Music producer Madebeats has brushed off comparisons between him and fellow hitmaker Element Eleéeh, saying the two creatives operate in different artistic lanes despite both shaping some of Rwanda’s biggest sounds.

"You can never avoid comparisons, but we are different—we’re not the same,” Madebeats said in a recent interview.

"If you listen to what he does, it’s different from what I do. I produce for a large number of artistes who are different in every way,” he added.

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Over the years, fans and music enthusiasts have frequently drawn parallels between the two, particularly within Rwanda’s fast-growing commercial music scene. However, Madebeats argues that such comparisons overlook the versatility that defines his approach.

He pointed to his cross-genre catalogue as evidence, citing collaborations ranging from traditional Gakondo with Masamba Intore, gospel productions for Israel Mbonyi, hip-hop with Riderman, as well as mainstream Afro-pop projects with Bruce Melodie and Kenny Sol.

Madebeats also highlighted what, in his view, sets Element apart creatively, noting that his edge lies in blending production with songwriting and performance.

"What I like about him is that he’s a songwriter and a singer. For me, I’m more of a traditional music producer. I focus on the music, the beats, the engineering, the mixing and mastering. For him, he’s a beatmaker and singer-songwriter, so he’s a bit different from me—but he does really well with his production,” he said.

He also congratulated Element after his recent win at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2025, where he was named Best Producer of the Year.

"I saw it on Instagram while scrolling, and I left a comment on his post,” Madebeats said. "He’s a friend—we talk sometimes, more often actually. It’s a very nice thing to see him achieve what he achieved.”

Creative evolution

While Element has expanded into performing his own music, Madebeats says that move reflects the kind of creative evolution he himself embraced with the release of his 2022 debut album, Made in Kigali.

"That’s the thing about creativity—you can never limit yourself,” he said. "Even Element could have stayed in the studio making hits, but he ventured into being an artist and it’s working really well for him.”

Madebeats explained that his decision to release personal projects was driven by a desire to push sonic boundaries rather than chase chart success.

"I already make hits with artists. On my album, there’s no hits—it’s just good music for people to discover something new, different sounds coming from Rwanda. That’s why it was called Made in Kigali.”

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Reflecting on standout productions, he cited songs such as My Vow by Meddy, Why by The Ben featuring Diamond Platnumz, and Katerina by Bruce Melodie among the biggest records he has helped bring to life.

Despite ongoing comparisons, Madebeats believes both producers are contributing meaningfully to Rwanda’s evolving music landscape — each in their own distinct way.

"We’re both doing good,” he said. "But you cannot really compare us.”