Rwanda’s music industry has long struggled to secure consistent investment. Most record labels operate on limited budgets, and the few investors who step in often exit just as quickly when returns fall short. Among the country’s most prominent labels is 1:55AM, a company known for managing talent and producing hits. But now, the label appears to be navigating tension with one of its standout figures, Element Eleeeh, the producer behind several of its top songs. ALSO READ: From scratch: How Rwanda’s creative industry evolved over the past 30 years Speculation about a split began in March when Element released his latest single, “Tombé,” under the executive production of Eleéesphere World Wide Music. The project was notably absent from 1:55AM’s branding, a departure from his previous releases. The label responded by insisting that Element remains part of the team—at least in his role as a producer. However, he is no longer working with 1:55AM as a performing artist. The situation escalated earlier this week when rumors circulated online suggesting Element had initiated his departure. This came shortly after Coach Gael, founder of 1:55AM, posted a message on Instagram that many interpreted as a sign of frustration with unprofitable investments. ALSO READ: Producer Element takes his sound to Kenya “I blew a lot of money, helped a lot of people, did a lot of favors, and never asked for anything in return. Now it's time to put complete focus on myself,” Gael wrote. The message fueled further speculation about Element’s exit. The label, however, stated on April 22, calling the stories “an unfortunate circulation of internal matters.” CEO Kenny Mugarura clarified that artists and producers are free to leave at any time and that 1:55AM does not pressure anyone to renew contracts. Element joined 1:55AM in January 2023 after leaving Country Records. He was recommended to the label by Bruce Melodie, the artist who helped introduce Element to the Rwandan music scene with the viral track “Henzapu.” Initially brought on as a producer to replace Madebeats, Element quickly began building his brand as a performer. His first single, “Kashe,” climbed the charts soon after its release. At 1:55AM, he produced tracks for both label-mates and outside artists, along with personal hits like “Fou De Toi” and “Milele,” two of the studio’s biggest successes to date. But tensions began rising when Element launched his music collective, Eleéesphere World Wide Music, debuting the brand with “Tombé.” Sources say the move caught 1:55AM off guard and was viewed internally as a betrayal, especially given the label’s investment in his growth. The situation worsened when excerpts from Element’s contract appeared online. 1:55AM accused the producer of leaking confidential documents, an allegation Element denies. The label is currently assessing its options and has scheduled internal meetings to either resolve the conflict or move toward a mutual termination of Element’s contract. That leaves a key question hanging: Who stands to lose more—Element or 1:55AM? In its public statement, the label emphasized its ongoing commitment to Rwanda’s creative sector and said it remains proud of the work it has done to elevate talent. Local music analyst Ivan Manzi warned that Element’s history of shifting allegiances could pose long-term risks. “Leaving a powerhouse like 1:55AM comes at a cost,” Manzi said. “This label is becoming Rwanda’s version of Mavin Records in Nigeria. They have built stars and survived big exits.” He noted that even after Mavin lost high-profile acts like Tiwa Savage and Korede Bello, it retained its influence and momentum. “1:55AM has the infrastructure and reach to remain dominant,” Manzi added. “Whether Element stays or leaves, the label’s mission to export Rwandan talent will continue. And Element has certainly benefited from that reach.” As of now, 1:55AM’s roster includes Bruce Melodie, Element (still as a producer), Kompressor, Ross Kana, and Kenny Sol. Whether Element makes a formal exit or finds common ground with the label remains to be seen.
