Fashion designer, photographer, visual artist. Rwanda’s Cedric Mizero has plenty of strings to his celebrated bow. Born and raised in the village of Gishoma in the country’s western province, he relocated to the capital Kigali in 2012. He’s now known for his Fashion For All concept celebrating the unsung rural communities of his country. During this period of lockdown the multidisciplinary artist has found himself back in this rural setting.

“I have been confined in a small village away from everything; surrounded by nature and by many things that brought many memories of my childhood,” he reflects. “Having conversations with kids – and sharing what I used to do and what they do – made me call one of my best friends. The first thing he told me is that he hates balls. What a surprise! As this is one of the few things all kids will love and play with. We kept talking and he explained to me how his mother obliged him to build and play with balls to make him be a boy.”

Inspired by his friend’s story, Mizero has worked with local kids to beautifully tell this tale.

See lockdown reflections from Yasmine Hatimi here.

See lockdown reflections from Francesco Mbele here.

Visit Cedric Mizero

Published on 11/05/2020