diff --git a/matrix/message_renderer.py b/matrix/message_renderer.py
index e313575..baa1fda 100644
--- a/matrix/message_renderer.py
+++ b/matrix/message_renderer.py
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
 
 """Module for rendering matrix messages in Weechat."""
 
+from __future__ import unicode_literals
 from nio import Api
 from .globals import W
 from .colors import Formatted