Bruce Melodie, a celebrated Rwandan artist known for his secular music as well as his Gospel songs, recently released a highly anticipated album featuring 20 tracks. The album, set for official release on January 17, 2025, comes after months of anticipation, particularly after a series of live updates and teasers.
It was at his album launch concert, held on December 21-22, 2024, at Kigali Universe, where he opened up about his Christian faith and how it intertwines with his music.
At the concert, Bruce Melodie expressed that his faith in God has been central to his journey, both as a person and as an artist. He emphasized that his salvation is evident in the way he lives and creates music. “As you see me here, I am saved,” he said.
“You may not know, but salvation is part of me, and I trust that none of the people here are against me worshipping God.” His statement was a clear affirmation of his commitment to his faith, despite his fame and the secular music industry.
One of the highlights of the album is the song "Nzaguha Umugisha", which directly reflects Bruce Melodie’s Christian journey. During the concert, he shared the story behind this song, explaining that it was inspired by his life as a Christian.
He revealed that he had listened to many songs by Israel Mbonyi, one of Rwanda’s most respected Gospel musicians, to understand how to write songs of praise and worship. “Israel Mbonyi is a great artist, and when it comes to writing Gospel music, I paid close attention to his works,” Bruce said. This influence is evident in “Nzaguha Umugisha,” a song that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the grace of God.
Bruce’s admiration for Israel Mbonyi, particularly for his song "Nina Siri", goes beyond just musical influence. He recognizes the depth of Mbonyi’s lyrics and the authenticity in his delivery. Bruce credits Israel with shaping the way he approaches Gospel music. He sees Mbonyi not just as a musical role model but as someone who has shown him the importance of using music as a tool for spiritual growth and edification.
Despite his secular music career, Bruce Melodie has remained committed to his faith and continues to practice it actively within the church. He revealed that he attends the ADEPR Church and is an active member of the Christian community. He shared in a live Instagram Q&A session that he prays regularly and that his church involvement is a significant part of his life. “I pray, I go to church, and I believe that no one can stop me from sharing my faith,” he said, defending his right to express his beliefs openly.
Bruce’s journey in music started at a young age when he was involved in his church’s choir at ADEPR Kanombe, in the Kicukiro district, where he grew up. His mother, who passed away in 2012, played a significant role in nurturing his musical talents and supporting his journey into music.
Despite moving into secular music later on, Bruce has not left behind the spiritual foundation that his church upbringing gave him. In fact, as he continues to produce music, he finds that Gospel songs seem to come naturally to him. “Whenever I try to compose music, I end up writing a Gospel song,” he said during an interview in October 2024.
One notable song from the album that will certainly capture the attention of his fans is a Gospel song which Bruce describes as “special.” This song is a direct result of his desire to reach a wider audience and expand his influence in the Gospel music scene. “I have a Gospel song on this album. I believe it will bless many people,” he shared with enthusiasm.
The album, aptly named "Colorful Generation", is a blend of different genres and themes, with Bruce describing it as a collection where everyone can find something they can relate to. “The album is called Colorful Generation because it’s a mix of many different sounds and themes. It represents all kinds of people. Even those who love Gospel music will find a song they can connect with,” he explained. This diverse collection includes a mix of secular and spiritual themes, illustrating his ability to fuse both worlds in his music.
However, not all of Bruce’s collaborations made it onto the album. One notable track that fans were eagerly awaiting was his collaboration with another popular artist, Meddy. Although Bruce had hoped to include their song on the album, the track was not completed in time.
In a candid interview, Bruce explained that the busy schedules of both artists made it difficult to finalize the song. “The song with Meddy is ready, but it won’t be on this album. We were both busy, and the timing didn’t work out,” Bruce said. He assured fans, however, that the song would eventually be released.
Bruce’s musical evolution has been shaped by his Christian faith and his desire to create music that uplifts and inspires. His involvement in the church and his personal journey of salvation continue to influence his creative process. As he continues to expand his musical horizons, both through secular hits and powerful Gospel songs, Bruce Melodie remains an artist who understands the power of music in connecting with people on a deep, spiritual level.
Therefore, Bruce Melodie’s "Nzaguha Umugisha" is more than just a song—it’s a testimony of his faith journey. With the influence of artists like Israel Mbonyi, his commitment to God, and his musical talents, Bruce Melodie is creating a unique space for himself in both the secular and Gospel music scenes.
His upcoming album promises to offer something for everyone, whether they are looking for a powerful worship experience or a catchy secular tune. As Bruce continues to grow as both an artist and a believer, his music remains a testament to the grace and power of God in his life.
Bruce Melodie