Rwanda's top musicians The Ben and Bruce Melodie have agreed to a landmark collaboration agreement that will see them work together across multiple events, starting with The Ben's highly anticipated The New Year Groove concert on January 1, 2026. Kenny Mugarura, the CEO of 1:55AM confirmed the development to The New Times on Tuesday, November 11. The agreement was signed at the residence of renowned investor Coach Gael in Kigali on November 10, following extensive negotiations between both parties. ALSO READ: The Ben vs Bruce Melodie: What is behind the alleged ‘beef’ between the two artistes? We are almost getting done. The deal agreement involves a series of shows that both The Ben and Bruce Melodie will participate in, Mugarura said. While details of the collaboration remain under wraps, The New Times has learned that Bruce Melodie has committed to performing at The Ben's The New Year Groove concert, while the latter will, in return, participate in Bruce’s upcoming provincial tour planned for 2026. Various reports indicate that the deal comes after portions of the draft agreement were recently leaked, revealing that each artiste will receive Rwf 10 million in preparation fees before appearing at their colleague's events. Bringing the feud to an end? The collaboration agreement marks a significant turning point for the two artistes who have been at loggerheads and maintained a competitive relationship in recent years. Their feud, which went viral in 2023, dates back to when founder of 1:55AM Coach Gael met The Ben in the US and decided to work together to take Rwandan music to greater heights. The two worked together in peace until Coach Gael invested over $75,000 (approx. Rwf 100 million) in The Ben's project to feature Tanzanian Diamond Platnumz, which resulted in 'Why', a smash hit. The Ben reportedly failed to pay back his former music investor Coach Gael in what fueled a beef that got Bruce Melodie involved after joining Gael’s 1:55AM. ALSO: The Ben’s New Year Groove concert, more than just a one-man show The feud went on until 2024 when both parties decided to come to terms and made a partnership that signaled a new era of cooperation in Rwanda's music industry. Both The Ben and Bruce Melodie are among Rwanda's most popular musicians, and their decision to work together is expected to create memorable experiences for their combined fan bases across the country.
