which aired on TV10 and marked the dawn of a new era for the industry. The show also featured appearances from popular Rwandan musicians such as Bruce Melodie and Amag the Black. Notably, he became the first content creator in Rwanda to have two—and even three—TV series broadcasting on national television simultaneously, solidifying his pioneering role in the Rwandan entertainment landscape.

Building on that success, Misago created Seburikoko in 2015—a family drama that became one of the most watched programs on Rwanda Television. That same year, he launched the urban series City Maid, another huge hit with audiences. Over time, his catalog expanded to include Indoto, Ejo si Kera (in collaboration with Imbuto Foundation), and more than 800 hours of original programming. These projects established him as Rwanda’s leading dramatist and a true architect of its television industry.

In 2017, Misago directed the short film Little Skater and founded Afrifame Limited, an audiovisual production company. That same year, he unveiled Zacu TV, Rwanda’s first subscription-based Video-on-Demand platform, officially launched at the Transform Africa Summit in 2019.

By mid-2022, Zacu TV had been acquired by Canal+ Group, transforming into the country’s first Kinyarwanda-language fiction channel (Canal+ channel 99). For the first time, Rwandan productions were consistently broadcast on a global network, giving local storytellers a platform far beyond Kigali.

In June 2024, Misago broke new ground again by creating Rwanda’s second sitcom, Shuwa Dilu. The comedy brought together some of the nation’s best-known comedians—Gratien Niyitegeka (Papa Sava), Ramadhan Benimana (Bamenya), and Eric Nsabimana (Dogiteri Nsabi). Centered on three quirky roommates navigating life in a shared house, the sitcom blended everyday humor with sharp social observations, pushing Rwandan TV into new genres.

The impact

Now in 2025, Misago continues to drive Rwanda’s television industry forward. His company, Zacu Entertainment, has become an incubator for young filmmakers, opening doors for fresh voices.

Under the leadership of Nelly Wilson Misago, ZACU Entertainment has become a cornerstone of Rwanda’s entertainment industry. The company provides employment to over 300 people each year and continues to shape the careers of countless creatives. Notably, ZACU produced the first Rwandan TV series to be dubbed in French and broadcast on A+, one of the largest francophone television channels for series and drama in Africa.Over his 15-year career, Misago has mentored and guided many emerging talents. With his support in their growth, actors like Gratien and Clapton have become successful producers, each leaving their own mark on the industry.

Beyond individual mentorship, Misago has inspired countless local filmmakers to create content, particularly on YouTube, fostering a culture of innovation and storytelling in Rwanda.Today, ZACU Entertainment co-produces between 6 to 10 projects each year, supporting local content creation and providing a platform for new voices. In 2025, the company expanded its growing portfolio with productions such as Ibyashishuwe, Mucoma, and Hurts Harder which is a fan favorite nowadays, with Misago serving as executive producer for each project. These works further cement his role as a driving force in Rwanda’s media landscape, championing bold storytelling and elevating the country’s entertainment industry.

At the same time, Misago is breathing new life into his classics. In July 2025, he thrilled fans by announcing the return of Seburikoko, the long-running drama that first premiered in 2014 and has since produced over 480 episodes. With its unforgettable humor, witty dialogue, and the antics of Le Patron de Gatoto, it remains one of Rwanda’s most cherished shows.

Legacy

With groundbreaking dramas like Seburikoko and City Maid, over 800 hours of scripted programming, Rwanda’s first VOD platform (Zacu TV), and the nation’s first sitcom (Shuwa Dilu), Wilson Misago has redefined what television means in Rwanda.

He didn’t just tell stories—he built the very platforms that made them thrive. From nurturing talent to securing international distribution through Canal+, his vision has reshaped the media landscape and inspired a generation of filmmakers.

As Rwanda’s entertainment industry grows, Misago remains its compass—pointing toward stories that resonate both at home and far beyond.

Fimography

Ubu n’ejo (2013) – Producer – TV series

Inshuti (2013) – Writer & Producer – TV series

Seburikoko (2014–2023) – Creator, Co-writer & Producer – TV series

City Maid (2015–Present) – Creator & Producer – TV series

The Secret of Happiness (2017) – Executive Producer – Short film

Baby Shower (2017) – Writer & Director – Short film

Indoto (2019–Present) – Creator & Producer – TV series

Ejo si Kera (2021) – Creator, Co-writer & Producer – TV series

Igeno Ryanjye (2022) – Producer – Feature film

The Bishop’s Family (2022–2023) – Producer – TV series

Ishusho ya Papa (2023–2024) – Creator & Producer – TV series

Kaliza wa Kalisa (2024–Present) – Producer – TV series

The Incubation (2024–Present) – Executive Producer – Feature film

Shuwa Dilu (2024–Present) – Creator & Producer – TV sitcom

Hurts Harder (2025) – Executive producer – Tv series

Ibyahishuwe(2025)–Executive producer

Mucoma(2025)–Executive producer

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