Rwandan digital content creator and social media personality Mbabazi Shadia, widely known by her online name Shaddyboo, has published an emotional message on Instagram reflecting on her personal transformation, past struggles, and journey toward healing and faith.
Shaddyboo, one of East Africa’s most followed online personalities with a large digital audience, used her post to speak openly about a period in her life she described as marked by confusion, emotional pain, and self-discovery.
“For a long time, I felt lost. I wasn’t living as my true self. I carried pain and confusion, and I searched for peace in places that could never truly give it to me,” she wrote.
In the post, she said she plans to reshare older videos from her earlier public life, not out of nostalgia, but to illustrate what she described as a process of personal transformation.
She attributed her change to faith, stating that spiritual belief played a central role in helping her rebuild her life and outlook.
“I truly believe that God changed my life. His grace gave me the strength to become the woman I was meant to be,” she wrote, encouraging others to believe that change and recovery are possible.
The influencer also spoke candidly about struggles with addiction, emotional distress, and unhealthy coping mechanisms, saying alcohol “didn’t heal anything” and instead deepened her difficulties.
She encouraged individuals facing similar challenges to seek help and prioritize healing over temporary escape.
“If you are using alcohol or drugs to escape your pain, I want you to know that you deserve more than survival. You deserve healing,” she wrote.
Shaddyboo also addressed parents in her message, urging them to provide emotional support and guidance to children, stressing the importance of family stability in shaping future generations.
She further expressed pride in Rwanda, noting that while the country has made significant social and economic progress, individuals must also focus on personal healing and emotional well-being.
“This is not a message of judgment. It is a message from someone who has walked through darkness and found hope,” she said.
The post has generated significant engagement across social media platforms, with many users praising her openness and vulnerability in sharing a deeply personal reflection.
Shaddyboo is among East Africa’s most recognizable digital influencers, known for her strong social media presence, brand partnerships, and influence in the region’s online entertainment space.
