“We made it,” singer and producer Element EleéeH wrote on X hours after becoming only the second Rwandan artiste to win an All-Africa Music Awards prize, following Neza Masozera, who won Most Promising Artiste of the Year in 2017. Element was named Best Producer of the Year at the AFRIMA 2025 ceremony held Sunday, Jan. 11, in Lagos, Nigeria. The win places Rwanda back on the AFRIMA winners’ list eight years later, but it also sparked debate among local artistes and industry observers about what the recognition represents and how it was earned. ALSO READ: Rwandan documentary joins global academic film platform Founded in 2014, AFRIMA is an annual continental awards platform created by the International Committee for AFRIMA in collaboration with the African Union. The awards combine public voting with decisions made by a jury of African music, media and cultural professionals. Categories are split between region-based awards and continent-wide genre awards. Element won in the latter category, receiving the Best Producer of the Year award for his self-produced track “Tombé.” ALSO READ: Element Eleéeh scoops award in Ethiopia He edged out producers behind major releases including Tempoe, who produced “With You” by Davido and Omah Lay, and Progrex, who produced “Laho” by Shallipopi. He was also nominated for Best Male Artist in East Africa and Best Songwriter. Fellow Rwandan artists Israel Mbonyi, Dorcas and Vestine also received nominations in gospel categories. Reaction at home was largely positive, though measured. Veteran artiste Tom Close praised Element’s performance and trajectory, suggesting the producer has the potential to reach wider international audiences. Others framed the award as timely recognition rather than a definitive marker of artistic distinction. Radio host Abubakar Adam Mukara, known as DJ Adams, said the award reflects visibility and output more than technical excellence, pointing to Element’s consistent presence and regional collaborations. “Numbers speak for him,” Mukara said, noting that productivity and reach often carry weight in continental awards. He added that the recognition could invite closer scrutiny of Rwanda’s music industry, particularly around the styles and strategies that attract international attention. Mukara also questioned broader trends within AFRIMA, arguing that Afrobeats continues to dominate at the expense of other genres. He said that while the award is a point of national pride, it raises questions about readiness and depth within the local industry. “If investors start paying attention, distinction will matter,” he said. “That is where the industry still has work to do.” Producer Pastor P, whose real name is Patrick Bugingo Ndanga, welcomed the award as a positive signal, regardless of debates around judging criteria. He said the recognition reflects a growing ecosystem rather than a single moment. “Progress is not measured by awards alone,” he said. “But awards are one indicator. The risk is when artists begin creating only to chase trophies. The focus should remain on meaningful music.”
