Friday James is a Rwandan TV Producer and news anchor. He works for the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (www.rba.co.rw). Follow him on Facebook – Friday James – or Instagram and Twitter @fridayjames_
Rise and shine
I didn’t realise a profession could so transform your life and routine until joining the media seven years ago. I work late nights and have to wake early, so a good breakfast always does the job. I enjoy a caffé latte at Bourbon Coffee, Rwanda’s homegrown solution for coffee addicts. Camellia Tea House and Brioche are good alternatives for a healthy breakfast and sometimes lunch.
Cutting the fat
Talking of lunch, I have adopted a ‘cut-the-fat’ scheme to stay in shape in front of the cameras, though it’s hard to be consistent. Some restaurants in Kigali do have healthy options. You could try Africa Bite. They have good sombe (cassava leaves), sweet potatoes and ugali on request. Ethiopian restaurants Lalibela and Habesha have a good buffet and, of course, the famous injera. I drink milk with most of my meals. Don’t judge.
Getting out of the Kigali
New hangouts are always opening up in Kigali, from bowling to poker, from salons to clubs. However, I prefer spending most my time with friends in the outskirts of Kigali at Rugende Recreation Centre. It’s a great place for horse riding and only 15 minutes’ drive from town. The food isn’t anything fancy, but it’s a perfect spot to bond with friends. Once in a while, we go to Gahembe, approximately 40 minutes away. They have the best barbecue in Rwanda. It’s a very local place but you must taste their meat.
Soft Music
My subtle ‘night’ personality has attracted me to soft music at BougainVilla in Nyarutarama. I also like SoleLuna, an Italian restaurant. They have a very classy European cuisine and the classic and soft pop music means I go there more often than I should. If you want to have some time alone with that special one, this is the place to go. Rwanda is very safe, so we go home when we want. Cabs or SafeMoto bikes will get you home without security concerns or fear of being swindled. Or you could just walk.
Dapper dressing
Finally, as a TV personality I have to make sure my wardrobe is legit. For those who like African attire like me, then House of Tayo has you sorted for casual and corporate wear. Their male accessories such as ties and pocket squares, made from African fabrics, go well with their customised suits (as my Instagram testifies). Other options include Moshions and Tanga Design for custom shirts and T-shirts for both sexes. They are slightly expensive, but worth it.
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