THE STORY OF JANVIER AND DOMITILA: WHEN TRUE LOVE IS STRONGER THAN REJECTION
They say love enters through the eyes, but for young Janvier Niyindeba, love entered through the soul. The story of this African couple, originally documented by Afrimax, has broken hearts around the world and sparked a debate about the superficiality of modern society.
Afrimax
A Love Born in the Church
Janvier met Domitila Nyirantezimana in his congregation. Domitila suffers from a rare, incurable condition that causes severe rashes and tumors to appear on her skin. For years, she was the target of cruel taunts; neighbors would cross the street when they saw her. But when Janvier heard her sing, he was mesmerized. When he proposed marriage, she turned him down several times, convinced that he only wanted to take advantage of her or was playing a cruel joke on her. To prove his love, he agreed to go into the mountains to pray with her.
Afrimax
The Price of Love
When their love blossomed, social hell began. Janvier’s family vehemently opposed the relationship, calling Domitila a “monster.” Seeing that he would not back down, they kicked him out of the house and cut him off. On the day of the wedding, the pews on the groom’s side of the church were empty. In a desperate act of love, Janvier turned to some elderly members of the community to pretend to be his parents so that the ceremony could take place.
Afrimax
Today, the couple lives in extreme poverty, as the stigma surrounding their situation prevents Domitila from finding work, and Janvier’s salary is barely enough to put food on the table. Yet in every interview, their smiles show that, even though the world has turned its back on them, they have found their own paradise.
Afrimax