The Rwandan entertainment scene was set ablaze this past weekend after a video surfaced online showing musician Kevin Kade and political journalist Mutesi Scovia sitting side by side, laughing and chatting as though they had been longtime friends.
This video would not have been surprising—had it not been for their recent public statements where both parties firmly denied even knowing each other.
Now, after days of internet chaos, viral memes, and public speculation, the two have finally broken their silence, calling it all “just a joke.” But many are still asking: Was it a calculated media stunt? Or just a classic case of misinterpreted It all began just over a week ago when veteran journalist Mutesi Scovia, widely respected for her fearless political commentary and citizen-centered reporting, appeared on Narababwiye TV, a YouTube-based show hosted by TV10’s Ndahiro.
During a fun segment meant to test her knowledge of pop culture icons, she was shown photos of various celebrities and asked to name or comment on them. Things took a sharp turn when the face of Kevin Kade—one of Rwanda’s most recognizable musicians today—popped up.
With a straight face and no hesitation, Scovia responded:
“I don’t know him… Why should I know him? Does he offer health insurance?”
That single sentence instantly shattered the internet’s chill.
Social Media Reactions: Arrogance or Comedy?
The clip was sliced, re-shared, and analyzed frame by frame across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Some fans branded Scovia’s comment as arrogant, accusing her of disrespecting artists and downplaying their cultural impact.
> “Imagine not knowing Kevin Kade in 2025. That’s either shady or staged,” wrote one user on X.
Others defended her, arguing that she was merely being sarcastic or poking fun at how irrelevant celebrity fame can seem in more serious spheres like politics.
> “Not everyone needs to know every artist. She’s a journalist, not a club promoter,” said a fan on TikTok.
The controversy only deepened when Kevin Kade was approached by journalists and asked about her comment.
In his own dry, deadpan tone, Kade responded:
> “I don’t know who that is. Are you saying she’s a pastor or what?”
If fans thought this was going to settle things, they were wrong. The situation only grew messier, and speculation about “hidden beef” between the two began swirling.
Then Came the Video That Flipped Everything
Fast-forward to the weekend of July 27. Social media erupted again—but this time, it was shock and confusion.
A fresh video began circulating showing Kevin Kade and Mutesi Scovia sitting next to each other, in what appeared to be a casual, off-the-record setting.
They were smiling, cracking jokes, and engaging in free-flowing conversation. There was no visible tension. No awkwardness. Just two public figures enjoying time together, surrounded by other influential personalities, including:
Coach Gael – a basketball mogul and entertainment investor
Ally Soud – a legendary media figure now based in Canada
Jean de Dieu Kabandi – owner of Isibo TV, a media giant in the entertainment sector
Fans were floored. Was this an old video? Was it staged? Was the entire drama part of a promotional stunt?
The rumors escalated. Some claimed the video was shot after the Rwanda Convention, a massive entertainment gathering held earlier that week. Others speculated it was filmed at a private brunch hosted by a celebrity manager.
The Truth Comes Out: “It Was Just a Joke”
Eventually, both Scovia and Kevin addressed the video—and the prior controversy.Kevin Kade, speaking through an Instagram story, shrugged off the matter:
> “Sometimes people say funny things, but the public takes it too seriously. We were joking. That’s all.”
Mutesi Scovia in this video said that:
> “My words were never meant to offend. Kevin is talented, and I respect what he does. People just misunderstood the humor in that moment.”
The duo confirmed they not only know each other but have mutual respect, despite working in completely different industries.
Coach Gael Responds: “Let’s Protect Our Own”
Coach Gael, who appeared in the viral video with the pair, used the opportunity to issue a broader call to action for fans and the media.
> “We must stop turning everything into a scandal. Rwanda has talent, both in music and journalism. Let’s promote each other instead of tearing one another down.”
His comments were echoed by Kabandi of Isibo TV, who hinted that the viral attention, while entertaining, could damage the careers of talented individuals if left unchecked.
Was It Real? Was It PR? The Internet Remains Divided
Even after the clarifications, the internet remains split. While many appreciated the “reconciliation” and celebrated the good vibes in the new video, others continue to speculate that the entire episode was deliberate viral marketing
Whether intentional or not, this entire saga revealed the power—and danger—of viral clips. A 10-second statement, stripped of tone and context, can spiral into national headlines and public shaming.
It also exposed how different Rwanda’s social media audience can interpret humor, sarcasm, and personality—especially when it comes to powerful women in media or rising stars in entertainment.
Sometimes a "Feud" Is Just Fun
The Kevin Kade–Mutesi Scovia episode reminds us of an important truth: not every disagreement is a war. Not every statement is shade. And sometimes, two people laughing together today are the same ones who were “fighting” online just yesterday.
> In this digital age, "I don’t know him" might just be code for "We’re about to break the internet."
For now, both Kevin and Scovia seem to be winning—and laughing—all the way through.