Norbert Regero, widely known as Digidigi, is a celebrated actor hailing from Nyarugenge District who has significantly impacted Rwandan cinema. His rise to fame began with captivating performances in radio dramas broadcast on stations like Contact FM.
Distinguished by his creativity and boundless energy, Digidigi has carved a unique niche in the acting profession. He gained widespread acclaim for his role in the popular film series Papa Sava and continued to enthrall audiences with appearances in productions by Zacu TV and the series Seburikoko.
Digidigi’s journey into acting wasn’t a sudden leap but a passion nurtured over many years. During his secondary school days, he discovered his love for the performing arts, starting modestly with school plays and radio dramas. He actively participated in drama clubs, scouting activities, and even featured in advertisements aired on Radio Contact FM.
A turning point in his career came when Gratien Niyitegeka, better known as Seburikoko, recognized his talent and invited him to join the cast of Papa Sava. Impressed by Digidigi’s voice acting abilities, Niyitegeka encouraged him to step in front of the camera, opening doors to a broader acting career.
Transitioning seamlessly from voice acting to on-screen performances, Digidigi utilized his honed skills to excel in film. He didn’t stop at acting; he also ventured into scriptwriting for radio dramas, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the craft.
One of his most notable works is Umusare, a play produced for Rwanda’s Investigation Bureau (RIB) that tackles pressing issues such as human trafficking and exploitation. Building on this success, he penned several other scripts, earning recognition and respect in the industry. Currently, he is working on Umuzi, a project by Happy Family Organization Rwanda, supported by UNESCO.
Despite his success, Digidigi faced significant challenges, notably his lack of formal training in filmmaking. Determined to overcome this, he dedicated himself to self-education, reading extensively and absorbing as much information as possible about his craft.
In an interview with KURA, Digidigi shared how cinema has opened numerous opportunities for him, including entrepreneurship. He founded Atelier de Bijouterie, a jewelry-making and repair shop, as a strategic move toward securing his future.
“Starting this jewelry shop involved many considerations,” he explained. “I was concerned about aging and the possibility of having to step away from cinema someday. I realized that merely saving the money I make from acting wouldn’t suffice, so I needed an additional source of income.”
He continued, “We craft, repair, and restore items like rings and earrings. If they become too large or small, we adjust them using specialized machines.”
Despite his many achievements, Digidigi still harbors unfulfilled dreams. One of his aspirations is to establish a nursery school, even if it starts as a single classroom where 5–10 children can benefit from his knowledge and skills.
Balancing his artistic career with entrepreneurship, Digidigi encourages young people to be fearless and proactive.
“They should understand that the knowledge they possess can only be utilized by themselves,” he advised. “Moreover, they should aim to become self-employed because working for others often keeps you dependent.”
He emphasized that self-employment allows individuals to manage their time, rest when necessary, and reap the full benefits of their labor.
Ever grateful, Digidigi expresses profound appreciation to those who support and believe in his talent. He acknowledges his fans, critics, and advisors, recognizing that they all play integral roles in shaping his career.
