When Rwandan musician Bruce Melodie encountered President Kagame after his performance at the closing concert of the Giants of Africa Festival, an event that featured renowned artists such as Nigeria’s Davido and South Africa’s Tyla, he was filled with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. In Bruce's own words, his musical journey can be summarized as learning, serving, and getting paid. He attributes his success to versatility. ALSO READ: The Bruce Melodie way: Balancing fame, family, and career My approach to music is versatile, Bruce explains. I adapt to whatever style is currently popular and marketable. I view music as a business, so I'm open to exploring various genres. When it comes to songwriting, Bruce draws inspiration from everyday experiences. His hit track 'Katerina,' for instance, was born out of a moment reflecting on his relationship with his wife. Through his music, Bruce aims to stay authentic and reflect the realities of daily life, which he finds can be inspirational for masses. Reflecting on his career, Bruce recalls a memorable milestone – his 10-year celebration concert in the music industry. Watching the videos from that night still fills me with a sense of accomplishment, he shares. From humble beginnings driven by passion, Bruce's journey has been marked by both highs and lows, including the loss of his grandmother in 2012. ALSO READ: Rwandans bank on more “state-of-art” facilities to boost MICE industry As for pre-performance rituals, Bruce prefers a moment of solitude before taking the stage. It helps me center myself and focus, he explains, adding with a laugh, And, I'll admit, I also take a glass of gin before stepping into the spotlight. Sharing insights from his experience working in an American setting, Bruce emphasizes the importance of punctuality. During a media tour in the USA, I once found myself running 15 minutes late for an interview, he recalls. Learning from artists like Shaggy, who exemplify professionalism through punctuality, Bruce underscores the value of leading by example. “Instead of offering advice, I prefer to lead by example. Just as Shaggy didn't lecture me but demonstrated professionalism through his actions, I believe aspiring musicians can learn more from observing what I do rather than what I say. It's about leading by action, allowing others to learn from my deeds rather than my words alone.” With over 70 million views on his music videos, Bruce Melodie stands as a prominent figure in Rwanda's music scene, garnering more than 300,000 monthly listeners across multiple streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon.
