Rwandan music star Bruce Itahiwacu, popularly known as Bruce Melodie, is set to perform at the second edition of the Trace Awards on February 26 in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The New Times has learned that Bruce Melodie was added to the lineup just one day before the event, after striking a deal with the Tanzanian government to perform one song for $20,000 (over Rwf 28,000,000).

"He was not planned to be on the line-up of performers at the award but the government of Tanzania called us and gave us a good deal due to the fact that he composed and sung a song titled Zanzibar, which is the host city of the second edition of Trace awards,” a trusted source close to the artiste told The New Times.

Composed by Buce Melodie, Zanzibar premiered on May 14, 2023 and features Tanzanian Bongo flavor star Harmonize.

ALSO READ: Zanzibar to host 2025 Trace Awards

Melodie made history as the first and only Rwandan artist to win a Trace Award, securing the prestigious title in the "Best Rwandan Artist" category at the inaugural Trace Awards held in Rwanda in 2023.

The highly anticipated event will also feature a line-up of performers from across the continent and its diaspora, including Nigerian artists Rema and Yemi Alade, Tanzanian musicians Diamond Platnumz, Alikiba, Zuchu, Marioo, and Nandy, as well as Congolese sensations Fally Ipupa, Innoss’B, and Gaz Mawete. South African amapiano duo Titom & Yuppe, Kenyan artist Bien, and Senegal’s Wally Seck will also take the stage.

ALSO READ: PHOTOS: How the inaugural Trace Awards and Festival went down in Kigali

Following a successful inaugural edition held in Rwanda in October 2023, captivating over 500 million viewers globally, organisers say that the 2025 awards edition will not only celebrate Africa’s top artistes but also spotlight the rich cultural stories that shape their artistry.

This year’s awards will also recognize Afro-centric music that has dominated global charts, honouring top artists such as Burna Boy, Fally Ipupa, Davido, Tyla, Rema, Wizkid, Diamond Platnumz, Nomcebo, Didi B, Yemi Alade, Ayra Starr and many more.