Kayonga Gatesi Divine, popularly known as Tessy, is a Rwandan actress whose talent and dedication have made her one of the most admired figures in the country’s film industry. She made her debut in the web series The Secret, marking the beginning of a promising career in cinema. Since 2020, the Rwandan film industry has witnessed the remarkable growth of this gifted actress, whose unique approach to acting continues to captivate audiences.
Some of her most notable films include The Secret (her debut), Maya, Was You, and The Bishop Family. Currently, she is starring as the lead character in the hit TV series Kaliza wa Kalisa, a role that has earned her widespread recognition. Her exceptional performance in the series even secured her the Best Actress in a TV Series Award at the Mashariki Film Festival (Edition 10), proving her undeniable talent.
Early Life & Education
Kayonga Gatesi Divine was born on May 21, 2000, in Kimihurura, Kigali. She is the youngest of three siblings, with one sister and one brother.
She pursued accounting in high school at Lycée de Ruhango Ikirezi, where she graduated in 2018. However, she later shifted her focus to tourism, a field she is currently studying. Despite her academic journey taking a different path, her passion for acting became the driving force in her career.
She’s acting in the leading TV Series in Rwanda
Journey into Acting
When asked about how she entered the film industry, Tessy revealed:
“Being an actress was never my dream. I tried it out of curiosity, but little did I know that it would become my career. It was fun at first—I enjoyed it. But after doing it so many times, I fell in love with acting. That’s how I became who I am today, and I’m still learning.”
In an interview with Chita Magic a year ago, she was asked why curiosity led her into acting. She smiled and said:
“I didn’t join the film industry for fame. I joined because I wanted to see if I was capable of acting, and I wanted people to tell me I could do it.”
When asked about the effects of fame, she responded:
“Being famous can be good or bad, depending on how you handle it. But fame doesn’t change who you are unless you allow it to. That’s why I will always be the Tessy you all know—because I’m not planning to change because of fame.”
Her Acting Style & Challenges
What makes Kayonga Gatesi Divine stand out as an actress is her deep immersion in roles. She fully embodies each character she plays, making the audience feel the emotions as if they are real. Whether it’s drama, romance, or complex psychological roles, she has proven that she can act any role with authenticity and passion.
When asked about the most challenging role she has played so far, she immediately mentioned Kendra in Maya:
“Playing Kendra in Maya was very hard for me. I had to be vulnerable, which wasn’t easy for me. I also had to act like I was deeply in love with someone, something I had never done before. I cried a lot in that film—it was my first time shedding tears at that level. But I pushed myself, and I managed to do it.”
Overcoming such challenges takes effort and determination. When asked how she managed, she credited her director’s inspiring words:
“As you trust food without knowing the chef or trust a car without knowing the driver, you also have to trust yourself. Believe that you can do it—whatever it is. Believe in yourself and try your best.”
Impact on the Rwandan Film Industry
Kayonga Gatesi Divine has redefined what it means to be an actress in Rwanda. She has shown audiences and aspiring actors that acting is not just about saying lines—it’s about becoming the character, feeling the emotions, and telling a story that touches people’s hearts.
Her performances have set a new standard in the Rwandan film industry, inspiring young talents to take acting seriously. Through her roles, she has proven that Rwandan cinema is capable of producing world-class performances, and she hopes to see the industry continue growing.
Future Goals
Tessy is not stopping anytime soon. With years of experience now behind her, she has bigger dreams ahead. She aspires to:
✔ Join international film projects and act in global cinema.
✔ Compete in international film festivals to showcase her talent on a bigger stage.
✔ Continue improving her skills to take on even more challenging roles.
Her passion and commitment to acting make it clear—this is just the beginning of an even greater journey.
Advice to Young Actors
For young people who want to enter the cinema industry, Kayonga Gatesi Divine offers some valuable advice:
1. Follow your passion: “The decision you will never regret is doing what you love. If you want to do something, go for it. Try different things—that’s how you discover what you’re good at.”
2. Don’t chase fame or money: “Focus more on your work than on fame or money. Acting is an art. You gain skills and experience from it, so give it time without worrying about financial rewards at the start.”
Her words serve as motivation for young talents looking to pursue acting with dedication and patience.
Gratitude & Acknowledgments
When asked who she would like to thank, Tessy humbly expressed her gratitude:
“First and foremost, I thank God for guiding me over the past four years—it’s almost five now. I also want to thank all the producers and directors who trusted me with their projects.
I am deeply grateful to my family for their support; they try so hard to understand me. I also want to thank my fellow actors, actresses, and the technical crews—all the teams I have worked with.
And finally, I want to thank myself for giving myself the courage to keep going and doing my best.”
Beyond Acting: Tessy as an Influencer
Tessy is not just an actress—she is also a social media influencer, where she keeps her fans updated on her latest projects and personal life.
Kayonga Gatesi Divine is more than just a talented actress—she is an inspiration to many. Her determination, passion, and unique approach to acting have made her one of Rwanda’s most celebrated actresses. With her dreams of joining international films and competitions, the world can expect to see Tessy’s talent shining beyond Rwanda’s borders.
As she continues to push boundaries and challenge herself, one thing remains certain: this is only the beginning of an extraordinary career.
