Rwandan artiste Victor Rukotana has decided to cut ties with his management I.Music owned by Jean Aime Ishimwe, also known on social media as No Brainer, citing disagreements over certain issues. In a press statement released on his social media platforms on Monday, February 10, Rukotana revealed that his manager’s current relationship with other artistes has only been affecting his music, prompting him to terminate their contract. The artiste emphasized that, while he values artistic collaborations, he believes in respecting different perspectives. “After your [audience’s] comments and seeing how his (Ishimwe’s) relationship with other artistes affect my music, I want to inform the media that I am not working with I.Music anymore due to disagreements over some issues,” he said in a statement, pointing out that he considered the split because “sometimes you have to respect everyone's opinion,” Rukotana stated. Despite this separation, Rukotana reassured his fans and other partners in the local music industry that he remains open to working with Ishimwe, just like other influencers. Victor Rukotana’s decision comes just few days after his manager was involved in an online feud with musician Bruce Melodie. Ishimwe, who also declares himself as a social media influencer, questioned the musician’s choice of featuring Nigerian musician Joeboy on his recent track ‘Fire’ considering the fact that his Kigali concert back in 2022 flopped. In response, Bruce Melodie insisted that Rukotana’s manager got it wrong because artistes “not every time we ask for collaborations” before telling him that, with the mindset of such a manager, “your artiste might terribly feel overwhelmed.” Terms and conditions.... It is said that Rukotana wasn’t happy with his manager’s deteriorating relationship with his fellow artiste and he decided to part company with him at the time he is preparing to release of debut album title ‘Imararungu,’ signaling a new phase in his career. Ishimwe admits that Rukotana may have decided to part ways with his management label because of the rift he had with Bruce Melodie, which he insists has nothing to do with their business. Addressing the concerns, Ishimwe stated that if the artist no longer wishes to continue working with him, he will need to abide by the terms of the contract signed by both parties. “I don’t agree with that statement, especially given the significant financial investment made in the album's production,” he told The New Times. “The contract clearly includes a release clause, stating that anyone wanting to breach the agreement will be required to pay back all expenses, along with interests, to ensure the project's integrity is protected,” added Ishimwe who claims to have invested a lot in the album.
