What’s hot in Rwandan music: Bruce Melodie, Kenny Sol, and the GMF collective

Rwanda’s music industry closed 2024 on a high note, and 2025 is already picking up pace with a wave of fresh releases from established stars and rising talents alike. Leading the buzz is Bruce Melodie’s debut album Colorful Generation, a 19-track masterpiece featuring collaborations with global heavyweights like Shaggy, Bien-Aimé, South Africa’s Blaq Diamond, and Joeboy. But Bruce Melodie isn’t the only one stealing the spotlight. Kevin Kade has joined forces with Tanzanian icon Alikiba for the track Bebe, adding to the list of hits making waves this season. ALSO READ: Meet Rwanda’s rising music producers shaping 2025’s sound Here are six trending songs dominating Rwanda’s music scene right now. Everyday - Zuba Ray ft. Nel Ngabo Kina Music kicked off the year with a bang as Zuba Ray and Nel Ngabo teamed up for Everyday, the first collaboration of 2025 from the label. Following her successful debut single Igisabo, Zuba Ray’s latest track, produced by Kina Music’s Clement Ishimwe, is already capturing hearts and climbing the airwaves. Released on January 24, Everyday is quickly becoming a fan favorite. Rosa by Bruce Melodie Bruce Melodie, one of Rwanda's most celebrated music stars, kicked off 2025 in style with the release of his debut album, Colorful Generation. Packed with hits and collaborations with global icons, the 19-track album has quickly become the talk of the town. Among the standout tracks is Rosa, an Afrobeats gem produced by Prince Kiiiz. Since its January 18 premiere, Rosa has become one of the country’s most-streamed songs, racking up nearly 500,000 streams within days. Phenomena by Kenny Sol Kenny Sol, another rising star from the 1:55 AM roster—the management powerhouse behind artists like Bruce Melodie—also started the year on a high note. On January 15, he released Phenomena, his first single of 2025. Produced by Element, the track showcases Kenny Sol’s signature blend of smooth vocals and catchy beats, earning it a warm reception from fans and music lovers. Bebe by Kevin Kade ft. Alikiba Kevin Kade is proving his ambition to make waves beyond Rwanda’s borders. After a breakout year in 2024, he began 2025 with the release of Bebe, a collaboration with Tanzanian superstar Alikiba. Produced by Element, the track dropped to rave reviews, earning over 200,000 YouTube views within its first 24 hours. Many consider Bebe Kevin Kade’s most impactful collaboration yet, cementing his place as a talent to watch on the continental stage. Iyo by Aobeats ft. Yee Fanta Producer-turned-artist Aobeats returns with Iyo, a fresh track blending Afrobeats and pop. Known for hits like Uri Keza and FriendZone, Aobeats collaborated this time with Yee Fanta, another prominent name in Rwanda’s production scene. Produced by Aobeats himself, Iyo delivers a vibrant sound that highlights the duo’s musical synergy. Who? by GMF The GMF collective is proving they mean business in 2025, as producer AY teams up with Taz for the visuals of Who?. Originally part of the Ideas mixtape, the track has already surpassed 30,000 streams and is making waves within Rwanda’s hip-hop scene. With its impressive reception and relentless pace, GMF is solidifying its status as a group to watch this year.

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What’s hot in Rwandan music: Bruce Melodie, Kenny Sol, and the GMF collective