Itahiwacu Bruce, popularly known as Bruce Melodie, in a recent interview, announced a 3rd studio album. While he started out experimenting with rap, the artist quickly found his calling in R&B and Afrobeat. In 2011, he broke into the musical scene with his debut single “Tubivemo”. To date, he has garnered musical acclaim and was the first Rwandan artist to perform at Coke Studio (Africa).
In this honor, and with our new weekly section, join us as we rank the 10 best songs from Bruce Melodie’s vast discography in what has been a long and storied career.
“When She’s Around” featuring Shaggy
A remix to Bruce’s viral hit single “Funga Macho” with a surprise feature from the Jamaican sensation Shaggy. The song describes an encounter of a girl who can’t pick up one lover and hence plays multiple men’s hearts. The song’s catchy trumpet beat is no indication that the song is actually about disappointment and heartbreak.
Katerina
Katerina is Bruce Melodie’s most-watched song on YouTube, and it’s not hard to see why. The laid-back vibe and romantic lyrics of the song capture any listener effortlessly. Singing to his lover, he expresses how she is the best thing in his life and proud to have Katerina as his girl, while in the same breath, laying warning shots to the haters to keep clear of his lover.
Azana
This song has a combination of heavy Rwandan traditional music influence and Afrobeat with a beat perfect for partying, and this is reflected in the lyrics as Melodie describes how he likes to let go and encourages people to be like him and enjoy life a bit more.
Katapilla
A slow showcase of Bruce’s captivating voice in all its glory. He professes his undying love to his lover over a smooth beat and heartwarming lyrics. He apologizes for his past shortcomings and lowkey disses other guys trying to get his girl to fall in love with them.
“Sawa Sawa” featuring Khaligraph Jones
A club banger to this day, Bruce Melodie and Khaligraph Jones cooked up a rhythm-filled track that makes you want to get up and dance. Khaligraph’s fast-paced rap goes perfectly with Bruce’s notorious lyricism, and it’s not hard to see why you can still catch this track playing in clubs and parties around Kigali and Nairobi.
Saa Moya
Released at the height of the pandemic in 2021 and became an instant hit, “Saa Moya” literally translates to 7 pm. Bruce describes the shenanigans he is going to get up to when his girl pulls up on him. Under the radar, he insinuates a naughty time that will disturb his neighbors.
Uzandabure
A very different sound from what people are used to, this Rock and Roll track displays Bruce’s versatility when it comes to music, and propelled his rise to fame. Personally, this was the song that made me a fan with its heavy instrumentals and strong melody. He pleads with his lover for information whenever she feels done with the relationship, especially when someone spreads a rumor that he is cheating on her. He swears it’s not what it looks like.
Ikinya
Released at the height of 2017, and the presidential election, Ikinya is still getting played in clubs today. If you ever woke up disoriented after a night of heavy drinking, you can relate to the song as Bruce attempts to describe hangovers, financial regrets. It’s easily one of his most beloved and relatable songs.
Fresh
A classic Bruce Melodie Afrobeat banger, the song gives summer vibes on the beach as it combines words of love and hypes up his love interest. The song is as fresh as its name and will have you wanting to dance and grind with your guy/girl.
“Nyoola” featuring Eddy Kenzo
Bruce and Eddy Kenzo linked up to give us an Afro-beat bop you can dance to any time you hear it playing. The upbeat vibe of the track combined with both the lyrical prowess truly delivers exceptional performance and makes you feel like Friday is here and you need to be outside!
Bruce’s songs have been able to capture the audience with his unique voice and catchy beats whether solo or features with fellow artists, his ability to craft viral hits is quite renowned now and has earned him multiple awards which has made Bruce Melodie a household name in Rwanda and beyond.
