Anyone watching Rwanda’s music scene closely has felt the rumble. Something is moving between Kivumbi King, one of the country’s sharpest lyricists, and 1:55AM, the influential record label known for pushing Rwandan music beyond the region and into global playlists. For weeks, the young star has been seen with the label’s inner circle. He has visited Kigali Universe, 1:55AM’s polished creative facility, sat in on studio sessions with Bruce Melodie, and appeared repeatedly alongside Coach Gael, the label’s founder. It has been enough to spark heavy speculation about a possible signing, and over the weekend, that speculation reached a new peak. ALSO READ: Why signing with giant record labels is a win for Rwandan creative industry At the Sherrie Silver Gala, Kivumbi King stepped onto the red carpet with several of the label’s key figures. He was flanked by Safari Kizito, the label’s legal representative, CEO Kenny Mugarura, and founder Gael Karomba, a trio rarely seen accompanying an artist unless something meaningful is underway. The sight alone was enough to fuel headlines and chatter across social media. So the question remains. Has one of Rwanda’s strongest performers finally agreed to join 1:55AM? Or is this still a negotiation happening behind tightly closed doors? ALSO READ: Kivumbi King: Kagame has given me space to grow Behind the scenes According to information obtained by The New Times, talks between the two sides are well underway and appear to be progressing smoothly. People involved in the process have been careful not to leak details, but the tone has shifted from speculation to strong likelihood. “It is true that Kivumbi King and 1:55AM are cooking something bigger than just a collaboration,” a source close to the label said. “They have been working on this for a long time, and it is going to be a big move worth celebrating in Rwanda’s music industry.” There is plenty of evidence to support that claim. Kivumbi King is said to have composed a key part of Bruce Melodie's upcoming collaboration with Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz. The song is expected to drop soon and has already generated buzz because of the names attached. He was also recently seen in the studio with Bruce Melodie, Kenya’s Bien Aimé and Grammy-nominated producer Sax Barrister. The combination raised eyebrows across the industry and strengthened the belief that a larger partnership is taking shape. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MIGHTY MAN (@saxbarrister) If the signing is completed, it would be one of 1:55AM’s biggest moves in recent years. The timing also works in the artist’s favour. Kivumbi King’s three-year contract with Nigerian label Deealoh Entertainment, signed in May 2024, is due to expire in about six months. That gives him room to weigh new opportunities and potentially transition into a new chapter without contractual complications. From the label’s perspective, the timing is just as important. 1:55AM has recently parted ways with several artists, including Kenny Sol, Ross Kana and producer Element. The departures left noticeable gaps in its roster. Bringing in Kivumbi King would not only fill that space but also add an artist whose creative credibility stretches across the region. As one of the country’s most admired lyricists, Kivumbi King brings strong writing, depth and a sound that blends easily into both East African rhythms and global styles. For a label seeking to rebuild and expand its identity, he is the kind of artist who could help anchor a new era. A win-win agreement If the deal is finalised, both sides stand to benefit. For Kivumbi King, the partnership would place him alongside international hitmaker Bruce Melodie, rising star producers Loader and Kompressor. It would also connect him to a label known for opening doors and offering artists access to global networks. For 1:55AM, securing an artist with Kivumbi King’s momentum would serve as a statement. It would signal that the label is not slowing down, even after its recent transitions, and is instead strengthening for a more ambitious future. Still, neither party has confirmed anything publicly. On camera and online, both sides have kept quiet. There have been no denials, but no official announcement either. Kivumbi King’s profile has grown steadily across the region. He has become a favourite for fans who appreciate lyric-driven music and genre-blending creativity. A move to 1:55AM could be the push that carries him from regional acclaim into a broader international spotlight. For now, all anyone can do is watch the signs and wait. Everything indicates that a major shift is approaching, one that could reshape both the artist’s career and the label’s next chapter. And if the past few weeks are any indication, it may not be long before the full picture comes into focus.
