They say heroes aren’t born—they’re made. And those made heroes are the ones who keep going, no matter what life throws at them. Everything meaningful comes with challenges. Some people give up, thinking they’ve tried their best. Others tell themselves it wasn’t meant to be. But Asifiwe Mukobwajana, known widely as Micky, is not one of them.

She refused to let hardship define her fate. She knew one truth: challenges don’t decide your story—you do.

Born on December 28, 2002, in Busanza, Kanombe sector, Kigali, Rwanda, Micky is now a rising star in the Rwandan film industry—a talented actress, writer, director, and producer.

But her journey didn’t start on a film set.

“When I was young, I believed I’d become a traditional dancer,” she recalled.
“That’s what I was used to doing, so I thought it would be my profession for the rest of my life.”

Micky’s path changed unexpectedly one day in the city while she was out doing her nails. She ran into an old friend named Shema—a moment that would change her life.

“He said, ‘How about joining the film industry? I think acting would suit you,’” she said.
“I told him, ‘I don’t know how to get into cinema.’”

Shema connected her to a friend who introduced her to the director of photography and editor at Killaman. Curious, Micky visited a Killaman film set just to say hello to the team.

“I never expected to act that day. But when I greeted them, Killaman asked, ‘Do you like acting?’ I said yes. He immediately offered me a role alongside Nsabi. That’s how it all started.”

Micky officially began acting in December 2023.

Though excited, her first experience on set was nerve-racking.

“Back then, Nsabi was already very famous. I was shivering with anxiety. But I knew that if I didn’t do well, I might never get another role. That fear of failure pushed me to give it everything.”


One of the hardest moments in her acting career came when she was cast opposite a well-known actor who had often played her father in other films.

“He’s someone I deeply respect. But I was assigned to act as his love interest. It wasn’t easy, but I reminded myself that this is a job. I had to stay professional and deliver.”

Micky didn’t stop at acting. She started producing her own movies—and like every dream worth chasing, the journey wasn’t smooth.

“I created a YouTube channel, hoping it would work. When it got monetized, I was discouraged at first. But I eventually earned some money and kept moving.”

Her first film project, Munyana, ran into trouble mid-way and had to be abandoned. She went on to produce My Love, but it also didn’t perform well. Still, she persisted.

“When you’re just starting out, there will always be setbacks. My third movie, Igihome, finally connected with the audience. People are watching it, and it gave me hope again.”

Her fourth project, titled Imbaraga za Mama, is coming out soon.


Out of all her work, Imbaraga za Mama is the most personal.

“It’s about single mothers. I felt like I was acting out my own life. The role allowed me to be myself. That’s why it’s my favorite.”

“I sat down and thought about how this movie could send a message—because there are many single mothers out there, including me. I wanted to show them they’re not alone.”


The beginning of her acting career brought more hardship than stability.

“Acting didn’t pay right away. I had a newborn baby to take care of, and life became harder. I was acting every day but not earning enough to support my child.”

But she held on.

“The harder I worked to make a name for myself, the more challenges I faced at home. But patience made many things easier. I kept going and eventually started working on my own projects.”


Micky is deeply grateful for those who believed in her, especially Shema, who first saw her potential.

“He’s the reason I met all the people who helped me on this journey.”

She also expressed appreciation to Killaman, who gave her that very first role:

“I approached many people, but he was the first to say yes.”

She went on to thank Irene Murindahabi, who supported her early on, and Babu and Philpeter from The Choice, who continue to stand by her side.

Her Secret to Success?

“I’m one of those girls who had every reason to give up—but I didn’t. I chose not to focus on the negativity. I get hurt, yes. But challenges will always come. I refuse to let them stop me.”


Micky shared this advice for anyone who wants to follow in her footsteps:

“First, love what you do. Don’t expect money right away. If you think about money first, it won’t work. Just love the craft and keep going. This profession can support you and your family in the long run—but passion must come first.”


Micky hopes to create a support center for single mothers—a place for healing and belonging.

“When a woman gets pregnant outside of marriage, her family often abandons her. I want to create a space where single mothers can come together, share ideas, and support each other. No one should feel alone.”


Asifiwe Mukobwajana’s journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and unwavering courage. From a chance meeting in the city to writing and directing her own films, she is the embodiment of a made hero—someone who chose to rise, despite everything.